2011 Ak-Sar-Ben Coronation Preview

A Golden Ticket to the 115th Coronation Ball Oct. 22, 2011 CenturyLink Center Omaha

Recordings of coronations from the late 1940s to the 1990s get new life in a digital world.

See this year’s princesses, escorts, pages and Court of Honor.

Special section

Sunday, September 25, 2011

2W S u n day, S e p t em b er 2 5 , 2 0 1 1

OMAHA WORLD-HERALD

Imaginary kingdom puts spotlight on volunteerism The Oct. 22 Ak-Sar-Ben Coronation and Scholarship Ball will honor more than 200 community leaders and families.

By Judy Horan

Tickets to ak-sar-ben cxv

WORLD-HERALD CORRESPONDENT

General-admission tickets to the 115th annual Ak-Sar-Ben Coronation and Scholarship Ball are available to the public. The event will be held Oct. 22 at CenturyLink Center Omaha.

On all but one day of the year, leaders of the imaginary Kingdom of Quivira are rooted in reality, improving the community with their time and treasure. But during the annual Ak-Sar-Ben Coronation and Scholarship Ball, “Pure Imagination” takes over.

That’s the theme for this year’s event, based on a song from the 1971 film “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory.” A young boy’s story of winning a visit to a chocolate factory is just as imaginary as the Kingdom of Quivira, where Ak-Sar-Ben royalty — those being honored — are given titles such as king, queen and princess.

The royal court will be decked out in finery fit for a king as Ak-Sar-Ben salutes families for changing their communities through volunteerism. In the musical words of Willy Wonka: Anything you want to do, do it Wanta change the world?

There’s nothing to it.

Kyle Robino, Women’s Ball Committee chairman, said the movie’s lyrics fit the philanthropic organization’s honorees: “All great leaders start with imagination.

They have to have a vision or dream to carry forward and make changes.”

Look for a fun surprise as the gala evening ends. “It’s a Willy Wonka ending,” Robino said.

The event’s master of ceremonies, Tim Abou-Nasr, will portray the Willy Wonka character played by Gene Wilder in the film.

For 115 years, the Ak-Sar-Ben Ball has whisked people to Quivira for the crowning of a king and queen. The new monarchs’ identities are kept secret until their first regal step into the spotlight to gasps and applause from the audience.

The beauty of the magical kingdom also radiates from the princesses, escorts, standard bearers and pages representing families in Nebraska and western Iowa.

“These families represent young volunteerism,” Robino said.

“The entire court are givers in

Ticket prices are $25 per person and include admission to the coronation production, followed by dancing to the Confidentials. For more information, call 402-554-9600, ext. 106, or 800840-3057.

Tickets also will be available the night of the event. Doors will open at 8 p.m., and the ceremony will begin at 8:30 p.m. Business dress is suggested.

Proceeds from ticket sales benefit the Ak-Sar-Ben Scholarship Fund.

DWYER PHOTOGRAPHY

2010 Ak-Sar-Ben queen: Suzanne Clare Singer, daughter of Dr. William S. Singer and Lynette Loseke Singer. their communities.”

Not all members of the court are “royalty.” The Court of Honor Recognition Award, bestowed since 1988 in various categories, goes this year to Tal Anderson, business and industry (posthumously); Keith Olsen, agriculture; Clayton Anderson, professions; and Gene Haynes, education.

As part of the 115th anniversary festivities, video of Ak-Sar-Ben events from previous years will be shown, including scenes from the 1958 and 1965 coronations.

Proceeds from the ball benefit the Ak-Sar-Ben Scholarship Fund.

The tradition of supporting scholarships goes back to 1945, when the Ak-Sar-Ben Foundation was established. Since then, Ak-Sar-Ben has awarded more than $7 million

DWYER PHOTOGRAPHY

2010 Ak-Sar-Ben king: Richard Bell, president, chairman and chief executive officer of HDR Inc.

in scholarships.

The beginning of the Ak-SarBen story predates the first scholarships by half a century.

In 1895 the United States was in the middle of an economic recession, and the economy was so bad that President Grover Cleveland accepted $65 million in gold from banker J.P. Morgan to save the U.S. Treasury.

But Nebraska businessmen were undaunted. They organized and founded a nonprofit organization whose mission was stated as “building a more prosperous Heartland.” In 2010 it was rephrased: “To leverage collective business leadership to build a more prosperous Heartland.”

The name “Ak-Sar-Ben” came from a member who said wryly,

“Why not reverse the name of our beloved state, since everything else seems to be going backward these days?” Nebraska spelled backward is Aksarben.

Another member said the group had earned the title “knights” because they had rescued the state fair, keeping it in Omaha.

Quivira was selected as the name for Ak-Sar-Ben’s imaginary kingdom because some historians believed that the land Omaha sits on was near the kingdom of gold that Coronado sought in the mid1500s.

Tickets to that first ball for nonmembers were $2 per person for general admission and $3 for reserved seats. The tickets were considered quite expensive. The first Ak-Sar-Ben king, Judge E.M.

Bartlett, arrived after a parade through Omaha that used floats acquired from the New Orleans Mardi Gras Parade.

At first, the social leaders of Nebraska did not grasp the concept.

Eventually they embraced the idea, and the Ak-Sar-Ben Ball became the social event of the year.

“A friend and former Women’s Ball Committee member cleaning out her parents’ condominium came across a page from an Omaha newspaper of Sept. 26, 1920, that showed the gowns and who attended the ball. It referenced the elite of the city at the time,” Robino said.

The ball’s mission has evolved.

It now focuses on recognizing and rewarding community volunteerism and philanthropy.

The ball was canceled in 1918 because of World War I and for several years during World War II. In 1986-87, a cancellation was caused by “financial challenges due to the racetrack and the inability to underwrite funds for the coronation ‘extravaganza,’” according to Ak-Sar-Ben Foundation President Beth Greiner. The ball was revived in 1988 as a scholarship fundraiser.

The 115th Ak-Sar-Ben Coronation and Scholarship Ball will be a night of pageantry, music — and of pure imagination.

Ak-Sar-Ben CXV This special section was produced by the Omaha World-Herald in cooperation with the Ak-Sar-Ben Women’s Ball Committee.

Special sections editor: Shelley Larsen

Principal writers: Pam Thomas, Judy Horan

Copy editors: Howard K. Marcus, Pam Thomas

Special thanks to Dwyer Photography for providing many of the photos in this section.

Section designer: Jan DeKnock

OMAHA WORLD-HERALD

S u n day, S e p t em b er 2 5 , 2 0 1 1

A R C H I T E C T U R E | E N G I N E E R I N G | C O N S U LT I N G www.hdrinc.com

WORLD ďż˝ CLASS

CONNEC TED

Community Champion CARING HDR salutes Richard R. Bell, Chairman and CEO, reigning King of Ak-Sar-Ben. Through his vital and caring leadership, he guided us to become a world-class architecture, engineering and consulting firm that connects with communities around the world.

3W

4W S u n day, S e p t em b er 2 5 , 2 0 1 1

OMAHA WORLD-HERALD

The Floor Committee is a community networking organization whose members are chosen on the basis of community leadership and service. They support the mission of the Knights of Ak-Sar-Ben Foundation.

Robert Hollingsworth, Clark Horgan, Bret Huber, Chip James, Tom Janssen, Jeff Jorth, Michael Jung, Marc Kaschke, Tom Kelley, Scott Kennedy, Steve Kerschke, Adam Kirshenbaum, John Klemke, Kyle Krehbiel.

The 2011 Floor Committee chairmen: Jamie Walker and Brian Harr.

Tim Langan, Lance Larsen, Clark Lauritzen, Craig Lefler, Andrew Liakos, Louis Linquata, Dan Longo, Mike Mackintosh, Matt Maser, Michael McDevitt, Tom McLeay, Matthew Medlock, Matt Mosser, Gary Muhs, Bryan Neary, Gustavo Oberto, Rob Owen, Tyler Owen, Robb Pantano, Matt Pape, T.J. Pattermann, Chris Paul, Kyle Peterson, Joe Petsick, Jeff Post, J.P. Raynor, Pat Regan, D.J. Rezac, David Rogers, Dave Rowe, Joel Russell.

The committee at large:

ONCE UPON A TIME there was an enchanting place called Midtown Crossing, an unprecedented development that redefined luxury urban living. Convenience prevailed there and the residents of this realm realized they could have it all — a full-service grocery store, chef-driven restaurants, shopping, entertainment and green space — just outside their front door.

Greg Alberts, Dave Anderson, Mickey Anderson, Ryan Arnold, Tom Barrett, Dave Berliner, Jono Bradford, Brian Brownrigg, Tom Burt, Dave Bushey, Brooks Call, Andy Chupp, Bill Cutler, Dick Davis, Mike Degan, Trent Demulling, Leo Duman, Tim Dunning, David Dvorak.

Rick English, Brian Fahey, Joe Finnegan, Robert Foster, Ted Friedland, Brad Garrett, Gary Gernhart, Justin Gibson, Ryan Gibson, John Goering, Randall Hallett, Terry Hanna, Brian Harr, Burke Harr, Tim Harrison, Jason Hellman, Marc Hock,

Bryan Schneider, Anthony Scioli, Adam Simpson, Jake Slosburg, David Stiles, Kirk Swartzbaugh, Joe Thibodeau, Leon Thomas, Dominic Vaccaro, Nick Vondrack, Andrew Wahl, Jamie Walker, Adam Watson, Kraig Williams, Marc Wisdom and Ryan Zabrowski.

Warren

Pallesen

1 Bedroom Castles from $169,900 2 Bedroom Castles from $224,900 2 Bedroom + Den Castles from $459,900 Midtown Crossing celebrates the annual Knights of AkSarBen Coronation and congratulates the newly-crowned 115th King and Queen of Quivira.

VISIT THE SALES CENTER FOR A TOUR OF YOUR CASTLE. 402.934.6450

Brown

Cassling

This year’s Ak-Sar-Ben standard bearers are: John Matthew “Jack” Warren, son of Matthew and Jennifer O’Connor Warren.

Elijah William “Eli” Brown, son of David and Maggie Brooks Brown.

Katherine Lorraine “Katie” Pallesen, daughter of Michael and Kathleen Spethmen Pallesen.

Kaila Nicole Cassling, daughter of Michael Cassling and Amy Ver Wey Cassling.

Originally, standard bearers were male relatives of women who served on the Ak-Sar-Ben Women’s Ball Committee. These were typically young men in their 20s. It was not until the late 1970s and early 1980s that committee members decided this was an opportunity to recognize young people who had not previously been honored as a page, princess or escort.

This honor is extended to four families this year and highlights outstanding leaders and representatives of the Omaha community.

FOR

STYLE

BEFITTING

LIVE HAPPILY

E VER AF T ER

R O Y A L T Y

200 S. 31st Ave., Omaha, NE 68131 www.midtowncrossing.com

This is not an offer to sell, or solicitation of an offer to buy, real property. Purchasers should review the Federal Property Report prior to signing a contract. No federal or state agency has judged the merits or value, if any, of this property. Prices, plans, products, and availability are subject to change without notice. Artists’ renderings are shown for illustrative purposes only. Designated Broker: Sandra S. Lent, Shoreline Marketing, Inc., 360 N. Michigan Ave. Ste. 910, Chicago, IL 60601, (312) 750-1610. ©2009 Midtown Crossing, a Mutual of Omaha Mixed-Use Development. All Rights Reserved. All contents herein are copyrighted and may not be used without permission.

C R E AT I V E

H A I R

salon and spa

D E S I G N

12 0 2 5 P a c i f i c S t r e e t I 3 3 0 - 5 6 6 0 I w w w.c r e a t i v e h a i r d e s i g n .c o m

OMAHA WORLD-HERALD .

��lebratin�

S u n day, S e p t em b er 2 5 , 2 0 1 1

115 years of giving back to the Heartland!

T R A D I T I O N � S C H O L A R S H I P � A G R I C U LT U R E C I V I C E F F O R T S � C U LT U R E A N D E N T E R TA I N M E N T

Proud to support the Knights of AkSarBen and its philanthropic mission.

nebraskablue.com Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska is an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

5W

6W S u n day, S e p t em b er 2 5 , 2 0 1 1

OMAHA WORLD-HERALD

2 kids, 3 dogs and 51 princesses It’s a hectic time for the woman behind the gowns.

By Judy Horan WORLD-HERALD CORRESPONDENT

Built back in 1931 by Union Paci�c, this �rst-of-its-kind art deco train station was an architectural showpiece. Today, this rare jewel has been transformed top to bottom into one of the country’s most vibrant and beautiful hands-on museums.

Come explore Omaha’s history, discover something new in the world-class temporary exhibits, and remember the past through special collections and programs. The Durham Museum is proud to be an af�liate of the Smithsonain Institution and partner with the Library of Congress, the National Archives and the Field Museum.

George Washington Carver from Chicago’s Field Museum now on exhibit.

Visit www.DurhamMuseum.org for a listing of future exhibitions and events.

801 South 10th Street • Omaha, NE 68108 (402) 444-5071 • www.DurhamMuseum.org

The doorbell has been busily ringing at the midtown home of Mimi Seina Gleason, who is responsible for outfitting 51 young women selected to be honored as Ak-SarBen princesses.

They show up at her front door eager to be fitted for the gowns they will wear during the Ak-Sar-Ben Coronation and Scholarship Ball.

Gleason works from the home she shares with her husband, Jeff Post. She has two children, Siena, 14, and Terrence “Tag,” 11.

“With two kids, three dogs and 51 princesses, it’s been quite an adventure,” she laughs.

Even the mysterious Ak-Sar-Ben queen visited Gleason’s home for a fitting. The identity of Her Highness is a secret until the Oct. 22 event.

Gleason and her mother, Mary Seina, traveled to New York in February to interview designers and choose the two who

would design the gowns of the princesses and the queen.

Women’s Ball Committee Chairman Kyle Robino is thrilled that Gleason agreed to take the assignment.

“I asked her if she would be my Royal Court couturier and scour NYC for the ultimate princess gown, and she said yes.”

Gleason chose Don O’Neill of New York City to design the princess gowns. He was born in the Irish village of Ballyheigue and has trained in Dublin, London and Paris. O’Neill has dressed such celebrities as Norah Jones, Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood.

“Mimi not only has a huge Ak-Sar-Ben family history, but her family had owned the premier dress shop in the city for decades, and Mimi has impeccable taste and haute couture connections,” Robino said.

“She and her mother — combined — are as good as it gets when it comes to fashion, taste and setting the bar.”

The family owned the legendary Topp’s store for women’s clothing in Omaha until

Ready to Bloom?

At College of Saint Mary, you’ll learn nothing is out of reach. From nursing and teaching, to science and business – we have the program for you!

We offer a variety of student financial aid options – scholarships, grants, loans & our Marie Curie Scholars Program for math & science majors.

Find us on:



Visit WatchMeBloom.com to find your perfect fit

Omaha, Nebraska • 800-926-5534

OMAHA WORLD-HERALD

S u n day, S e p t em b er 2 5 , 2 0 1 1

its 2006 closing. The Topp’s name helped when Gleason was shopping for designers.

Gleason will not reveal the identity of the queen’s designer she found on her trip to New York. That person’s name is as well-guarded as the queen’s. She will say only that she is “star-struck” by the widely known person.

And what will the queen’s dress look like, we tease?

“It will be absolutely beautiful,” she responded ambiguously.

For 115 years, there have been stories about the gowns of Ak-Sar-Ben queens. The third queen, Gertrude Kountze (Stewart), in 1897 refused to be photographed in her coronation gown. Why is still a mystery. An official photo of her shows only a head with a plumed hat.

Gleason’s involvement with Ak-Sar-Ben stretches back to her childhood when she was a page. She was a princess in 1989 and fondly remembers the Oscar de la Renta gown with a black velvet top and pink satin skirt. And she remembers the 1980s highly teased hairdo. Ah, that hairdo.

Three generations of fashionistas are featured in this photo of members of the Topp family.

From left are Mimi Seina Gleason; her mother, Mary Topp Seina; and her grandmother, Nelsie Topp Donahoo, who died in 1996.

Who’s the queen?

The couturier must keep the big secret Even their closest friends don’t know who the Ak-Sar-Ben queen is until the night of the ball.

