By S.L. Hansen
for the Register
The fourth annual Saints & Scholars Dinner supported Catholic education throughout the Diocese of Lincoln by honoring teachers, administrators and staff, and by raising funds for the Good Shepherd Scholarship Fund.
Held in Lincoln’s Embassy Suites Oct. 12, the evening before the annual diocesan teacher’s institute, the event showcased much of the good work that is being accomplished in the diocese’s 30 schools. After a welcome from Father Lawrence Stoley, Ph.D., diocesan director of Catholic schools, Jake Tawney spoke to the hundreds of educators and their family members who were in attendance.
“The world today might have us believe that the entirety of the purpose of education is the production of a work force. That’s not the whole picture,” said Tawney, who is chief academic officer for the Great Hearts Academies network of Catholic schools. “The purpose of education is the formation of the human person, and moreover for that soul to be Christ-like.”
Guests also heard from Michael Nevrivy of Hastings, the evening’s Distinguished Sponsor. He first heard about the Good Shepherd Scholarship Fund when he was serving on the Southern Nebraska Catholic Foundation board.
“The Good Shepherd Scholarship Fund is very special in how it assists a lot of students who don’t get assisted by other programs,” Nevrivy said.
He added: “One of the other major advantages is that it allows us to pay our teachers and administrators a commensurate amount to their public school peers. They’re the ones that make the big difference.”
Since was established in 2018, the Good Shepherd Scholarship Fund has provided more than $14.5 million in financial aid to families in the diocese. During the 2024-2025 school year, the Good Shepherd Scholarship Fund granted 1,417 scholarships to roughly 25% of the total student population, totalling $2,659,200. Students in every school within the diocese were granted scholarships, many of whom would not qualify for financial aid from other sources. The scholarships covered up to 75% of each student’s tuition.
Based on family income and number of family members, The Good Shepherd Scholarship is awarded to families who are under 225% of the Federal Poverty Level. Among the 2024-2025 recipients, the average household income was less than $45,700.
While that figure is above the Federal Poverty Level, it’s not enough for most families to afford Catholic education for their children, even though tuition in the Diocese of Lincoln covers only 25% – 45% of the actual cost to educate each student. The diocese’s Catholic schools are commendably thrifty, with an average cost per student of $6,500 per year, compared to the statewide public school average of more than $13,000 per student per year.
“We all have to sacrifice to get to the point that we can make Catholic education available to all the kids.” Nevrivy said. “We can all do our part to fund our children so they have the opportunity to become educated in a Catholic environment.”
A pre-recorded message from Representative Adrian Smith (R-Nebraska-3) commended the work of Catholic educators and spoke about another means of financial support for those who choose to send their children to Catholic schools. He sponsored the Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA), a federal school choice bill that was recently incorporated into a broader legislative package. This law creates the first-ever federal dollar-for-dollar tax credit for donations to organizations that fund private school scholarships, such as the Good Shepherd Scholarship. Governor Jim Pillen opted into the act on behalf of the state of Nebraska Sept. 29.
Governor Pillen attended the Saints and Scholars Dinner with his wife, Suzanne, as did Lieutenant Governor Joe Kelly and his wife Susan, who is a retired Catholic school teacher. Governor Pillen led the awards portion of the evening with a shout-out to parents who believe in Catholic education, as well as the many priests and religious sisters who are dedicated to educating youth.
“I’m simply in awe of the life of holiness that you live and the leadership that you give all of us in growing our Church and growing our faith,” the governor said.
Awards were presented to Ashley Rockey of St. Michael School in Lincoln, St. Thomas Aquinas Award (Administrator of the Year); Rachel Wisnieski of Aquinas Elementary in David City, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Award (Elementary Educator of the Year); Kris Lien of Lourdes Central Catholic in Nebraska City, St. John Cantius Award (Secondary Educator of the Year); Anena Rolofson of Villa Marie in Waverly, St. Catherine of Alexandria Award (Educator Serving Students with Special Needs or in Underserved Communities) and Danielle Wagoner of Hastings Catholic Schools, St. John Bosco Award (Support Staff Member of the Year).Bishop James D. Conley closed the event with his thanksgiving for the good work being done in Catholic schools across the diocese.
“All of our honorees were so amazing,” he said, “and I know that they are just an indication of many, many more of our teachers throughout the diocese who are so dedicated to the mission of Catholic education.”
He added, “Catholic education plays such a key role in transforming our students and transforming our culture as well.”
Anyone can contribute to the Good Shepherd Scholarship Fund to enable more families to give their children the gift of Catholic education and all the benefits that come with it: higher graduation rates, increased vocations to the priesthood and religious life, and faith formation that equips children to withstand the pressures of the world around them. The fund accepts gifts of cash, agricultural commodities, real estate, stocks and other investments, estate planning, life insurance and more. For additional details, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 402-904-8049.
Families who wish to apply for the Good Shepherd Scholarship for the 2026-2027 school year may do so online between January 1 and March 31, 2026.
Photos courtesy B&I Productions
