Southern Nebraska Register
The Diocesan Education Office announced the Diocesan Education Award winners for 2024.
In 2022, the Diocese of Lincoln began a new tradition of honoring outstanding educators in Catholic schools. The awards are now presented annually at the Bishop’s Saints & Scholars Dinner, held in the fall. This year, the dinner will be held Sunday, Oct. 13, in Lincoln.
All school personnel, including priests and religious, of Diocese of Lincoln schools are eligible to receive the awards each year. Nominations were sought from parents, teachers, administrators, and students. A small committee of clergy, religious, and lay professionals selected the winners from the nominations.
The awards and winners for 2024 are:
St. Thomas Aquinas Award (Administrator of the Year) – Sr. Mary Alma, St. James School in Crete. Previous winners were Father Cyrus Rowan and Tom Korta. Her nomination read, in part: “My children have the privilege of attending St. James Elementary School in Crete where Sister Mary Alma, C.K., is the principal and I’ve watched them grow in their love of Christ by following her example of tenderness, love and humility.”
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Award (Elementary Educator of the Year) – Terri Schilmoeller, St. Teresa School in Lincoln. Previous winners were Shelly Sullivan and Heather Hull. The letter nominating her said: “Terri is shining the light of Christ and the Catholic church through music.”
St. John Cantius Award (Secondary Educator of the Year) – Linda Kirkendall, Sacred Heart School in Falls City. Previous winners were Jared Wilhelm and Cody Waldman. One of the nominations for her said: “She has been the most impactful educator I have ever had in my 14 years of education. She teaches you grammar and English, but her life teachings go above and beyond.”
St. Catherine of Alexandria Award (Special Education/Underserved Communities Educator of the Year) – Kaye Kreikemeier, North American Martyrs School in Lincoln. Previous winners were Kelly Baumgartner and Dana Gunderson. The letter nominating her said: “Kaye is always looking out for students who struggle. She is an amazing advocate and helps students be successful in ways only she is able to do.”
St. John Bosco Award (Support Staff Member of the Year) – Gery Kenney, Bishop Neumann High School in Wahoo. Previous winners were Belinda Rodriguez and Karen Shonka. The nomination said: “Gery Kenney has made the spiritual life of the students a priority and helps the kids embrace their faith.”