The couturier in 1965 was Nelsie Topp Donahoo, owner of Topp’s clothing store for women. Nelsie was so protective of the queen’s identity that she wouldn’t tell even her daughter, Mary Seina, who she was.

The night of the ball, Mary learned the queen was her best friend, Jean Creighton (now Jean Bell).

History repeated itself in 1989 when Mary, then in charge at Topp’s, guarded the identity of the queen she was outfitting, not even telling her daughter Mimi, who worked with her.

The queen was Mimi’s best friend, Meg Lauritzen (now Meg Dodge).

— Judy Horan

Mimi Seina Gleason, Royal Court couturier for the Ak-Sar-Ben coronation ceremony, is shown with her husband, Jeff Post.

In 1989, as a princess, she wore a gown

by Oscar de la Renta.

Imagine a World Where All Dreams Come True We’ll help you take the next step to realizing your dreams.

Congratulations to the Kingdom of Quivira’s 2011 Royal Court!

AFN44128_0811

7W

mutualofomahabank.com

Member FDIC

8W S u n day, S e p t em b er 2 5 , 2 0 1 1

OMAHA WORLD-HERALD

Top row, from left: Jack D. Sotak, Jack Morton Scioli, Andrew Rizzuto Schilken, Maxwell Gregory Peterson, Thomas Langdon Pate, Brady Adam Meyerson, Sam Cutler Lund.

Middle row, from left: Spencer Emerick Lewis, Ryan Joseph Laughlin, Thomas Chase Kroeger, Jaxson Glenn Jorth, Jack Gregory Hirz, Everett Blake Gravelle, Zev Dan Gordman, Jon Aaron Giitter, Devon Bryn Forsberg.

Front row, from left: Kade Thomas Crouse, William Wesley Christiansen, Jack W. Cenovic, Campbell Ronald Burmood, Zachary Richard Boyle, Michael Douglas Barrett, Zachary Evan Atlas, Xavier David Abboud.

Not pictured: Michael Jacob Denenberg, Tyler Thomas Obrecht, Luke David Steiner, Ryan Davis Zatechka.

DWYER PHOTOGRAPHY

Xavier David Abboud, son of Jason and Josie Abboud. Xavier’s uncle, Baron Abboud, was an escort in 1989.

Zev Dan Gordman, son of Jeff and Danielle Gordman. Zev’s sister, Harper Gordman, was a page in 2009.

Brady Adam Meyerson, son of Scott and Jennifer Meyerson.

Brady’s father served on the Floor Committee in 2003-2009.

Zachary Evan Atlas, son of Brett and Stacey Atlas.

Michael Douglas Barrett, son of John and Denise Barrett.

Everett Blake Gravelle, son of Matthew and Lisa Gravelle. Everett’s brother, Alec, was a page in 2007.

Zachary Richard Boyle, son of Michael and Dana Boyle. Zachary’s brother, Aden, was a page in 2008. His father was an escort in 1986.

Jack Gregory Hirz, son of Dr. Gregg and Jane Hirz.

Jaxson Glenn Jorth, son of Jeffrey and Kari Jorth. Jaxson’s father has served on the Floor Committee since 2008.

Tyler Thomas Obrecht, son of Darren and Sherri Obrecht.

Tyler’s father served on the Floor Committee in 2005-2009. His grandmother, Pamela “Bass” Obrecht, was the junior queen of AkSar-Ben in 1950. His grandfather, LaVerne Obrecht, was assistant swine and horse superintendent for the Ak-Sar-Ben Livestock Show in 1975-2000.

Campbell Ronald Burmood, son of Brent and Karen Burmood.

Campbell’s father was a page in 1980 and an escort in 1993.

Campbell’s aunt, Julie Burmood, was a princess in 1995.

Thomas Chase Kroeger, son of Scott and Wendi Kroeger. His sister, Kelly, was a page in 2009.

Jack W. Cenovic, son of William Cenovic and Karen Cenovic. Jack’s aunt, Cheryl Ann (Svehla) Seib, was an Ak-Sar-Ben countess.

William Wesley Christiansen, son of Dennis and Ann Christiansen.

Kade Thomas Crouse, son of Jerry and Ann Crouse.

Michael Jacob Denenberg, son of Drs. Steve and Tippi Denenberg.

Michael’s brother, Daniel, was a page in 2010, his mother was a princess in 1990 and his maternal grandmother, Carolyn (Schimmel) Magid, was a countess in 1956. His uncles, Terren and Trenton Magid, were pages.

Devon B. Forsberg, son of Grant and Shawna Forsberg. Devon’s brother, Seth, was a page in 2010.

Jon Aaron Giitter, son of Dr. Michael and Tamara Giitter. His brother, Austin, was a page in 2003.

Ryan Joseph Laughlin, son of Mark and Dr. Theresa Laughlin. His father was an escort in 1989.

Spencer Emerick Lewis, son of Chuck and Kristin Lewis. A greatgrandfather, R. Harlan Cates of Lyons, Neb., was honored with the Ak-Sar-Ben Good Neighbor Award in 1967.

Sam Cutler Lund, son of Jay Lund and Jacqueline Cutler Lund.

Sam’s mother was a princess in 2001 and a page in 1989. His grandfather, William A. Cutler III, is an Ak-Sar-Ben governor and is this year’s Coronation Ball Committee adviser. He has been on the Coronation Ball Committee for two years. He also has been grand marshal of the Ak-Sar-Ben River City Roundup Parade, among his other roles in support of the Roundup and ball. Sam’s grandmother, Susan Eakin Cutler, was a princess in 1969 and Women’s Ball Committee chairwoman in 1993. His aunt, Mary Jean Cutler Jones, was a page in 1981 and a princess and queen in 1994. His uncle, William Austin Cutler IV, was a page in 1984 and an escort and escort chairman in 1996-1998; he also serves on the Floor Committee. His great-aunt, Mary Elizabeth Cutler Lawler, was a countess in 1976.

Thomas L. Pate, son of Dennis and Jessica Pate.

Maxwell Gregory Peterson, son of Michael and Jennifer Peterson.

Maxwell’s brother, Sam, was a page in 2009.

Andrew Rizzuto Schilken, son of Michael and Jaymie Schilken.

Andrew’s sister, Kelli, was a page in 2006, and his brother, Michael, was a page in 2009.

Jack Morton Scioli, son of Anthony and Andrea Scioli. Jack’s mother was a princess in 1995. His uncle, James Friedlander, was an escort in 1998.

Jack Delmar Sotak, son of Michael and Leanne Sotak. Jack’s brother, Trevor, was a page in 2010.

Luke David Steiner, son of Gary and Melissa Steiner. Luke’s sister, Julia, was a page in 2009. Luke’s grandmother, Nancy Friedland, was a page and princess. His uncle, Ted Friedland, was a page and escort, and his aunt, Paula Boggust, was a princess.

Ryan Davis Zatechka, son of Dr. Rob and Jennifer Zatechka.

Ryan’s sister, Brennan, was a page in 2008.

OMAHA WORLD-HERALD

Jane Elizabeth Boggust, daughter of Matthew and Paula Boggust.

Jane’s mother was a princess in 1988. Her father has served on the Floor Committee. Jane’s grandmother, Nancy Friedland, was a page and princess.

Lauryn Ainsley Christensen, daughter of Phillip and Roberta Christensen. Her sister, Kathryn, was a page in 2010.

Anne Farrell Coffey, daughter of John and Dr. Gina Coffey. Her brother, Matthew, was a page in 2007. Her sister, Mary, was a page in 2009. Her father was a page in 1978 and has served on the Floor Committee.

Olivia Ann Davis, daughter of Dr. Matthew and Kristine Davis. Her mother was a princess in 1996.

Madeline Elizabeth DeMare, daughter of Dr. Jeffrey DeMare and Carman DeMare.

Emma Kay Duman, daughter of Leo Duman and Dr. Heather Thomas. Her mother was a page in 1980 and a princess in 1993.

Her father serves on the Floor Committee. Her uncle, Zachary Thomas, was a page in 1982 and an escort in 1996.

Paige Elisabeth Foley, daughter of Thomas and Tamara Foley.

London Celeste Forsberg, daughter of Grant and Shawna Forsberg.

Her brother, Seth, was a page in 2010.

Rose Ellen Friedland, daughter of Ted and Jamie Friedland. Rose’s father was a page and an escort. Her mother was a princess.

Rose’s grandmother, Nancy Friedland, was a page and princess.

Olivia Gretchen Gernhart, daughter of Gary and Dr. Sarah Gernhart. The page’s mother was a countess in 1992. Her father serves on the Floor Committee. Her maternal aunt, Suzanne Vondrak, was a countess in 1997. Her maternal uncle, H. Nicholas Vondrak Jr., was an escort in 1995. Her maternal grandmother, Gretchen Koefoot Vondrak, was a countess in 1967. A maternal

S u n day, S e p t em b er 2 5 , 2 0 1 1

9W

Top row, from left: India Rose Zier, Margaret Lydia Wightman, Grace Louise Titus, Jillian Grace Snow, Anastasia Catherine Sekundiak, Taylor Ashton Ryan, Mary Margaret Rosenlof, Meghann Kathleen Plumb, Margaret Gerene Nikunen.

Middle row, from left: Margaret Sullivan Mowat, Ellinor Rose Mahlendorf, Jenna Elisabeth Liakos, Hannah Paige Lefler, Camille Skye Kotouc, Jordyn Ashley Kirshenbaum, Abigail Paige Kaufman, Campbell Grace Jenkins, Ava Lou Hollingsworth, Riley Jane Hawkins.

Front row, from left: Maris Kathryn Grabill, Olivia Gretchen Gernhart, London Celeste Forsberg, Rose Ellen Friedland, Paige Elisabeth Foley, Emma Kay Duman, Madeline Elizabeth DeMare, Olivia Ann Davis, Anne Farrell Coffey, Lauryn Ainsley Christensen.

Not pictured: Jane Elizabeth Boggust

DWYER PHOTOGRAPHY

great-great-grandmother, Bernice McComas, was a lady-in-waiting in one of the first Ak-Sar-Ben courts.

Maris Kathryn Grabill, daughter of Brad and Kate Grabill. Her brother, Gavin, was a page and train bearer in 2007. Her father has served on the Floor Committee.

Riley Jane Hawkins, daughter of Kenneth and Amy Hawkins. Her father was a page in 1988. Among other relatives who played roles in Ak-Sar-Ben history, her aunt Andrea Hawkins Johnson was a page in 1991 and a princess in 2004. Her uncle, Chris Hawkins, was a page in 1989 and an escort in 2002. Her grandfather, Kim M. Hawkins, was a page in 1962. Her father’s uncle, Fred Hawkins Jr., was a page in 1957 and an escort in 1971-1972; his other roles included governor of the Knights of Ak-Sar-Ben. Her father’s aunt, Susan Hawkins Katelman, was queen in 1973. Her father’s cousin Kathryn Hawkins Anderson was queen in 2003. Her paternal grandmother had an aunt, Jane Harkert Muchemore, who was a princess in 1948. And her paternal grandfather had an aunt, Sally Gardiner Gerich, who was a princess in 1950.

Ava Lou Hollingsworth, daughter of Robert and Addie Hollingsworth.

Campbell Grace Jenkins, daughter of John and Carrie Jenkins.

Campbell’s brother, Jackson, was a page in 2009. John’s aunt, Suzanne McNally, was a princess.

Abigail Paige Kaufman, daughter of Michael and Dana Kaufman.

Her uncle, Mark Erman, was an escort in 1993.

Jordyn Ashley Kirshenbaum, daughter of Adam and Nikki Kirshenbaum. Her brother, Joseph, was a page in 2010. Her father was an escort. Her uncle, Matt Kirshenbaum, was a page and escort.

Camille Skye Kotouc, daughter of John and Wende Kotouc.

Hannah Paige Lefler, daughter of Craig and Heidi Lefler. Her father serves on the Floor Committee.

Jenna Elisabeth Liakos, daughter of Charles and Julie Liakos.

Jenna’s father has been an escort, ball co-chairman and Floor Committee member. Her mother was a countess at the 1990 coronation, which is where the couple met. Two of Jenna’s siblings have been pages: Jonathan in 2001 and Victoria in 2004. Other relatives also have played roles in the ball.

Ellinor Rose Mahlendorf, daughter of Jennifer Rasmussen and Brian Mahlendorf.

Margaret Sullivan Mowat, daughter of Mark and Julie Mowat.

Mark was an escort in 1988 and 1989 and served on the Floor Committee in 2001-2006.

Margaret Gerene Nikunen, daughter of David and Christine Nikunen. Her brother, Izak, was a page in 2008.

Meghann Kathleen Plumb, daughter of Dr. Troy and Kara Plumb.

Mary Margaret Rosenlof, daughter of Clark and Susan Rosenlof.

Maggie’s grandfather, Dr. Robert Rosenlof, was inducted into the Court of Honor in 1995.

Taylor Ashton Ryan, daughter of Michael Ryan and Sabrina Jones Stapp. Her stepfather is John Stapp.

Anastasia Catherine Sekundiak, daughter of Dr. Todd and Lisa Sekundiak. Her sister, Lauren, was a page in 2000. Her brother, John, was a page in 2002. Her mother was a princess in 1985. Her uncle, Rob Walker, was a page.

Jillian Grace Snow, daughter of Jeffrey and Jennifer Snow.

Grace Louise Titus, daughter of Ben and Kelly Titus.

Margaret Lydia Wightman, daughter of John and Anna Wightman.

Her sister, Emalie, was a page in 2009.

India Rose Zier, daughter of Lawrence and Peggy Zier. Her sister, Zoe, was a page in 2009.

10W S u n day, S e p t em b er 2 5 , 2 0 1 1

OMAHA WORLD-HERALD

Four men will be inducted into the Ak-Sar-Ben Court of Honor during the 115th Ak-Sar-Ben Coronation and Scholarship Ball on Oct. 22.

The court is chosen by the Knights of Ak-Sar-Ben and the Women’s Ball Committee. Established in 1988, the Court of Honor is one of the foundation’s most prestigious awards. The recognition is given annually to individuals who have excelled in one of the following categories: agriculture, arts, business and industry, community service, education, philanthropy, professions, public service, sports or youths.

Keith Olsen / Agriculture Since 1994, Olsen has served on the American Farm Bureau Federation’s board of directors.

Olsen has a no-till, dryland farm in southwest Nebraska that produces wheat and certified seed wheat and corn. He began farming in 1967 after graduation from the University of Nebraska’s College of Agriculture.

He served eight years on the Nebraska Farm Bureau State Legislative Policy Committee and four years as a member of the Tax Advisory Committee. He was elected to the Nebraska Farm Bureau board in 1992. He was elected as first vice president in 1997, then president in 2002. In 2004, the American Farm Bureau Federation elected Olsen to serve on its board.

Olsen’s honors include: 2010 Agricultural Youth Institute Award of Merit; 2010 Nebraska Agribusiness Club, Public Service to Agriculture Award; 2010 Nebraska FFA Honorary State FFA degree; 2008 University of Nebraska College of Agriculture Alumni Achievement award; and in 2004, Olsen was elected to the Nebraska Hall of Agriculture Achievement.

He and his wife, Doris, have three sons: Craig, Jeff and Curtis.

He is a member of the United Methodist Church in Grant, Neb., where he has served as a lay speaker since 1990. His leadership and participation in 4-H clubs have spanned 30 years.

Tal Anderson / Business and industry Anderson expanded his company from one to 11 dealerships during his 50 years in the automobile business.

From humble beginnings in Stanton, Iowa, Anderson traveled to Omaha in 1957 to attend the University of Omaha on an athletic scholarship. As a college student, he pumped gas part time at the Benson Texaco station, owned by Johnny Baxter.

Two years later, he began selling cars part time for Baxter and was quickly promoted to assistant manager. His early success earned him a new car and 200 silver dollars. He used that car and the prize money to buy an interest in the Baxter dealership. In 1984, he bought the remaining interest and became the president and owner of Baxter Chrysler Plymouth.

During his career, Anderson established 10 other dealerships.

Today, the company is known as the Performance Automotive Group, with more than 850 employee associates.

Anderson was inducted into the Omaha Business Hall of Fame in 2008. Nominated by the National Auto Dealers Association, he was named Time Magazine Dealer of the Year in 1997. Other automotive honors include the Chrysler Award of Excellence and the Elite of Lexus Award.

Haynes’ honors include: Magnet School Principal of the Year (2009); African American Award (2004); House of Representatives African American History Award (2011); and the District II Administrator of the Year by the Nebraska State Athletic Administrators Association (2000).

Passionate about education, he co-founded, with William M. Kizer, a local chapter of the Children’s Scholarship Fund to help families choose private and parochial schools for their children. He also served on the national board, founded by the late John Walton, which matches the funds of local chapters.

Haynes and his wife, Annie, are 46-year members of Salem Baptist Church. He also has been active in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes since 1971, the Nebraska State Athletic Hall of Fame since 1999 and the NAACP since 1970.

Anderson supported his alma mater, the University of Nebraska at Omaha, where he finished his business degree in 1984. He received UNO’s Distinguished Achievement Award that year.

Other leadership roles included: Boys Town, Boys Town National Research Hospital and Marian High School, boards of directors; major sponsor of the Archdiocesan Youth Camp and Retreat Center; and chairman of the Archbishop’s Committee for Development, Archdiocese of Omaha.

Anderson died in 2009. He is survived by wife Mary Joy, three children and six grandchildren. Mickey Anderson and Angie Quinn are executives with the Performance Automotive Group. Daughter Lisa, a development officer with the University of St. Thomas, lives in Minneapolis. Mary Joy Le Clair Anderson will accept the honor for the Anderson family.

Gene R. Haynes / Education Haynes has been a teacher and an administrator in the Omaha Public Schools for more than 40 years. He is currently principal of North High School and is affectionately known by many as “Mr. North High.” He is known for his humble, friendly demeanor and infectious smile.

Born in Mississippi, he received his bachelor’s degree in social studies and economics from Rust College in Holly Springs, Miss. Later, he received his master’s degree in education and administration from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

In 1967, Haynes was hired as a social studies teacher at Technical High School in Omaha. He became Tech’s head basketball coach in 1971 and coached the team for 13 years. Haynes was inducted into the Tech High School Hall of Fame in 2006. Haynes is well-respected by his peers, staff, parents and students. His accessibility and visibility are two of the most distinguishing characteristics of his effectiveness as a school leader. Throughout the school day, Haynes can be seen interacting with and encouraging students. He is an ambassador for North High School and OPS and a constant advocate for young people.

The Hayneses enjoy spending time with their son, Jerel; his wife, Erin; and their grandson, Caleb.

Clayton Anderson / Professions Anderson was born in 1959 in Omaha. He moved to Ashland and graduated from AshlandGreenwood High School in 1977. He graduated with honors from Hastings College in 1981 with a bachelor’s degree in physics. He earned a master’s degree in aerospace engineering from Iowa State University in 1983.

Anderson is married to the former Susan Jane Harreld of Elkhart, Ind. They have a son, Clayton “Cole,” and a daughter, Sutton Marie.

Anderson joined the Johnson Space Center in 1983 in the Mission Planning Division, where he designed early space shuttle and space station missions. In 1988, he moved to Mission Operations Directorate as a flight design manager. In 1993, he was named chief of the Flight Design Branch. In 1996, Anderson was named manager of the Emergency Operations Center at Johnson Space Center.

NASA elected him as a mission specialist in 1998. In 2002, Anderson completed training in the Extravehicular Activity Skills program. A veteran of two spaceflights, Anderson has logged 167 days in space, and 38 hours and 28 minutes of Extravehicular Activity Skills in six spacewalks. He completed five months aboard the International Space Station in 2007. He also served on the space shuttle Discovery crew in April 2010 when it executed a resupply mission to the space station. The mission traveled 6.2 million miles.

Anderson’s special honors include: the 2008 Pioneer Award (recognizing contributions that embody the spirit of Nebraska’s heritage); also in 2008, Outstanding Alumnus awards from Iowa State University and Hastings College.

His hobbies include officiating college and high school basketball games, coaching youth sports, playing the piano, playing the organ and vocal performance.

.

nebraska.edu

LINCOLN | OMAHA | KEARNEY | MEDICAL CENTER

®

OMAHA WORLD-HERALD

S u n day, S e p t em b er 2 5 , 2 0 1 1

11W

Making students’ dreams come true The Ak-Sar-Ben ball raises money to finance need-based scholarships.

By Judy Horan WORLD-HERALD CORRESPONDENT

H o w a r d K . M a r c u s / T H E WOR L D - H E RA L D

Cynthia Peacock, president and CEO of the Methodist Hospital Foundation, left, is a mentor for Katie Lehman of Boelus, Neb. Lehman, a sophomore at Doane College in Crete, Neb., is majoring in biology and hopes to be a physician.

2012 scholarship applications Fifty Ak-Sar-Ben/Horatio Alger scholarships will be awarded again in 2012, funded by donations and proceeds from the Ak-Sar-Ben Coronation and Scholarship Ball.

Students can look forward to an increase in the four-year scholarship from $5,000 to $6,000.

Colleges that agree to match the scholarship will increase their contributions by the same amount.

Managed in partnership with the Knights of AkSar-Ben and the Horatio Alger Association, the scholarships also include the offer of mentoring from the TeamMates Mentoring Program.

High school seniors in Nebraska and western Iowa can apply for the needs-based scholarship.

Applications must be completed by Oct. 30. To apply and for details on eligibility, go to horatioalger.org/scholarships.

How to donate If you would like to make “Pure Imagination” become a reality through a donation to the Scholarship Fund, contact the Knights of Ak-SarBen office at 402- 556-9600 or aksarben.org.

Katie Lehman was 3 years old when she had heart surgery. She remembers excitedly telling her adoptive parents: “I don’t know who ‘those people’ were, but I want to be them.”

“Those people” were the doctors who saved her life, and that was the start of the college sophomore’s dream of becoming a doctor.

Helping with her dream is an Ak-Sar-Ben/ Horatio Alger scholarship. Funds generated by the annual Ak-Sar-Ben Coronation and Scholarship Ball finance the scholarships.

Lehman was one of 50 students out of 1,018 applicants selected for the $5,000 scholarship last year. Ninety-five percent of the recipients are female.

Lehman believes good grades and a deep faith in God were reasons she was chosen.

She applied. Then she prayed.

The scholarship is based on need. The focus of Lehman’s father, a construction worker, has been helping his four daughters get through college.

Lehman is majoring in biology and pre-med at Doane College in Crete, Neb. Employed this summer at a nursing home in Ravenna, Neb., she also worked as an ambassador at Doane, giving tours to visitors and prospective students.

Along with the scholarship came an offer from the TeamMates Mentoring Program of the services of a volunteer mentor. Lehman accepted the offer — one of about 40 percent of Ak-Sar-Ben scholars who do — and was thrilled when she learned that her mentor was Cynthia Peacock, president and CEO of the Methodist Hospital Foundation.

It was a perfect match between a mentor in the health system and a mentee who wants to be a doctor.

The future doctor still talks about the day spent with her mentor at the Methodist Pathology Center. They also plan a trip to Methodist Women’s Hospital. Although they don’t see each other often — Crete is a three-hour round trip to Omaha — they talk and text.

Janet Miller, left, has been serving as mentor to Ronicka “Nicka” Fairchild, an Omaha native who was determined to become the first person in her family to go to college. She is now a junior at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, majoring in business administration.

The TeamMates program was the idea of University of Nebraska athletic director Tom Osborne. In 1991 when he was the Huskers’ head football coach, he began the mentoring program with his wife, Nancy.

Today there are 100 chapters serving 5,000 elementary through high school students in Nebraska, Iowa and California.

In 2008, the Ak-Sar-Ben chapter became the first TeamMates program to offer mentoring to college students.

“It’s one of the greatest ideas of Ak-SarBen, attaching a professional person to the scholarship,” Lehman said. “The mentoring helps in so many ways.”

The mother of four children, Peacock enjoys having one more person to fuss over.

However, the mentor makes a point of not micromanaging but responds when Lehman needs her.

“I’d like to scoop her up and take her to a movie. She works hard and needs fun in her life. But that’s not what mentors are trained to do. They give advice and offer life experience.”

Students who receive mentoring from caring adults improve in academic achievement, attendance and discipline, according to TeamMates. Mentors find the experience rewarding.

“She’s truly enriched my life,” Peacock said. “She seeks out opportunities to better herself. It’s given me hope for the future.

Katie is the future.”

Another person who has benefited from the scholarships is Ronicka “Nicka” Fairchild.

Fairchild is from a single-parent home with limited resources. But she decided early on that, while her family dynamics shaped who she is, they will not determine who she would become.

The Omaha native decided to become the first person in her family to go to college and set out to apply for numerous scholarships. She received seven.

Fairchild said the $5,000 Ak-Sar-Ben/Horatio Alger scholarship is the only one that offered a mentor. It has made a difference in her life.

“I’ve never had a mentor where I could go for advice. The relationship is definitely an extra benefit.”

Her mentor is Janet Miller, program director for the nonprofit Ollie Webb Center Inc. The two text or call almost daily and meet occasionally in person to talk. Miller says they have a lot in common.

“She checks to see how my week is going or says, ‘I’m thinking of you,’ ” Fairchild said. “Sometimes I get discouraged, but she’s there to give me advice.”

Fairchild is a junior at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln majoring in business administration. She attended Omaha Northwest High School, where she had a 4.0 grade-point average. The scholarship recipient works in the credit card department at World’s Foremost Bank and saves money by living off campus.

Miller’s husband, Tom, is the screening specialist for the TeamMates program in Omaha. He screens applicants who volunteer to become one of the 5,000 mentors in Nebraska and Iowa.

He also volunteers as a TeamMates mentor. The sixth-grader who was his first mentee 11 years ago is now a junior at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. They keep in touch.

In addition to mentoring for TeamMates, the Millers have hosted more than 115 foreign students from 21 countries in their home.

2011 AK-SAR-BEN/Horatio Alger Scholarship recipients Shannon L. Beed Aurora High School; Aurora Kyle L. Berger Spalding Public School; Spalding

Breanne E. Crow Grand Island High School; Grand Island

Kimberlie G. Gaffney Arlington Public School; Arlington

Kiesha Hollman Southern High School; Wymore

Britnee L. Lovell Palmyra High School; Palmyra

Elizabeth M. Miller Pawnee City Public School; Pawnee City

Levi N. Schlick Sandy Creek Junior-Senior High School; Fairfield

Deborah N. Dennis Benson High School; Omaha

Katlynn I. Gannon East Greene Community High School; Grand Junction, Iowa

Taylor N. Horst Wisner Pilger Junior-Senior High School; Wisner

Sara C. Mann Minatare High School; Minatare

Heather N. Moore Burke High School; Omaha

Mara B. Seifer McPherson County High School; Tryon

Karrah A. Johnson Bloomfield High School; Bloomfield

Saleasha J. McClurge Millard South High School; Omaha

Kassandra A. Jordan Omaha North High School; Omaha

Molly C. McFeely Papillion-La Vista South High School; Papillion

Kaleb R. Kenyon South Sioux City High School; South Sioux City

Daniel A. McKenzie Fullerton High School; Fullerton

Stephanie Kirchhoff Griswold High School; Griswold

Amanda McLaughlin Omaha North High School; Omaha

Elyssa J. Leach Pierce Public High School; Pierce

Alyssa K. Meyer Bellevue East High School; Bellevue

Kearsten K. Brown Sioux Central Community School; Sioux Rapids, Iowa

Isabelle M. Edson High Plains Community School; Polk

Justy R. Bullington Mullen High School; Mullen

Whitney L. Engel High Plains Community School; Polk

Angela M. Burkey Elm Creek High School; Elm Creek Megan A. Buss Cozad High School; Cozad Brianne N. Cavanaugh Burke High School; Omaha Vanessa C. Corral Holdrege High School; Holdrege

Maureen J. Estropia Lawrence-Nelson Community School; Nelson Brandi R. Feldmann Battle Creek High School; Battle Creek Rachel L. Frazier Lawrence-Nelson Community School; Nelson

Leanna M. Gubbels Laurel-Concord High School; Laurel Kassie D. Guenther Johnson County Central High School; Tecumseh Brittney A. Hensley Westside High School; Omaha Elizabeth L. Hildebrand York High School; York Kateri E. Hinman Mercy High School; Omaha

Shauna M. Parker Yutan Junior-Senior High School; Yutan Kortnie M. Ravenscroft Grand Island High School; Grand Island Kristina N. Redwine Kearney Catholic High School; Kearney Catherine E. Ripp Ravenna High School; Ravenna Melena B. Russell Bryan High School; Omaha

Lindsey K. Toman Lincoln High School; Lincoln Marry A. Tran Lincoln High School; Lincoln Briar M. Watson Mercy High School; Omaha Kelsey M. Whiteley Omaha North High School; Omaha Katelyn L. Woodrum Sioux County High School; Harrison

12W S u n day, S e p t em b er 2 5 , 2 0 1 1

OMAHA WORLD-HERALD 12

Old audio, video will enable a stroll down memory lane Materials from as long ago as the 1940s have been restored in time for the big night.

Many decades of audio, video and photographic records are archived at the Durham Museum, with some of the materials now transferred to digital formats.

Selected clips will be shown during the Oct. 22 coronation ceremony.

By Rhonda Stansberry WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER

H o w a r d K . M a r c u s / T h e Wo r l d - H e r a l d

Seven-year-old Emma Duman is excited to be part of the Ak-Sar-Ben coronation this fall. She will be an honor page and ring bearer to this year’s queen, continuing a family tradition that began with her mother, Heather Thomas, more than 30 years ago as page to Kimberly Skutt Davis.

Emma’s experience should be somewhat similar to her mother’s. Still today, the children who serve as pages wear special costumes, attend parties, make friends and rehearse. And on the big night, they enchant the audience and get to stay up late.

While activities and costumes haven’t changed much, a new element this year will give children a sense of what to expect before ever stepping into their ballet slippers and will give parents and grandparents a nostalgic connection to the past.

More than 50 years of Ak-Sar-Ben history surrounding the coronation ball — the what’s what and who’s who — have been archived and preserved digitally.

Video footage dates from as early as 1958, 1965, some of the 1980s and from the 1990s until now. Fragile records held audio from the 1940s.

Some old clips show girls in patent leather Mary Janes, ladies at designer gown fittings, young debutantes in elbow-length gloves and pointed-toe flats at afternoon parties and children awaiting their alwayshailed entrance into Ak-Sar-Ben’s old Coliseum.

Drawn from VHS, Beta and other media found in long-forgotten boxes at the Durham Museum, the old film would have deteriorated if it hadn’t been saved soon. Some records already were fragile.

A combination of good luck, 21st-century technology and the right question at the right time led Kyle Robino, chairwoman of the Ak-Sar-Ben’s Women’s Ball Committee, to rapidly deteriorating tapes and film.

She found them, boxed at the Durham.

Robino said she had been looking for ideas for this year’s program when she asked about old footage of past Ak-Sar-Ben coronations. She was told to check at the Durham, where materials had been sent after the Ak-Sar-Ben office moved from the Blackstone Building to its new, smaller home at the Bank of the West

Building, 87th Street and West Center Road.

Altogether, she assembled 93 tapes and records of past Ak-Sar-Ben parties, luncheons, rehearsals and coronation balls. Robino took the materials to her friend Louri Fellman Sullivan, who had been a Women’s Ball Committee member a few years ago.

“We found all of this old footage and no way to play it,” Robino said.

Sullivan, who works with saving data on old videotapes and other media at PeggyBank, said there “was every kind of media — VHS, Beta, film and albums.”

Technicians at PeggyBank transferred the data to a digital format without damaging the original records and returned the materials to the Durham.

Snippets of films will give this year’s audience a glimpse of past and present manners, fashion clips and more than a few waves of nostalgia. The theme “Pure Imagination” will blend “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory” fantasy with the film snippets.

More than the backdrop for the 115th annual coronation and ball on Oct. 22 at the CenturyLink Center Omaha, the film clips will give pages like Emma a connection to the past — and a chance to see Mom when she was just a kid in a pair of bloomers, a braided jacket and fancy patent-leather shoes.

Contact the writer: 402-444-1059, rhonda.stansberry@owh.com

Margaret Block, M.D. M. Salman Haroon, M.D. Ralph J. Hauke, M.D. Robert M. Langdon, Jr., M.D. Kirsten M. Leu, M.D. John M. Longo, M.D. Patrick J. McKenna, M.D. Geetha Palaniappan, M.D.

For more information please visit us online at: nebraskacancer.com

David A. Silverberg, M.D. Gamini S. Soori, M.D.

Nebraska Cancer Specialists are committed to the well-being of this community. We congratulate the 2011 Ak-Sar-Ben Royal Court.

Yungpo Bernard Su, M.D. Stefano R. Tarantolo, M.D.

Alegent Health Cancer Center - Bergan Midwest Cancer Center Papillion West Dodge Medical Plaza

(402) 393-3110

• Methodist Estabrook Cancer Center

(402) 354-8124

(402) 593-3141 • Midwest Cancer Center Legacy (402) 334-4773

(402) 445-8010 • Plus, Fremont and West Point (402) 941-7030

Stephan D. Thomé, M.D. Peter M. Townley, M.D.

Congratulations Omaha North High Magnet Principal Gene Haynes

Congratulations

Heather Thomas was 9 in 1980 when she served as an honor page to Kimberly Skutt Davis, the 1979 queen. Honor pages are attendants to the new queen or the queen who is wrapping up her reign. Dr. Thomas now is a pediatric pulmonologist with the University of Nebraska Medical Center and Children’s Hospital & Medical Center.

Continuing the Ak-Sar-Ben tradition is Dr. Thomas’ 7-year-old daughter, Emma Duman, who will be an honor page and ring bearer to this year’s queen. Emma also is the daughter of Dr. Thomas’ husband, Leo Duman.

14W S u n day, S e p t em b er 2 5 , 2 0 1 1

Lindsey Todd Andersen, 21, is a daughter of David and Leslie Andersen. She is a political science and international studies major at the University of NebraskaLincoln and plans a May graduation.

Her father is executive vice president and chief operating officer of 21st Century Systems Inc. He serves on the board of trustees of the Strategic Air and Space Museum and has served on the board of the Nebraska chapter of the MS Society.

Leslie (Roe) Andersen is president and CEO of the Bank of Bennington. She is board chairman of Alegent Health Systems and is the board’s finance committee chairwoman. She is an executive committee member and government relations committee chairman of the American Bankers Association board of directors. She also serves on the Nebraska Economic Forecasting Board and is past chairman of the Nebraska Bankers Association.

The princess’s mother was a countess in 1983, the same year her father was an escort. He was also a page in 1968. Her sister, Katherine, was a page in 2008, and her brother, Robert, was a page in 2001. Her paternal grandfather, former World-Herald publisher Harold W. Andersen, was Ak-Sar-Ben king in 1983.

Chaele Anne Arkfeld, 21, is a daughter of Dr. Dean Arkfeld and Peggy Reinecke.

She is a public policy major at Duke University and expects to graduate in May. Her father is an ophthalmologist at ilumin. He is on the Radio Talking Book Network board and serves on the board of trustees and youth board of Countryside Community Church.

He is a member of the Metropolitan Omaha Medical Society and the American Society of Retina Specialists. He is a fellow with the American College of Surgeons.

Her mother is an artist and electronic media instructor at Metropolitan Community College.

She serves as a Nebraska Arts Council resident artist in schools.

Arkfeld and her brother, Christopher, were pages.

Her sister, Tanin, was a princess.

Mary Margaret Braun, 21, is the daughter of Robert Braun and Mary Heng Braun. She is majoring in preprofessional sciences and international peace studies at Notre Dame and expects to graduate next spring.

Her father is vice president of Lozier Corp. and executive director of the Lozier Foundation. He serves on the board of Children’s Square USA, Durham Museum, Metro Area Continuum of Care for the Homeless and the Hospice House. He is on the services committee of the Omaha Salvation Army and has been president of the Omaha Hearing School.

OMAHA WORLD-HERALD

Her mother is a private philanthropy consultant.

She is a founding member of the National Network of Consultants to Grantmakers and the founding president of the Omaha Network.

She remains a member of those groups. She also is a founding board member of the Latina Resource Center. She was founding CEO of the Women’s Fund of Greater Omaha and has been donor services director for the Omaha Community Foundation.

Braun’s brother, Alex, was a page and escort, and her brother Robert was a page. Her father was a page, escort and Floor Committee member. Her aunt, Barbara Braun Wierzynski, was a page and princess. Her paternal grandmother, Lois Lane Braun, was a princess. And her great-grandfather, W.D. Lane, was Ak-Sar-Ben king in 1948.

Katie Marie Carlson, 21, is the daughter of Scott and Anne Carlson. She is to graduate from Creighton University in May with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.

Alison Rose Coyle, 21, is the daughter of Michael Coyle and Pamela Bloch. She expects to graduate from the University of Kansas next May with an English degree.

Her father is a partner in the Fraser Stryker law firm. He serves on the St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church parish council and is a member of the International Society of Barristers. He has been president of the Westside Community Council, has served on the St. Vincent de Paul board and has served on the Boy Scouts of America board of trustees.

Her mother is an attorney with the Curley Law Office. She serves on the board of the Intercultural Senior Center, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands and the Westside Athletic Club. She is an advisor-mentor at Asylumlaw.org.

Coyle’s brother, Daniel, was a page in 2002, and her father has served on the Floor Committee.

Her father is CEO of Westin Inc. He is a University of Nebraska Foundation trustee and serves on the boards of Bellevue University, Aaron Industries (based in Clinton, S.C.), Creighton University Jaybackers and Boys Town Boosters. He has served on the board of Children’s Hospital & Medical Center.

Anne (Murphy) Carlson is an NU Foundation trustee, volunteers at Alegent Lakeside Hospital and serves on the funeral committee of St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church.

Carlson’s brothers were all escorts — Mark in 2005, Michael in 2007 and Timothy in 2008.

Lauren Marie Chisholm, 21, is the daughter of John and Amy Chisholm. She expects to graduate in May from the University of Kansas.

Her father is owner of Rigel Airport Services. He serves on the board of the Nebraska chapter of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and is a past honorary chairman; is on the Creighton University Jaybackers board and is past president; and has served as chairman of the Omaha Airport Authority board and the Nebraska Restaurant Association board. He has served on the Share Our Strength board, among other community activities.

Amy (O’Connor) Chisholm is development director at Project Harmony Child Protection Center. She has had roles in the Creighton University Silent Auction, the Merrymakers Roast, Girls Inc. Girls Night Out, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Diamonds and Decadence fundraiser, the Habitat for Humanity Women Build Luncheon and Christ Child Society events.

Chisholm’s brother, Scott, was a standard bearer in 2003 and an escort in 2008. Her mother has served on the Women’s Ball Committee.

Julia Mary Fischer, 21, is a daughter of Michael and Ann Fischer. She expects to graduate from UNL next spring with a degree in interior design.

Cancer Institute.

Her father is vice president of sales and alliances for Sirius Computer Solutions.

He serves on the board of the Dobleman Head and Neck

Ann (Batie) Fischer does volunteer work for Children’s Hospital, the Stephen Center, the Omaha Symphony and the Child Saving Institute, among other organizations.

Stephanie Jo Foley, 22, is a daughter of A. Michael and Donna Foley. She expects to graduate next May from Dominican University with a degree in apparel design and merchandising.

Her father is a client executive with Marsh U.S. Consumer.

He is president of Ignatian Associates, has been co-chairman of Duchesne Academy’s Conge fundraiser and has been active in the St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church parish.

Donna (Dieter) Foley has had many roles, including president, with the Omaha Symphony Guild. She is a member of Ignatian Associates and of the Creighton University Medical Center Service League. She has been president of the Duchesne Parent Association.

The princess’ sister, Laura, was a princess in 2008. Her uncles, John C. Foley and Thomas T. Foley, were escorts. Her aunts, Ann Marie Abboud and Suzanne Foley Jones, were princesses. Her grandmother, Catherine Ann Coad Foley, was queen in 1948. Catherine’s parents, Art and Mae Coad, were ardent supporters of the Ak-Sar-Ben mission.

Abigail Frances Greene, 21, is the daughter of Earl and Barbara Greene. She has majors in international business and Spanish at UNL and expects to graduate next spring.

Her father is a lawyer at Woodke and Gibbons. He is a Boy Scout scoutmaster and has been a cubmaster.

He also has served on Christ the King Catholic Church’s parish council.

Barbara (Fiala) Greene is a director’s assistant at Merrill Lynch. She is decorations chairwoman for this year’s Omaha Symphony Debutante Ball and has been reservations chairwoman the past two years. She is involved with Christ Child Society and PEO and has had committee roles with Creighton Prep Bash and MarianFEST. Her roles with Opera Omaha have included cotillion co-chairwoman.

The princess’s brother, Isaac, was a page.

Alyssa Avery Hale, 21, is the daughter of James and Laura Hale. She expects to graduate from Creighton next spring with a nursing degree.

Her father was a Union Pacific executive before his retirement. He served as chairman of the Accounting Advisory Board at Creighton University. He also has served on the Accounting Advisory Board at Kansas State University and the Community Advisory Board for the Department of Professional Accounting at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. He has been Creighton Prep Bash chairman and is a member of the Madonna Foundation board of directors.

Laura (Slatinsky) Hale works in fine jewelry sales at 14 Karat. She serves on the Heartland Family Service and Nebraska Humane Society Guild boards. She has been president of the Lauritzen Garden Guild. She also has been gala chairwoman of events benefiting Heartland Family Service, Opera Omaha, the Rose Theater, Junior League of Omaha, Lauritzen Gardens and Millard North High School. She is a Junior League of Omaha sustainer and has been Make-A-Wish Silent Auction co-chairwoman.

Hale was a page in 1997. Her brother, Alexander, was a page in 1994 and an escort in 2007. Her mother has served as page chairwoman and scholarship chairwoman on the Women’s Ball Committee.

OMAHA WORLD-HERALD

Katherine Anne Hedgpeth, 21, is a daughter of James and Cristy Hedgpeth. She expects to graduate from Iowa State University next spring with a degree in early childhood education. She has also attended the University of Cardiff.

Her father is vice president and director of operations at Leo A Daly Co. He serves on the Architectural Engineering Industry Advisory Committee at UNL’s Durham School of Architectural Engineering and Construction and also on the Professional Advisory Committee at UNL. He is the safety director for Bicycle Ride Across Nebraska, is on the Camp Fire USA board of trustees and has been the chairman of deacons at Countryside Community Church.

Cristy (Clarke) Hedgpeth is chairman of the Salvation Army Auxiliary’s Tasting Buffet this year and is president-elect of the National Society of the Colonial Dames in the State of Nebraska.

She has had various roles in the Omaha Symphony Guild’s Debutante Ball Committee.

She has been president of Durham Museum’s On Track Guild and of Friends of the Omaha Zoo. She has served on the board of the Joslyn Art Museum Association. She is also active in Countryside Community Church.

Hedgpeth’s sister, Alexandra, was a page in 1996. Her mother was a page and a princess, and she has been active in Ak-Sar-Ben Friends.

Her father served on the Floor Committee. Her grandmother, Sally Searle Clarke, was a princess.

Her grandfather, Robert L. Clarke, was an escort.

And her great-grandmother, Mona Kloke Clarke, was an Ak-Sar-Ben duchess (a predecessor to the countess and princess titles).

Roslyn Coyle Hershiser, 21, is a daughter of David and Margaret Hershiser. She expects to graduate from St. Louis University next spring with a degree in business administration.

Her father is vice president and chief financial officer of Omaha Steaks. He serves as chairman of the St. Vincent de Paul Parish endowment investment committee and of the Marian High School golf tournament committee. He has served on the board of the West Omaha Rotary Club.

Margaret (Coyle) Hershiser is an attorney and shareholder at the Koley Jessen law firm. She is a board member of Completely Kids. She has been a board chairman at Marian High School and at St. Vincent de Paul School.

S u n day, S e p t em b er 2 5 , 2 0 1 1

Kelly Marie Howard, 21, is the daughter of Robert Howard and Kayla Howard.

She is majoring in kinesiologymovement science at Texas Christian University and expects to graduate next spring.

Her father is first vice president for wealth management at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney. He is a trustee of the Robert H. Storz Foundation and is director and past chairman of the Clarkson College board. He is director and treasurer of the Clarkson Regional Health Services board and of the Bellevue University Board. He is a trustee and executive committee member of the Mid-America Council of the Boy Scouts of America. He also is a board member and trustee of the Strategic Air and Space Museum.

Kayla (Kravchuk) Howard is a member of the board of the Clarkson Service League, where she has served in roles such as vice president and treasurer. She also is a board member for the Westside Community Foundation and the William and Ruth Scott Family Foundation. She is past president of Make-A-Wish Friends Council.

She is a member of the guilds of Boys & Girls Clubs of Omaha, the Durham Museum, Heartland Family Service, Omaha Children’s Museum and Nebraska Humane Society. She has been a volunteer for Kicks for a Cure, Nebraska Polio Survivors Association, Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure and Westside High School.

Howard was a page in 1998. Her brother, Todd, was a page in 1996. Her father was a page and an escort and served on the Floor Committee.

Her aunt, Diane Howard Higgins, was a page, and was a princess and queen in 1978. Her aunt, Judy Howard Woods, was a page and princess.

Her grandmother, Susan Storz Butler, was a page, and princess and queen in 1949. Her greatgrandfather, Robert H. Storz, was king in 1957.

Kia Alexis Igel, 21, is the daughter of Dr. Kort Igel and Diane Whitted. She is majoring in advertising/public relations at TCU and expects to graduate next spring.

Diane (Schlake) Whitted is a guest teacher with Westside Community Schools. She is on the Omaha Symphony Debutante Ball Committee.

She has been treasurer of the boards of Habitat for Humanity of Omaha Friends, Omaha Community Playhouse Act II, the Omaha Symphony Guild and Friends of the Omaha Zoo. Her stepfather, Dr. Peter Whitted, is an ophthalmologist and partner with Midwest Eye Care. He is a member and past president, among other roles, on the Metro Omaha Medical Society Executive Board. He is chairman-elect of the executive committee of the NU Foundation board.

He is medical director of the Nebraska Lions Eye Bank board and serves on the American Academy of Ophthalmology board. He has served on the Nebraska Medical Association executive board and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society board.

He serves as a volunteer ophthalmologist and former board member of Hope Medical Outreach Coalition and Prevent Blindness of Nebraska.

Igel’s father is an orthodontist. The princess’ stepmother is Marie Igel.

The princess was a page in 1997. Her mother serves on the Ak-Sar-Ben Friends board as treasurer and has served on the Women’s Ball Committee. Her stepfather was an escort and served on the Floor Committee. Her stepbrother, Jacob Whitted, was a page and, in 2006, an escort. Her stepsister, Alexis Whitted, was a page and, in 2003, a princess.

Mary Catherine Landen, 21, is a daughter of C.L. and Patty Landen. She attends the University of St. Thomas, where her major is business finance.

Her father is senior executive vice president at Security National Bank and president of the Security National Bank Holding Co. He also is president of the Landen Foundation. He serves on the boards of the Nebraska Bankers Association, Nebraska Methodist Hospital and Nebraska College of Nursing. He also is involved in the capital campaign of the United Way of the Midlands.

Patty (DiBaise) Landen is founder and owner of Kaluke Sales and Custom Printing. She is on the board of the Clarkson Service League and the Munroe Meyer Big Splash planning committee.

She is a volunteer and past board member with the Omaha Symphony Guild and is a member of the Uta Halee Girls Village Jingle Team. She has been president of the College of St. Mary Women’s Council, a YWCA board member and a Camp Fire USA board member.

Landen’s brother, Louis, was a page and train bearer to king Bruce Lauritzen in 2001. Her sister, Kelly, was page and train bearer to queen Kathryn Hawkins in 2003. Her father serves on the Ak-Sar-Ben Board of Governors. Her aunt, Shirley Huerter, was queen in 1977. Her aunt, Nancy Kerr, was a page and princess. Her uncles, Jim and Michael Landen, were pages and escorts. Her grandmother, Mary Landen, received Court of Honor recognition in 1996. And her great-grandfather, Clarence Landen, was king in 1953.

Ana Therese Lopez, 21, is the daughter of Rodrigo and Mary Lopez. She is an English and theology major at Boston College and expects to graduate next May. Her father is president and CEO of AmeriSphere. He is on the boards of Children’s Hospital and the Mortgage Bankers Association. He serves on the executive committee and board of directors of the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce. He has been a board member of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City and of the Camp Fire USA Midlands Council. He serves on the NU Foundation “Campaign for Nebraska” Steering Committee for UNO and also on the University of Nebraska President’s Advisory Council.

Mary (Wunder) Lopez is career services director in the School of Public Administration at UNO.

15W

She serves on the executive committee and board of directors of the United Way of the Midlands and on the United Way Women’s Leadership Council. She also serves on the Munroe-Meyer Institute board and has been a board member and secretary of the Omaha Public Library Foundation. She serves on the advisory board of the Public Administration Graduate Organization and the Behavioral Health Education Center of Nebraska.

Lopez was a page in 1997. Her brother, David, was a page in 1994.

Lauren Elizabeth Lubeck, 21, is a daughter of Larry and Kimberly Lubeck. She expects to graduate next spring from Miami University in Ohio with a degree in management information systems.

Her father is president and CEO of Quality Pork International. He served on the executive committee of the Luis Palau Heartland Festival and is on the Creighton Prep parents board. He has been on the board of UNeMed Corp., HKS Systems and Fontenelle Forest. He has been an elder, among other roles, at Covenant Presbyterian Church Kimberly (Jensen) Lubeck is Omaha Symphony Debutante Ball Committee treasurer and associate chairwoman. She serves on the boards of Heartland Family Service and the Omaha Library Foundation. She has been a Friends of Lied board member and served on the executive committee for the Luis Palau Heartland Festival.

She has been active in events at Creighton Prep and Omaha Marion.

The princess’s brother, Grant, was a page in 2000. Her sister, Morgan, was a page in 2003.

Allison Anne McGillick, 22, is a daughter of Michael and Susan McGillick. She expects to graduate from Clemson University next May with an accounting degree.

Her father is president and managing partner of Essex Corp. He has been a soccer coach with Omaha Gladiator, Millard Star and Fort Collins Soccer Clubs.

Susan (Wikert) McGillick is owner of MAKE Event Planning. She serves on the governing board of Planned Parenthood of the Heartland, was general chairwoman of the group’s 75th Anniversary Gala and was a delegate at the 2010 National Planned Parenthood Convention.

She serves on the Family Service Gala Silent Auction Committee. Her roles with the Omaha Symphony Debutante Ball Committee have included presentation chairwoman. She has been president of the Make-A-Wish Friends Council and was chairwoman of auction signage at the 2011 Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Gala.

She also is a deacon at Countryside Community Church.

The princess’s three sisters — Erica, Katie and Molly — were pages in 2001. Her mother is on the Women’s Ball Committee.

16W S u n day, S e p t em b er 2 5 , 2 0 1 1

OMAHA WORLD-HERALD

, 21, is the daughter of Jeff and Beth Moberg. She expects to graduate in December from Iowa State University, where her major is apparel merchandising, design and production.

Catholic Charities board. She is a board member of the Werner Institute at the Creighton School of Law and of the Omaha Law League. She is secretary of the Omaha Bar Association. She has been a board member of Christ the King Education Trust and president of Christ the King Parents Club.

Emily Anne Singer, 21, is a daughter of Dr. William and Lynette Singer. She is to graduate from the University of Notre Dame next spring with a Bachelor of Arts in political science and psychology.

Her father is owner of House of Mufflers & Brakes. He and his wife are on the American Cancer Society 2012 Gala Planning Committee and have been MarianFEST co-chairmen.

Carly Renee Pohlman, 21, is a daughter of Craig and Jane Pohlman. She expects to graduate from Creighton next spring with a degree in finance. She also attended UNL.

Her father is an orthopedic surgeon at OrthoWest. He is vice chairman of the board and a co-founder of the Nebraska Orthopaedic Hospital. He serves on the boards of Tetrad Holdings Co. and the Suzanne and Walter Scott Foundation. He is team physician for the Justin Sports Medicine Program and the associate team physician with the UNO Mavericks and Bellevue University Bruins. He has served on the board of trustees of the Boy Scouts’ Mid-America Council and the Joslyn Art Museum Association board.

Beth (Lauer) Moberg is president of the Heart Ministry Center board. She is a board member and past president of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Omaha. She is a board member and development committee member of C.U.E.S., the fundraising arm of Sacred Heart School.

Moberg’s great-grandparents, Herb and Edna Moberg, received the Ak-Sar-Ben Pioneer Farm Family Award.

Megan McShane Mullin, 21, is a daughter of Michael and Joani Mullin. She expects to graduate next May from Creighton with a nursing degree.

Her father is a mediation attorney at Kutak Rock. He serves on the Nebraska State Bar Foundation board of directors and is secretary of the Nebraska Office of Dispute Resolution. He is a member of the Nebraska State Bar Association House of Delegates. He has been president of the Omaha Bar Association and serves on the group’s long-range planning committee. He serves on the advisory board of the Werner Institute for Negotiation and Dispute Resolution.

He is the only Nebraskan in the American College of Civil Trial Mediators. He is a member of the St. Margaret Mary Parish finance committee and has been president of the Omaha Children’s Museum board.

Joani (Tiedeman) Mullin is general chairwoman for this year’s Creighton Prep Bash and cochairman of this year’s Lauritzen Gardens Antique & Garden Show. She and her husband have been chairmen of Creighton University’s Jaybacker Jamboree. She also has been active with the Omaha Symphony Debutante Ball, the Joslyn Art Museum Association, the Omaha Performing Arts Presenters Guild, Project Harmony, Heartland Family Service, Sacred Heart School, the Omaha Law League, the Clarkson Service League and the Arthritis Foundation.

The princess’ sister, Kelly, was a page and a princess. Her sister, Melissa, was a princess. Her brother, Matthew, was a page. Her mother is a past chairwoman of the Women’s Ball Committee.

Her father was a page and an escort.

Patricia Anne O’Brien, 21, is a daughter of Anne Marie O’Brien and the late Michael O’Brien. She is majoring in special education and elementary education at UNL. Anne Marie (Broghammer) O’Brien is a partner in the Lamson, Dugan and Murray law firm. She is a member and past president of the

Her father is owner of TSA Manufacturing, Lincoln Stars Hockey Team and Carttrac GPS Systems. He is on the Omaha Football Club board. He has been president of Merrymakers Association and of the Millard Star Soccer Association. He also has been president of Oak Hills Country Club.

Jane (Deeter) Pohlman has been chairwoman of numerous golf championships and fundraising golf tournaments, including those for Boys and Girls Club Inc., American Cancer Society and Children’s Hospital. She serves on the boards of the Nebraska Golf Hall of Fame and the Nebraska Cox Classic. She is involved in the Hogan’s Heroes golf program, has been assistant golf coach at Millard South High School and has been president of the Nebraska Women’s Golf Association. She started the Angels Among Us Guild and serves as president. She serves on the Joslyn Art Museum Association board, is chairman of the 2011 Kicks for Cure dinner and has served on the Omaha Symphony Debutante Ball Committee. She has been president of the Camp Fire USA Guild.

The princess was a page in 1999. Her sisters were princesses — Angela in 2006 and Stephanie in 2008. Their father served on the Floor Committee for six years.

Maria Anna-Rose Selde, 21, is the daughter of William and Susan Selde.

She expects to graduate from Saint Joseph University next spring with a degree in international relations.

Her father is a lawyer at Sodoro, Daly and Sodoro.

He is a member of the Defense Research Institute and has been involved in events at Duchesne Academy and Creighton Prep. Selde and his wife have been co-presidents of the University of Nebraska College of Medicine Parents and Family Association.

Susan (Sodoro) Selde is an academic success coordinator at the Creighton University School of Nursing. She has been a board member for Restored Hope transitional living program and for Computers for Africa. She also has been a TeamMates mentor and served on the Mary Our Queen parish council.

Selde’s brothers were all escorts — William in 2005, Joseph in 2007 and Steven in 2010. Her mother has been president of the Ak-Sar-Ben Friends board, among other roles with the group.

Lynette (Loseke) Singer is involved with sales and marketing for Moody Girl Salsa. Her philanthropic work has benefited the NU Medical Center’s Polo for Patients program, the Omaha Children’s Museum and other organizations. She has served on the boards of the Douglas County Fair and the Heartland Equine Therapeutic Riding Academy.

The princess’ sister Suzanne was a page in 1996 and queen of Ak-Sar-Ben in 2010. Her sister Sarah was a page. Her mother helped create the Buckaroo Bash to support the Ak-SarBen River City Rodeo and Stock Show, serves on the River City Rodeo board and is involved with the Ak-Sar-Ben Purple Ribbon Auction, among her other Ak-Sar-Ben roles. Her father was an escort and served on the Floor Committee. He also is medical director of the rodeo. Among the princess’s other relatives who have had roles in Ak-Sar-Ben: her grandmother, Suzanne Scott, was chairwoman of the Women’s Ball Committee in 1977 and was inducted into the Court of Honor in 1998; and her grandfather, Walter Scott, was king in 1988 and chairman of the Ak-Sar-Ben Board of Governors. The Loseke family was named a Pioneer Farm Family in 1972 and has volunteered for many years with the rodeo.

Shannon Elizabeth Stemm, 21, is a daughter of Dr. Richard Stemm and Cynthia Leiferman. She attends Iowa State University, where her majors are communication and textiles and clothing, and expects to graduate next spring. She also has studied at Swansea University in Wales.

Cynthia (Jones) Leiferman last year was cochairwoman of the Girls Inc. “Girls Night Out” fundraiser, chairwoman of the Kicks for a Cure Dinner, reservations chairwoman for the YWCA Gala and co-chairwoman of Camp Fire USA’s “Pinot, Pigs & Poets” fundraiser. She has been involved in events for Habitat for Humanity, Lauritzen Gardens, Project Harmony, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Share Our Strength, Westside Community Schools, TeamMates and the Nebraska Children’s Home Society. She has served on the boards of the Nebraska Humane Society, Catholic Charities Service League and Joslyn Art Museum. She has been chairman of the Omaha Symphony Debutante Ball Committee and has been president of the Camp Fire USA Midlands Council.

Her stepfather, Brian Leiferman, is vice president of private banking and wealth management for Mutual of Omaha Bank.

Her father is a retired ear, nose and throat physician. Her stepmother is Kathryn Stemm.

Stemm’s brother, Rich, was an escort. Her brother, Rob, was a page and an escort. Her sister, Kaitlin, was a page and a princess. Her brother, Brian Leiferman, was a page. Her mother has served on the Women’s Ball Committee.

Ainsley Elizabeth Thedinger, 21, is the daughter of Britt and Kelly Thedinger. She expects to graduate from Fordham University next spring with a business degree.

Her father is a physician with Ear Specialists of Omaha.

He serves on the board of the Omaha Hearing School and has been board president. He is also a board member and past board president of the Metropolitan Omaha Medical Association.

He serves on the boards of Catholic Charities, Omaha Jesuit Partnership, Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce, Nebraska Medical Association and Duchesne Academy.

Kelly (Ketchum) Thedinger is a board member and past board president of the Joslyn Art Museum Association and has twice been Joslyn Gala co-chairwoman. She also serves on the boards of the Omaha Symphony and MOMS Foundation.

The Thedingers have been chairmen of the Catholic Outreach for Education “East Side Story” benefit and of a Society of Jesus Benefit Dinner.

The princess was a page in 1998. Her brother, Britt, was a page in 1996 and an escort in 2009. Her brother, William, was a page in 2000.

Her mother is a member of the Women’s Ball Committee. Her father served on the Floor Committee for many years.

Hillary Jane Vrana, 21, is the daughter of Charles and Jan Vrana. She expects to graduate from UNL next spring with a degree in advertising and communication studies.

She has also attended Rollins College and the University of Colorado at Boulder.

Her father is president of Charles Vrana and Son Construction Co. He serves on the BrownellTalbot board of trustees and is past president; he also had a leading role in a Brownell-Talbot capital campaign. He has served on the board of Second Church of Christ, Scientist.

Jan (Seitz) Vrana is a blogger at the French Tangerine. She was live auction chairwoman for the Brownell-Talbot School Gala this year and in previous years and has had other roles with the gala. Her roles at the Lauritzen Gardens Antique & Garden Show have included preview party chairwoman and reservations chairwoman.

She has served on the executive committee of the Joslyn Art Museum Association, among other roles with the group. She has been teacher appreciation chairwoman for Westside Community Schools.

Vrana’s brother, Charles, was a page in 2001. Her father has served on the Floor Committee.

OMAHA WORLD-HERALD

Margaret Abbott, 21, is a daughter of Michael and Pam Abbott of Ogallala. She has a double major in economics and history at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and plans a May graduation.

Her father, a cattle rancher, is president of Abbott Cattle Co. in Cherry County. He is a member of the Nebraska Cattlemen’s Association and the Independent Cattlemen of Nebraska. He has served on the nominating committee of Farm Credit Services of America and has been president of the Keith County 4-H Council.

Pam (Gulden) Abbott is a reading teacher at Ogallala Public Schools and a cattle rancher.

She holds the community support/endowment chair of the Keith County Community Foundation and is on the events committee. She has held various officer positions with PEO. She is a member of the Sandhills division of the Nebraska Reading Council and the International Reading Association. She serves on the board of the Arteburn Youth Center.

The princess’s brother, Harrison, was an escort in 2010. An aunt, Helen Abbott Feller, was a princess in 1977. Her grandparents, Arthur and Patricia Abbott, were actively involved in AkSar-Ben thoroughbred horse racing, serving on numerous boards in the horse-racing community.

Anna Marie Bellino, 21, is the daughter of Don and Valerie Bellino of Papillion.

She is a finance and marketing major at Creighton University and expects to graduate in May. Her father and mother, Valerie (Mann) Bellino, own Bellino Enterprises, which includes Bellino Fireworks, Cornhusker Cab, Safeway Cabs, Players Keno and Bellino Properties. The Bellinos are members of the La Vista, Ralston and Sarpy County Chamber of Commerce. They are supporters of the La Vista Community Foundation and are sponsors of the annual City of La Vista and Papillion fireworks displays. They also sponsor Creighton University baseball fireworks displays at TD Ameritrade Park.

The princess’s father is a founding member and director of the Nebraska Midget Football League and is president and youth coach of Papillion Spirit Youth Football. He is past vice president of the Nebraska Retail Fireworks Association.

He also is a member of the 4th District Court of Appeals Judicial Nominating Commission and a member of the Sarpy County Hospital Authority.

The princess’s brother, Vincent, was an escort in 2009.

Anna Caroline Brinkman, 21, is the daughter of Barthold Brinkman of Shickley and Patricia Falter of Lincoln.

She is majoring in textile, clothing and design at UNL and expects to graduate in May with a degree in merchandising.

S u n day, S e p t em b er 2 5 , 2 0 1 1

Her father is the owner of Walter Insurance Inc. He serves on the administrative council of the Shickley United Methodist Church, is commander of the Shickley Sons of the American Legion and serves on the Shickley Community Foundation.

He is past president and member of the Geneva Rotary Club. He served on the Shickley School Board and the Shickley Community Improvement committee.

Her mother, Patricia (Rosenau) Falter, is a dental hygienist for Rosenau Family Dentistry and an orofacial myologist and owner of Nebraska Myofunctional Therapy. She is president-elect of the Nebraska Dental Hygienists Association and serves on the executive board of the Nebraska Rural Health Association. She is a past examiner for the American Association of Dental Examiners. She served as an organist, soloist and choir director at Shickley United Methodist Church. She has served as an officer of PEO and a delegate of the Fillmore County Republicans.

Her stepfather, Barry Falter, owns Falter Wealth Management.

Her stepmother, Mary Brinkman, is office manager for University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension in Fillmore County.

The princess’s sister, Arielle, was a Heartland princess in 2010. Pamela Lee Rosenau Fleury, a maternal aunt of the princess, was a countess in 1981.

Kara Elizabeth Brostrom, 21, is the daughter of Kevin and Beverly Brostrom of Grand Island. She is a political science and psychology major at UNL and is working toward a Bachelor of Arts degree.

Her father is an attorney with Lauritsen Brownell Brostrom & Stehlik. He is the secretary of the Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission and a director of the Central Community College Foundation. He has been president of the Grand Island Board of Education, president of the Grand Island Area United Way and director of the Grand Island Area Chamber of Commerce.

Beverly (Kile) Brostrom is an elementary school teacher for Grand Island Public Schools. She is an elder with the First Presbyterian Church in Grand Island, serves on the church’s personnel committee and has served on the finance committee. She has served on the Nebraska Professional Practices Commission and on the YWCA board.

Ainsley Ellen Chapman, 21, is the daughter of Jeff and Melissa Dean of Pacific Junction, Iowa. She is a journalism major at Iowa State University and expects to graduate in May with a degree in mass communication.

Her father is a member of the Mills County Fair Board.

Melissa (Winey) Dean is a member of the Iowa YMCA Swimming Executive Committee, the Mills Masquers Theatre Board and the Clarkson Service League.

Chapman’s father was an escort in 1978-80 and is a member of the Ak-Sar-Ben Rodeo Committee.

Her mother serves as an Ak-Sar-Ben Rodeo volunteer. Her aunt, Martha Dean Winum, was a countess in 1977.

Jennifer Sue Dannehl, 21, is the daughter of Michael and Linda Dannehl of Bertrand. She expects to graduate from UNL in May with a degree in agricultural economics.

Her father is a farmerrancher. He is president of the Bertrand Community School Board of Education and serves on the Village of Bertrand Charitable Fund Board.

Linda (Edwards) Dannehl is an extension assistant at UNL Extension in Phelps County.

She is a member of the Reflections community service organization, the South Central 4-H Camp Board and the Phelps County 4-H Foundation Board.

Dannehl’s brother, Jeff, was an escort in 2007.

Madeline Kitt Henning, 21, is a daughter of Thomas and Candy Henning of Lincoln.

She expects to graduate from UNL in May with a degree in business administration.

Her father is chairman, president and CEO of Assurity Life Insurance Co. He is chairman-elect of the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce.

He also serves on the board of directors for the American Council of Life Insurers, the steering committee of Lincoln’s Vision 2015, the governing board of the Nebraska Innovation Campus, the board of directors of Nelnet, the advisory board of Lincoln Industries and the board of directors of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Topeka.

Candy (Kitt) Henning is a broadcast representative at Candy Henning Co. She is president of the Sheldon Art Association. She also is secretary of the Lincoln Community Foundation board of directors. She serves on the board of directors of the Cornhusker Chapter of the Red Cross, on the Mayor’s Public Art Committee, on the Nebraska State Historical Society Board of Trustees and on the Women in Philanthropy Subcommittee of the University of Nebraska Foundation.

The princess’s sister, Cassandra, was a Heartland countess in 2007 and a page in 1994.

Brooke Ann Herbig, 21, is the daughter of Michael and Ann Herbig of Central City. She is majoring in public relations and tourism at UNL and expects to graduate in May. Her father is president and CEO of Herbig Enterprises.

He serves on the Central City Area Chamber of Commerce, where he has had many roles. He is active in the United Methodist Church and is a member of the

17W

Aurora Co-op and Farmers Without Borders.

Ann (Conner) Herbig is vice president of Herbig Enterprises and is president of her PEO chapter.

She has been vice president of the UNL Parents Group, a Harvest of Harmony Queen judge and a 4-H leader. She also started the first food pantry in Merrick County. She co-founded the Christmas of Sharing program in Central City and is a United Way volunteer. She also is a TeamMates mentor.

Herbig’s brother, Kristopher, is a Heartland escort this year. Their parents have been involved in Friends of Ak-Sar-Ben. Their mother has been an Ak-Sar-Ben ambassador and has been honored with an Ak-Sar-Ben Outstanding Service Award. A great-grandmother, Sophie Sobotka, received the Ak-Sar-Ben Good Neighbor Award in 1977.

Suzanne Jane Higgins, 21, is a daughter of John and Dr. Karen Higgins of Grand Island. She is a biosystems engineering major at UNL and expects to graduate next May. Her father is a partner in the Huston & Higgins law firm. He has been a member of the Nebraska State Bar Association House of Delegates, has served as president of the Nebraska Lawyers Trust Account Foundation, as president of the Nebraska Council of School Attorneys and as chairman of the Nebraska State Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Project. He is a fellow of the Nebraska Bar Foundation.

Dr. Karen (Martinson) Higgins is a pediatrician at Grand Island Clinic. She is a physician member on the Nebraska Board of Medical Examiners and a past president of the Nebraska chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. She is a volunteer faculty member of the University of Nebraska Medical Center Department of Pediatrics and a staff member at St. Francis Medical Center. She is an elder in the Presbyterian Church.

Higgins’ sister, Christine, was a Heartland countess in 2004. Her brother, Jack, was a Heartland escort in 2007.

Sally Ann Ingham, 21, is a daughter of Drs. William and Nancy Ingham of Lincoln.

She expects to graduate next spring from Vanderbilt University with a degree in chemical engineering.

Her father is a physician with Radiology Associates. He is a managing partner with Advanced Medical Imaging and Radiology Associates, is a founding member of the Lincoln chapter of the Ohio State Alumni Association and is active at St. Mark United Methodist Church.

Dr. Nancy (Hummell) Ingham is a physician at LincCare Urgent Care. She is a past president and current member of the executive committee of the Lincoln Midwest Ballet Board. She has been a volunteer physician at the People’s City Mission and is a longtime volunteer physician at the Lincoln Marathon.

18W S u n day, S e p t em b er 2 5 , 2 0 1 1

, 21, is a daughter of Daniel Jaksich and Jayne Timmerman of Papillion. She expects to graduate from UNL next spring with a degree in business administration.

Her father is vice president and controller of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, a member of the Financial Executive Institute Marketing Association and is chairman of the endowment board at Trinity Lutheran Church in Papillion.

Her mother, a certified public accountant, does tax work at Frankel Zacharia. She is this year’s Heartland Family Service gala chairwoman, a past Heartland Guild president and past Heartland Friends board member. She is a member and past president of the Joslyn Art Museum Guild board. She has served as chairwoman of the Omaha Symphony Debutante Ball Committee.

She has had roles with the Durham Museum On Track executive board, the Omaha Community Playhouse Act II executive board and the PapillionLa Vista Schools Foundation Board.

Jaksich was a page in 1998.

Klaire Marie Jorgensen, 21, is the daughter of Kelvin and Marsha Jorgensen of Exeter. She expects to graduate from Kansas State University next May with a bachelor of science in agricultural economics.

Her father is senior vice president of Farmers & Merchants Bank in Milford and branch manager of the bank in Beaver Crossing. He is co-owner and operator of Jorgensen Farms and president of Jorgensen Co. Inc. Marsha (Uldrich) Jorgensen is co-owner and operator of Jorgensen Farms and secretary of Jorgensen Co. She is past president of the American Legion Auxiliary and of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs, among other roles.

She is Bloodmobile coordinator for the Geneva chapter of the American Red Cross and is involved with the York chapter of the TeamMates mentoring program.

Maternal great-great-grandparents of Jorgensen’s, Frank and Minnie Koahler, and maternal greatgrandparents, Frank and Hazel Uldrich, were honored as Ak-Sar-Ben Farm Families.

Casey Emily Lemke, 21, is the daughter of Todd and Sandy Lemke of Papillion and David and Dr. Tracey Gau of Denver. She will pursue an English degree this fall at the University of Denver

OMAHA WORLD-HERALD

on the Omaha Restaurant Week advisory board and is a membership sales volunteer for the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce.

Lemke’s mother is professor of English and course redesign specialist at the Center for Learning Enhancement, Assessment and Redesign at the University of North Texas.

Lemke was a page in 1999. Her brother, Chad Lemke, was a page in 2008. Her father’s contributions to the ball have been many. For many years he has donated the Ball Program distributed to attendees.

Lauren Kaye Lemke, 22, is a daughter of Dr. Luke and Kimberley Lemke of Columbus. She is a marketing major at UNL and expects to graduate next spring.

Her father is a family physician. He serves on the Columbus Hospital Foundation board of directors, is president of the board of a Youth for Christ chapter and is chairman of the Columbus Hospital Diabetic Education Committee. He has been chairman of the congregation of Peace Lutheran Church and the Nebraska Medical Association’s young physician of the year.

Kimberley (Schelkopf) Lemke, among other community activities, is president of her PEO chapter and serves on the board of the Lied Center.

Her brother, Taylor, was an escort in 2009.

Mallory Kay Marshall, 22, is a daughter of Miles and Brenda Marshall of Kearney.

She expects to graduate from Creighton University next spring with a degree in nursing.

Her father is president of Marshall Land Brokers & Auctioneers. He was co-chairman of the auction committee of the 2010 Nebraska Cattlemen’s Ball. He and his wife are co-chairmen of this year’s Kearney Catholic High School Foundation Gold Dinner and Auction, and he has been a board member of the Kearney Catholic High School Activities Association. He also has been secretary of the Nebraska Auctioneers Association Brenda (Megorden) Marshall is an auction cashier with Marshall Land Brokers & Auctioneers and a receptionist at St. James Catholic Church.

She is a board member of the Kearney Catholic High School Foundation and has been a board member with the Kearney Catholic High School Activities Association. She has held several positions with her PEO chapter, including president.

Conservation Service. He is a member and past president of the York Sunrise Sertoma Club and a council member at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church in York.

JoAnn (Vosicky) Norquest is a special education teacher at Epworth Village Learning Center in York. She is publicity chairman for this year’s York Adopt A Pet Fundraiser and is a Girls on the Run coach. She has helped with the York General Hospital Health Care Gala, serving a term as gala chairman. She also serves on the York General Hospital Health Care Auxiliary.

Norquest’s sister, Michele, was a Heartland princess in 2009. The Norquest family was named an Ak-Sar-Ben Centennial Pioneer Family in 1979.

Jane Marie cook Schiermeyer, 21, is a daughter of Bradford and Dr. Brenda Schiermeyer of Fremont. She graduated summa cum laude in May from the University of Minnesota with a Bachelor of Arts degree.

Her father is chief operations officer at Christensen Corp.

He is a member of Friends of Keene Memorial Library and Rotary Club International.

Dr. Brenda (Schnebel) Schiermeyer is a German instructor at Fremont High School. She is a member of the Kaplan University board, PEO, Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society in the field of education and the Phi Delta Kappa Professional Education Association.

Her paternal grandfather, Jerry Schiermeyer, was an Ak-Sar-Ben councillor in 1981-85.

Alison Marie Seberger, 21, is a daughter of Alan and Catherine Seberger of Lexington. She expects to graduate from the University of Nebraska at Kearney next May with a Bachelor of Science in biology.

Her father is owner and operator of Broken Bar Inc., a cow-calf operation. He has been a member of the Lexington Booster Club board.

Catherine (Post) Seberger is an insurance agent with Doran Post & Associates. She has been secretary of the Lexington Booster Club, has been president of her PEO chapter and has been treasurer of Dawson County District 17 School Board.

Seberger’s aunt, Mimi Gleason, is the 2011 Royal Court couturier. Her uncle, Jeff Post, is a past chairman of the Ak-Sar-Ben Floor Committee.

Both sides of her family have been recognized with the Ak-Sar-Ben Pioneer Farm Family Award.

Her father is owner of Omaha Publications. He is a member of the Suburban Rotary Club and serves on the boards of directors of the Omaha and Council Bluffs branches of the International Wine and Food Society.

Sarah Elizabeth Norquest, 21, is a daughter of Kent and JoAnn Norquest of York. She expects to graduate from UNL next spring with a degree in interior design.

MaryRuth Sunderman, 21, is the daughter of Lynn and Sarah Sunderman of Lincoln.

She expects to graduate from Nebraska Wesleyan University next May with a Bachelor of Arts in history.

Her stepmother is editor of Her Magazine and city editor of Omaha Magazine. She serves on the board of the Council Bluffs branch of the International Wine and Food Society. She also is

Her father is a resource conservationist with the U.S. Agriculture Department’s Natural Resources

Her father is vice president of Duteau Chevrolet Subaru.

He is chairman of the Lincoln Planning Commission and

an alumnus of Leadership Lincoln. He also is president of Friendship Home.

Sarah (Minnick) Sunderman is a receptionist at Behavioral Pediatrics and Family Therapy Program. She is a member of the Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center and the Sheldon Museum of Art. Elizabeth Sutton, 21, is a daughter of Drs. Gregory and Margaret Sutton of Lincoln.

She attends UNL, where her majors are pre-med and international studies. She expects to get her degree next May. Her father is a physician and managing partner at Eye Surgical Associates. He serves on the Lincoln Surgical Hospital board and is a University of Nebraska Foundation trustee.

Dr. Margaret (Kontras) Sutton is a physician at Sutton Ryan Dermatology. She serves as a trustee for the Community Health Endowment of Lincoln, Lincoln Symphony Foundation and NU Foundation. She also is on the Lincoln Surgical Hospital board.

The princess’ sisters were also princesses, Leigh in 2007 and Stephanie in 2009.

Lauren Elizabeth Waller, 23, is the daughter of Dr. Steven and Jessie Waller of Lincoln. She has a bachelor’s degree from UNL and is a manager in training at Union Station Hotel in Nashville, Tenn.

Her father is dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources at UNL. He is on the board of directors of Lincoln TeamMates and the Nebraska Foundation for Agricultural Awareness and has served on the boards of the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum, the Nebraska LEAD Program and the Nebraska FFA Foundation.

Jessie (Simone) Waller is director of retirement plans marketing at Ameritas Retirement Plans, a division of Ameritas Life Insurance Corp. She is on the board of the Lincoln Civic Choir, volunteers with United Way Women in Philanthropy and is scholarship chairman of the LOMA Society of Nebraska. She is treasurer and past president of Beta Alpha Chapter of Alpha Gamma Delta House Association.

Lauren Elizabeth Weber, 21, is the daughter of Dr. Scott and Mary Weber of Ogallala. She is studying biology at UNL and expects to graduate next May. Her father is a dentist. He is past president of the Rotary Club, of the St. Luke Catholic Church Endowment Committee and of the Goodall City Library. He is a member of the UNMC College of Dentistry Deans Advisory Committee.

Mary (Crook) Weber is a dental hygienist. She is a member of the Friends of Lied board, the Ogallala Regional Arts Council board, and the Keith County Community Foundation board. She has been president of her PEO chapter.

The princess’s brothers were escorts, Justin in 2007 and Matthew in 2008.

OMAHA WORLD-HERALD

, 21, is the daughter of Dr. David and Julie Weir of Kearney.

She expects to graduate from Nebraska Methodist College next May with a nursing degree.

Her father is a physician at Contemporary Obstetrics and Gynecology. He serves as a

Michael Christopher Abboud, 21, is the son of Christopher and Ann Marie Abboud. He attends Creighton University and is pursuing a political science degree.

He also has attended Xavier University.

His father is an attorney with the Abboud law firm. He has served on the board of the Children’s Respite Care Center and has been president of Christ the King Sports Club.

Ann Marie (Foley) Abboud has had held several roles, including chairman, with the Omaha Symphony Debutante Ball Committee. She has been board chairman at Catholic Charities and has served on the board of the Children’s Respite Care Center. She has been involved with Project Harmony, the Lauritzen Gardens Antique Show and Habitat for Humanity.

The escort was a page in 1998. His sisters were pages — Meghan in 2000, Molly in 2003 and Maggie in 2005. His mother was a page and princess, and she has served on the Women’s Ball Committee. His maternal grandmother, Catherine Ann Coad Foley, was a queen of Ak-SarBen in 1948.

Jonathan Ross Allely, 22, is the son of Steven Allely and Christine Johnson. He is sales and marketing coordinator at Granulawn.

Christine (Macchietto) Johnson is president of the Mutual of Omaha Foundation.

She serves on the board of the Association of Corporate Contribution Professionals and is on the community development board of the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce. She also serves on the Children’s Respite Care Center board. She serves on the advisory board of the Christian Business Women’s Fellowship and the corporate advisory board of the Heartland Latino Leadership Conference. She has served in the cabinets of the Salvation Army Tree of Lights campaign and a United Way of the Midlands campaign.

His stepfather, Stephen Johnson, is director of systems and programming at Ag Processing Inc. He serves on the Champions Run board of governors.

The escort’s stepmother is Vicki Allely.

S u n day, S e p t em b er 2 5 , 2 0 1 1

volunteer faculty member at the University of Nebraska.

Julie (Thornby) Weir is health services director of the Community Action Partnership of MidNebraska. She is co-chairman of the Susan G. Komen Central Nebraska Race for the Cure this fall. She serves on the board of the Buffalo County Community Partners. She has served as a board member of the American Medical Association Alliance and as state president of the Nebraska Medical Association Alliance.

Tyler Adam Berger, 21, is the son of Robert and Sharyl Berger. He expects to graduate from Texas Christian University next spring with a degree in economics.

His father is president of Berger and O’Toole certified public accountants. He serves on the board of the Omaha Public Library Foundation and has served on the boards of the Omaha Theater Company, the Westside Athletic Club and the Douglas County Sheriffs Foundation. He has been president and remains a member of the Omaha Executive Association and serves on the quality review committee of the Nebraska Society of CPAs. Among other civic activities, Sharyl (Andersen) Berger volunteers for Westside High School, ALS in the Heartland and the local chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

The escort was a page, as was his sister, Samantha. His mother was a countess in 1981.

His father was a page, an escort and a Floor Committee member. His grandfather, Alvin Berger, was an escort and Floor Committee member.

His grandmother, Barbara Loucks Berger, was a princess and the queen in 1954.

Corey Vincent Burkley, 21, is a son of Robert and Karen Burkley. He is in the media production program at Flagler College in St. Augustine, Fla., and expects to graduate next summer.

His father is president and CEO of Burkley Envelope Co. He is a member of the Envelope Manufacturers Association, Printing Industries of America, Graphic Arts Technical Institute and the Omaha and Lincoln Chambers of Commerce.

Karen (Thompson) Burkley serves on the Omaha Symphony Guild Board. Among her many roles with the guild, she has been president, Debutante Ball committee member, Table Art co-chairwoman and communications chairwoman.

The escort’s brother, Patrick, was an escort in 2005. His brother Daniel was a page in 1993 and an escort in 2006. His mother was a page in 1965. His father was an escort in 1980. His maternal grandmother, Mary Frances McFayden Thompson, was a page in 1938 and a princess in 1951. His great-great aunt, Eleanor Burkley McCarthy, was queen in 1923.

Alice Lee Welch, 21, is the daughter of John and Margaret Welch of Hastings.

She is an accounting major at Creighton and expects to graduate next May. Her father is a retina specialist at Retina Center of Nebraska. He is a board examiner with the American

John Monaco Dobleman, 21, is a son of Dr. Thomas and Mary Dobleman. He is in the pre-medicine and history programs at Marquette University.

His father is a surgeon, and founder and chairman of Dobleman Head and Neck Cancer Institute. He and his wife are chairmen for the 2011 Archbishop’s Dinner for Educational Excellence.

Mary (Cimino) Dobleman serves on the executive committee of the Dobleman Institute. She is president of Sacred Heart School Friends of the Heart guild and of the Midwest Independent Physicians Practice Association auxiliary. She has been the Omaha Symphony Guild’s Table Art chairwoman and president of the guild.

The escort was a page, and his siblings all had Royal Court roles. Courtney was a princess, Thomas was a page and an escort, Peter and Matthew were escorts, and Kristen was a page.

His mother was a princess and his father has served 10 years on the Floor Committee.

J. Chasen Fairfield, 21, is a son of Bill and Deanne Fairfield. He expects to graduate from the University of Arizona next spring with degrees in communications and sports management.

His father is an independent business consultant. He serves on the consultation committee advising the U.S. Air Force’s Strategic Command. He has been a director of Joslyn Art Museum, a chairman of the College of St. Mary board and a director of Hastings College. He is a member of the Chief Executive Organization.

Deanne (Tichota) Fairfield is a real estate sales associate at CBSHome. She is a board member of Habitat for Humanity. She has been a board member of Girls Inc., the Arthritis Foundation and the Omaha Community Foundation. She also has been chairwoman of fundraising campaigns for the United Way and the Omaha Zoo Foundation, among other community roles.

The escort’s brother, Bryan, was an escort. His father was an Ak-Sar-Ben councillor and governor.

19W

Board of Ophthalmology.

Margaret (Tjaden) Welch is recording secretary for her PEO chapter after holding other PEO offices.

She is involved in the TeamMates mentoring program, is treasurer of the Women’s Center for Advancement and serves on the Catholic Foundation board of directors. She is vice chairwoman and past chairwoman of the Adams County Republican Party.

Connor Patrick Freeburg, 21, is the son of Dr. Theodore and Lisa Freeburg. He is in the master of business administration program at Rockhurst University and expects to graduate next spring.

His father is a partner in Anesthesia West and is the medical practice’s compliance chairman. He also is a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha national honor society.

Lisa (Roth) Freeburg is a travel associate with Custom Cruises & Travel. She is vice president of fundraising for the Children’s Respite Exceptional Workforce and is social vice president for Methodist Hospital Volunteer in Partnership. She is a member of the Heartland Family Service Guild and Omaha Symphony Guild and a member of the Ensemble Travel Group Preferred Supplier Board.

The escort’s father has served on the Floor Committee. His uncle, Jeffrey Roth, was an escort in 1974 and 1975. Another uncle, Paul Roth, was an escort in 1976-79 and escort chairman in 1980.

Matthew Ryan Frost, 21, is the son of James and Michele Frost. He is a finance major at the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

His father is an attorney at McGrath North Mullin and Kratz. He serves on the MakeA-Wish and Stephens Center boards and is involved in fundraising for Creighton Prep.

Michele (Shrader) Frost works for Alegent Health.

She is board president of the Women’s Center for Advancement (formerly the YWCA) and of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands. She also serves on the Omaha By Design advisory committee.

The escort’s sister, Alexandria, was a page. His brother, Kevin Wheeler, was an escort.

20W S u n day, S e p t em b er 2 5 , 2 0 1 1

21, is a son of James and Kristen Gustafson. He is working toward a business degree at UNO. His father has served as president of the Nebraska Beer Wholesalers Association and has been chairman with his wife of Share Our Strength’s Taste of the Nation.

He has served on the board of the National Independent College Foundation, the UNO athletic board, the Creighton University athletic board and the Hastings College board of trustees.

Kristen (Lawless) Gustafson is involved in a mentoring program at Sacred Heart School and is a youth group leader at St. Wenceslaus School.

She serves on the board of the Stephen Center Guild and is a committee member for Quality Living Inc. She has served as a member of the UNO Maverick Athletic Council and was parent chairman of the Marian High School annual fund drive. She and her husband are honorary chairmen of the Ritonya Buscher Poehling scholarship fund.

His brother, Josh, was an escort. His sister Katie was a princess and his sister Kellen was a page.

His father is a former Ak-Sar-Ben councillor.

Robert Warren Hansen III, 21, is the son of Robert and Cynthia Hansen. He expects to get degrees in biological science and psychology from the University of NebraskaLincoln next spring.

His father is a Life Underwriter Training Council Fellow at NP Dodge Insurance Agency.

He serves as an officer in the national, state and local offices of the Professional Insurance Agents Association. He has had positions on the Campfire USA board and the NP Dodge Cares board. He has been an acolyte master at St. Andrew Episcopal Church and has served as president of Westside Athletic Club.

Cynthia (Brune) Hansen is event planning coordinator at Food Bank for the Heartland. Her roles with the Joslyn Art Museum Association have included gala chairman and vice president of fundraising. She has served on the Omaha Symphony Debutante Ball Committee and has been president of the Rose Theater Guild.

The escort was a page, as was his sister, Brooke.

His father served on the Floor Committee in 1994-2000. His maternal grandmother, Marianne Thygeson Brune, was a countess in 1958.

Nicholas Swanson Hellbusch, 21, is the son of Dr. Leslie Hellbusch and Joan Swanson. He expects to graduate from UNL next spring with a biology degree.

His father is a neurosurgeon at Midwest Neurosurgery.

He is vice-section chief for neurosurgery and a clinical professor of surgery at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. He directs the neurosurgery training program at Methodist Hospital. He is a member of the Midwest NeuroScience Foundation and is an American

OMAHA WORLD-HERALD

College of Surgeons Fellow.

High School. She is also active in several guilds.

His mother is a registered nurse. She has been chairwoman of the American Heart Association Heartland Ball and is a sustaining member of the Junior League of Omaha. She has been president of the Kappa Kappa Gamma Alumnae Association and serves on Creighton’s Kappa Kappa Gamma advisory board. She has served on the governing board of Planned Parenthood of the Heartland and has been president of the Planned Parenthood Friends board. She is a member of Omaha Performing Arts Presenters Guild.

The escort’s sister Laurin was a page and also a princess in 2010. His sister Lydia was a page in 2010.

The escort was a page in 1997. His sister, Sally, was a page in 2001.

Matthew Baker Heyman, 21, is the son of Richard Heyman and Betsy Baker and is an Omaha escort chairman.

He is majoring in economics at George Washington University and expects to graduate next May. His father is vice president and chief information officer of Gordman’s Inc. He has been president of the Omaha Theater Company board and is a board member of the Nebraska Humane Society. He is a member of the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce Existing Business Target Advisory Group. He was a founding board member of the Rose Blumkin Performing Arts Center Foundation and has served as the group’s treasurer.

His mother serves on the Lauritzen Gardens board and has been co-chairwoman of the gardens’ Antique & Garden Show. She also serves on the boards of the Westside Foundation and Joslyn Art Museum. She has held several chairmanships on the Omaha Children’s Museum’s Rainbow Connectors Guild board and has been a member of the Nebraska Humane Society’s Friends Forever Guild board.

The escort was a page in 1998. His sister, Chloe, was a page in 2001. His mother has been chairwoman and adviser to the Women’s Ball Committee. His grandfather, Jack Baker, was king in 1996. His mother’s cousins, Bruce and Scott Baker, were pages.

Tanner Patrick Hogan, 22, is a son of Dr. Robert and Karin Hogan. He expects to graduate from Creighton University next spring with degrees in marketing and entrepreneurship.

His father is a dentist at West Pacific Dental. He serves on the board of the Jesuit Partnership Council and has been chairman of the group. He founded the Rosebud Indian Reservation dental clinic. He has been active in the Creighton Prep Bash and has had numerous volunteer coaching positions.

Karin (Westin) Hogan is on the executive committee of the 2011 Go Red for Women campaign of the American Heart Association. She and her husband have been foster parents for newborns through the Child Saving Institute. She also is a committee member of the Creighton University Bluejay Jamboree. She has been dinner chairwoman for Jesuit Partnership and auction chairwoman for MarianFEST at Marian

John Edward Kozlik, 21, is the son of Michael and Emily Kozlik. He expects to graduate from St. Louis University next spring with degrees in finance and international business.

He has also attended Bond University in Queensland, Australia.

His father is an attorney at the Harris Kuhn law firm. He serves on the board of trustees of the MidAmerica Council of the Boy Scouts of America. He also serves on the board’s executive committee and has served as Pinewood Derby chairman.

He has served on the board of the Academic Decathlon and served as co-chairman of Catholic Charities of Omaha’s Irish Fest.

Emily (Cunningham) Kozlik is development director at Catholic Charities. She serves on the advisory council of the Women’s Center for Advancement and is honorary chairwoman of the 2011 Tribute to Women. She serves on the board of the Creighton University chapter of Alpha Sigma Nu. She has had many roles with Duchesne Academy, including capital campaign co-chairwoman. She has been a trustee of the Amy Scott Foundation. She also has served on the Omaha Children’s Hospital & Medical Center Friends board.

The escort was a page in 1998. His sister, Caroline, was a page in 2002. His mother was a princess in 1974 and has served on the Women’s Ball Committee. His father has served on the Floor Committee. His uncle, Bob Cunningham, was a page.

Wilson Matthews Landen, 21, is a son of James and Diane Landen and is an Omaha escort chairman. He expects to graduate from Southern Methodist University next spring with a degree in business administration finance.

His father is president of Security National Bank.

He and his wife are 2011 United Way of the Midlands campaign co-chairmen. He is also a United Way board member. He serves on the boards of the Salvation Army of the United States, Children’s Hospital, Clarkson Regional Health Services, Inclusive Communities, the Center for Human Nutrition, and Community Health Charities of Nebraska. He is an advisory board member and past chairman of the Omaha Salvation Army. He also has roles with the North Omaha Development Project and the Nebraska Bankers Association’s University Foundation Allocation Committee.

Diane (Nolan) Landen is owner and president of Vantage Communications Inc. She is a United Way executive committee member and a past board chairman. She is 2011 Vision Committee chairwoman for the Lauritzen Gardens Antique & Garden Show and has been event chairwoman.

She has served on the national and Omaha boards of Girls Inc. and has been local board chairwoman. She serves on the board of

counselors of UNMC, the advisory council of Completely Kids, the advisory committee of Project Everlast and the community cabinet of Project Harmony. She has positions on the Westside Foundation and Westside Athletic Club boards.

The escort’s brother James was an escort in 2009; both James and brother Charles were pages. His mother served on the Women’s Ball Committee. His father was a page, an escort and a Floor Committee member. His great-grandfather, Clarence Landen Sr., was king in 1953.

Mark Corcoran Langdon, 21, is a son of Dr. Thomas and Kathleen Langdon. He attends St. Thomas University, where his majors are political science and business administration.

His father is a cardiothoracic surgeon at Omaha Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery.

He serves on the board of Ronald McDonald House and on the executive board of Midwest Independent Physician Association. He is a director of Alegent Health Cardiovascular Surgery and Nebraska Methodist Hospital Cardiothoracic Surgery. He also is president of Endoview LLC. He has been cochairman of Creighton Prep Bash.

Kathleen (Corcoran) Langdon serves on the executive committee of Women Against MS. Her roles with the Omaha Symphony Debutante Ball Committee have included stag chairwoman. She has been active in Camp Fire and LeukemiaLymphoma Society fundraisers. She was the reservations chairwoman for the 2011 Creighton Prep Bash.

The escort’s brother T.J. was an escort in 2009 and an Ak-Sar-Ben scholarship recipient in 2006.

Brothers Joe and John were pages in 2003. His mother is on the 2011 Women’s Ball Committee.

His father was an escort and escort chairman in 1978-80. His cousin, Alison Langdon, was Ak-SarBen queen in 2006.

Andrew John Mellen, 21, is a son of Michael Mellen and Lisa Marietti Mellen. He expects to graduate from the University of Southern California next spring with degrees in business administration and construction engineering.

His father is a real estate broker with Lund Co.

His mother is director of marketing for Gallup Inc. She has been president of Project Harmony and serves on the agency’s executive committee.

She has been president of Friends of the UNMC Eppley Cancer Center, has been chairwoman of the center’s Ambassador of Hope Gala and serves on the Friends’ executive committee. She has been a director of Girls Inc. of Omaha and has served as chairwoman of its annual fund drive. She is president-elect of the Westside Community Club and past president of the Westside High Athletic Club. She has been a board member of the Omaha Symphony Guild and the YWCA. Mellen was a page, as were his brother, Michael, and his sister, Jessica.

OMAHA WORLD-HERALD

21, is the son of Larry and Karen Nelsen. He expects to graduate from Creighton next spring with a degree in financial analysis.

His father is a systems analyst at OPPD. He serves on the Creighton University Alumni Advisory Board. He has been co-chairman of the Omaha Performing Arts Society’s Broadway Ball.

Karen (Hohenstein) Nelsen is vice president of commercial banking at U.S. Bank. She is president-elect of the Clarkson Service League.

She is a board member for the Omaha Performing Arts Presenters and has been co-chairman of the group’s Broadway Ball. She is also past president of the Junior League of Omaha and the Junior League Foundation. She serves on the audit committee of the Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska Council. She is recording secretary and board member for the Durham Museum On Track Guild and is a member of the Creighton University Alumni Association Advisory Board. She has been chairwoman of the YWCA board.

The escort’s sister, Molly, was standard bearer in 2009.

James Anthony Passarelli, 21, is a son of John and Joyce Passarelli.

He expects to graduate from Fordham University next spring with a Bachelor of Arts degree.

His father is a partner at Kutak Rock and a fellow of the Nebraska State Bar Foundation. He and his wife are honorary chairmen of St. Cecilia Cathedral’s 2011 Comedy and Cuisine fundraiser and are members of the cathedral’s Endowment Board.

He has been chairman of the Archbishop’s Dinner for Educational Excellence, is an advisory board member of the Litigation Counsel of America and is a member of the Boys Town Booster Club.

Mary Joyce (DeLashmutt) Passarelli is a CASA volunteer and has been president of the Omaha Law League. She serves on the Creighton Prep Governing Board and has been a board member of the Junior League of Omaha.

Robert Mitchell Pirnie, 22, is a son of Mitchell and Lori Pirnie. He expects to graduate from UNL with a business administration degree.

His father is Industrial Group general counsel at Kiewit Corp. He also serves on the University of Nebraska Presidents Advisory Council.

Lori (Esteraich) Pirnie was active in the 2011 Relay for Life at Nebraska Wesleyan University.

She serves on the Alpha Tau Omega parents board. She is serving on the 2011 Project Harmony book sale committee and the 2011 Lauritzen Gardens table host committee, and she is active in the Omaha Press Club Show Committee.

The escort was a page, as was his brother, Michael. His sister, Katelyn, was a princess in 2008.His mother is active in the Ak-Sar-Ben Buyers Club and has served on the Women’s Ball Committee.

S u n day, S e p t em b er 2 5 , 2 0 1 1

Brian Green Polodna, 22, is the son of Duane and Kathleen Polodna. He graduated this spring from Arizona State University and is employed in the accounting department of Peter Kiewit Sons’ Inc. in Omaha.

His father is senior vice president and chief financial officer of the Omaha WorldHerald Co. He serves on the development committee of Skutt High School after serving as chairman of the board. He serves on the Wayne State College Board of Trustees and has served on the Omaha Symphony board. He is treasurer of the board of Goodfellows, The World-Herald’s charitable organization.

Kathleen (Green) Polodna is active in Skutt’s annual Angel Flight fundraiser. She serves on the Heartland Family Service Friends board and has had various committee roles. She also is involved in Project Harmony and Habitat for Humanity. In 2012 she will be chairwoman of the Nebraska Multiple Sclerosis Society annual luncheon.

This year the Green Family Farms received the Nebraska Pioneer Farm Award.

Andrew John Skradski, 22, is a son of Dr. Joseph and Julie Skradski. He attends UNL, where his major is industrial engineering. He previously attended Kansas State University.

His father is a dentist and CEO of Classic Dentistry. He is capital campaign chairman of the Lambda Nu chapter of Phi Gamma Delta. He has been president of the Optimist Club of Omaha.

Julie (Edwards) Skradski is business office manager of Classic Dentistry. She is a member of the Stephen Center Guild and has been guild president, among other roles. She has been president and financial vice president of Junior League of Omaha. Her other activities include leadership roles at St. Robert Bellarmine Church and School.

The escort’s sister Rachel was a princess in 2009. His other sisters were pages, Rebecca in 2000 and Ann in 2002. His brother, Thomas, was a page in 2007.

Michael John Slowiaczek, 21, is the son of John and Shannon Slowiaczek. He expects to graduate from Creighton next spring with a degree in marketing.

His father is an attorney at Lieben, Whitted, Houghton, Slowiaczek and Cavanagh.

He is a member of the International Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and the American College of Family Trial Lawyers.

Shannon Kay (Henry) Slowiaczek is a member and past president of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands board. She is active in the Joslyn Art Museum Association, where she has been treasurer and vice president of education.

She serves on the executive committee of the Heartland Family Service Guild board. She also has been active on the Omaha Symphony Debutante Ball Committee and on the Symphony Guild’s board.

His sisters — Kara, Anlee and Mary Kate — were princesses.

Kevin Donald Stormberg, 22, is the son of Dr. Scott and Diane Stormberg. He expects to graduate from UNO next spring with a degree in exercise science. He also has attended the University of Kansas.

His father is owner of Benson Family Dentistry. He has served on the board of the Omaha District Dental Society and has been involved with the Nebraska Dental Society.

Diane (Glow) Stormberg is an administrator of the Institutional Review Board at Creighton University. She is an alumni adviser to the dean of the Creighton School of Nursing and has been president of Creighton’s Nursing Advisory Board.

She serves on the alumni board of Duchesne Academy. She has been an American Red Cross Heartland Chapter board member and a TeamMates mentor.

The escort’s sister, Sarah, was a princess in 2009.

William Harrison Sutton III, 21, is the son of William Sutton and Lissa Skutt Sutton. He expects to graduate from Colorado State University next spring with degrees in political science and sociology.

21W

The escort’s brother, Drew, was standard bearer in 2009. His mother serves on the Women’s Ball Committee.

Grant Leo Winterer, 21, is the son of Kerry Winterer and Norma Hansen. He is in the creative writing program at Creighton and expects to graduate next spring.

His father is chief executive officer of the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. He serves on the board of the Boy Scouts’ Mid-America Council. He has served on the Nebraska Board of Education and the advisory board of the Omaha Convention and Visitors Bureau. He also has been president of the Heartland Family Service board and served as chairman of the allocation panel of United Way of the Midlands.

His mother is fiscal department assistant for Heartland Family Service. She has been a board member of Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska and has been chairwoman of its ArtVenture fundraiser.

Peter David Woodke, 21, is a son of David and Marsha Woodke. He is majoring in economics at UNL and expects to graduate next spring.

His father is president of Ak-Sar-Ben TV and Digital Services. He serves on the boards of Hospice House Omaha and the Munroe-Meyer Institute. He is a member of Rotary International, has served on the board of the Omaha Hearing School for Children and has been involved at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral.

His father is an attorney at Woodke & Gibbons. He serves on the Westside Community Schools board and is board secretary. He is a member of organizations including the International Society of Barristers. He has been a member of the Defense Research Institute.

His mother is director of fund development at Goodwill Industries Inc. and serves on the Benson-Ames Alliance board. She has helped with fundraising for the Juvenile Diabetes Association and is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and the Partnership for Philanthropic Planning.

Marsha (Trost) Woodke is an interior designer at Marty Woodke Design and a home stager at Staging Homes 360. She has been active at Joslyn Art Museum and Westside High School, among her other community activities.

The escort was a page in 1998. His sister Jeanne was a page in 1994 and a princess in 2006. His sister Bradley was a page in 1996.

His mother was a page in 1963 and a princess in 1978. His father was a page in 1963 and an escort in 1978; he also served on the Floor Committee for many years. His grandfather, Thomas J. Skutt, was king in 1993. His greatgrandfather, V.J. Skutt, was king in 1964.

Trevor Patrick Taylor, 21, is a son of Thomas and Julie Taylor. He expects to graduate from UNL next spring with a finance degree.

His father is vice president of sales for Your Selling Team. He and his wife are also 2011-12 co-chairmen of revenue enhancements for the American Cancer Society Hope in the Heartland Gala.

Julie (Babbitt) Taylor works in sales at the House of J home interiors store and is founder and president of the nonprofit Link for Life.

She is active in fundraising for Uta Halee Girls Village, the WCA Partners Guild and the Multiple Sclerosis Society. She serves on the auction committee for Heartland Family Service.

The escort’s brothers — Seth, Drew and Cole — were escorts, and Seth and Cole were pages.

Trevor Robert Woods, 22, is the son of Curtis and Judith Woods. He graduated in spring from Texas Christian University and is employed

by J.P. Morgan in Fort Worth, Texas, as a private banking analyst.

His father is an insurance salesman at Physicians Mutual.

Judith (Howard) Woods, a former teacher and counselor, is a mentor at Westside Community Schools. She has served on the board of the RESPECT 2 anti-bullying program. She also has served on the Nebraska Humane Society Friends Forever board and the Friends of Planned Parenthood board and has been active in the Junior League of Omaha.

His mother was a page and princess. His uncle, Robert Howard, was a page and an escort and served on the Floor Committee. His aunt, Diane Howard Higgins, was a page, princess and queen.

His grandmother, Susan Storz Butler, was a page, princess and queen (in 1949). His greatgrandfather, Robert H. Storz, was king in 1957.

22W S u n day, S e p t em b er 2 5 , 2 0 1 1

Justin William Reed Carlson, 23, is a son of Jennifer Carlson of Council Bluffs and the late Rick Carlson. He expects to graduate from Grace University next spring with a bachelor’s degree in secondary education.

Jennifer (Richter) Carlson is an attorney at the Stuart Tinley law firm. She is a volunteer and speaker for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and the MakeA-Wish Foundation of Iowa. She is a trustee of Nebraska Christian College and is active in First Christian Church in Council Bluffs. She is a member of the Estate Planning Council.

Drew Thomas Clark, 22, is the son of E. Tod and Teresa Clark of Scottsbluff. He graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in May with a degree in business administration and has entered the University of Nebraska College of Law. His father is president and CEO of Farmers Cooperative Elevator Co. in Hemingford. He is a trustee of the Nebraska Cooperative General Managers Association. He has served on the Scottsbluff Public Schools board, the Box Butte Development Corporation board and the education committee of the Nebraska Cooperative Council. He serves on the boards of the Post Playhouse Theater at Fort Robinson State Park and the Farm and Ranch Museum in Gering.

Teresa (Hilderman) Clark is a freelance writer and serves as president of the Lied Scottsbluff Public Library board. She is a past president of her PEO chapter and has served as a board member of the Scotts Bluff Country Club. She has also volunteered in the Scottsbluff schools and been active at First United Methodist Church in Scottsbluff.

Air Force 1st Lt. Trebor John Cowling, 26, is a U.S. Air Force pilot stationed at Offutt Air Force Base. He graduated from the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., with a civil engineering degree. His parents are Robert and Mary Cowling of Newport News, Va. Adam Mark Dannehl, 22, is a son of Mark and Sonya Dannehl of Bertrand. He is in the pre-medicine program at Concordia University and expects to graduate next May. His father is a farmer-rancher at Mark Dannehl Farms.

He serves on the Bertrand Community School Board of Education and the Gosper County 4-H auction committee. He is an elder at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church and has been head elder. He also has been a 4-H leader.

OMAHA WORLD-HERALD

Sonya (Naber) Dannehl is a registered nurse at Phelps Memorial Health Center in Holdrege.

She is active in the Reflections community service organization and is youth music director and church council member at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church. She is a Gosper County 4-H volunteer and past club leader.

His brother Craig was an escort in 2009. The Dannehl family was honored with an Ak-Sar-Ben Pioneer Farm Family Award in 2000.

Matthew William Dunlap, 21, is a son of Michael and Terri Dunlap of Lincoln and is a Heartland escort chairman.

He expects to graduate next June from Northwestern University and is currently studying in Buenos Aires.

His father is CEO of Nelnet.

He serves on the boards of Union Bank and Trust, Farmers and Merchants Bank, the University of Nebraska Foundation and Union College. He also is involved with the Nebraska Angels group.

William L. Eckstrom Jr., 22, is the son of William and Kerstin Eckstrom of Lincoln.

He is in the pre-veterinary medicine program at UNL. His father is founder and CEO of EcSELL Institute.

He is on the board of the Nebraska chapter of the Nature Conservancy. He has been chairman of the board of trustees of Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity and has served on the boards of the United Way, the Lighthouse and Ducks Unlimited. He has been active in Westminster Presbyterian Church.

Kerstin (Olson) Eckstrom is chief operating officer of the EcSELL Institute. She serves on the board of the Lisco State Company. She also has been a member of the Lancaster County Court Appointed Special Advocates board, has been active in Westminster Presbyterian Church and held national office for Kappa Alpha Theta fraternity.

The escort’s father was an escort in 1982-84.

Eric Donald Forney, 22, is a son of Dr. Kent and Rochelle Forney of Lincoln.

He graduated from Creighton University in May with a Bachelor of Science degree.

Terri (Trujillo) Dunlap is a registered dietitian. She is a board member of Christian Record Services for the Blind and Teach a Kid to Fish. She has served on the Lincoln Children’s Museum board and the Union College Community board.

His aunt, Angie Muhleisen, serves on the Ak-SarBen Board of Governors.

Brandon Carl Ebberson, 21, is a son of Boyd and Valerie Ebberson of Coleridge.

He has a major in diversified agriculture at UNL and expects to graduate next spring.

His father is co-owner and manager of Ebberson Farms.

He is secretary of the Frontier Bank board and serves on the Laurel BioComposite board. He is president of Quest Inc. and DAC Inc. He is also a member and past state director of the Nebraska Corn Growers.

He has been chapter leader of the Cedar-Dixon Chapter of Thrivent Financial.

Valerie Ann (Schellpeper) Ebberson is co-owner and office manager of Ebberson Farms. She serves as council chairwoman at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Coleridge and is an organist there. She is a member and past director of the Nebraska Soybean Association and a participant in the Nebraska Farm Bureau’s Ag Pen Pal program. She leads the Cedar-Dixon chapter of Thrivent Financial. She also volunteers with the Northeast Nebraska Chapter of Farm Safety 4 Just Kids.

The escort’s maternal grandparents, Dale and LaVonne Schellpeper of Stanton, received an AkSar-Ben Pioneer Farm Family Award in 1987.

His father, a veterinarian, is CEO of the Nebraska Animal Medical Center. He serves on the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. He has served on the Nebraska Board of Health and the advisory board of the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture.

Rochelle (Hanson) Forney is office manager at the Nebraska Animal Medical Center. She is active in Gamma Phi Beta sorority. She has been a member of the Cheney School Board as well as the Norris Booster Club.

The escort’s brother, Shane, was a page in 2000.

His grandfather, Don W. Forney, was welcomed into the Court of Honor in 1998. His aunt, Joan Forney, was a princess.

Department

Kevin Jerome Frankforter, 23, is the son of Dr. Scott and Deanna Frankforter of Grand Island. He graduated from UNL in 2010 and is attending graduate school at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he is a graduate fellow in the Electrical Engineering

His father is a pathologist at Pathology Specialists. He serves on the board of St. Francis Medical Center and is president of the hospital’s medical staff.

Deanna (Gokie) Frankforter serves on the board of the St. Francis Medical Center Foundation. She is membership chairwoman of the AOK Ladies and has been president of the Grand Island Senior High Orchestra Boosters.

Chase Douglas Froehlich, 23, is the son of Clark Froehlich of Norfolk and the late Cindy (Vogel) Froehlich.

He expects to graduate from the University of Nebraska at Omaha in December with a degree in construction management.

His father is president of BankFirst in Norfolk. He is vice president of the Norfolk Public Schools board and serves on the Norfolk Public Schools Foundation board. He serves on the YMCA board and is treasurer of his Crime Stoppers chapter.

He also is active in the Norfolk Area Chamber of Commerce and Optimist International.

Daniel Patrick Gillespie, 22, is a son of Dr. Kevin Gillespie and Christine Gillespie of Lincoln. He is in the pre-health program at UNL and expects to graduate next May. His father is a radiologist at Radiology Associates and a member of the Nebraska Radiology Society.

Christine (George) Gillespie is a registered nurse.

She is a board member of and volunteer for the Alzheimer’s Association of Lincoln. She was cochairwoman for the spring Rx for Hope fundraiser for Clinic With a Heart and does volunteer work for the group. She also volunteers with the Matt Talbot community soup kitchen, Cathedral of the Risen Christ and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

The escort’s sister, Kelly, was a Heartland countess in 2008.

Grant Ernest Gotschall, 21, is a son of Jeffrey and Tammi Gotschall of Columbus.

He expects to graduate from UNL next May with a business administration degree.

His father is a family physician and partner in the Columbus Medical Center and Columbus Urgent Care. He serves on the boards of the Columbus Community Hospital, Columbus Bank and Trust and the Federated Church of Columbus Foundation. He also has been president of the church’s congregation.

Tammi (Goldsbury) Gotschall is employed at Art Editions Framing and Gallery. She serves on the Friends of Lied board and executive board.

She serves on the Youth Ministries advisory committee at the Federated Church and has served on the church’s governing council. She also volunteers with Region V Services and Meals on Wheels.

OMAHA WORLD-HERALD

21, is the son of Michael and Sharon Hansen of Waterloo.

He expects to graduate from UNL with a degree in business administration.

His father is a partner-owner of Dultmeier Sales. He has been chairman of the Omaha Morning Rotary Foundation.

He also has been president of the Heartland Car Wash Association and has been involved with the International Car Wash Association. He has been president of the Elkhorn Girls Softball Association and has coached girls and boys teams.

Sharon (Coufal) Hansen has served on the parish council of Elkhorn’s St. Patrick Catholic Church and has been treasurer of the American Legion Baseball Board. She is vice president of her PEO chapter. She has assisted the St. Vincent DePaul Society, had various PTO roles and coached girls and boys sports teams.

The escort’s father was an escort in 1979. His grandmother, Carolyn Hansen, served on the Women’s Ball Committee in 1979-1982. His uncle, Tom Hansen, was an escort in 1983.

Kristopher Michael Herbig, 24, is the son of Michael and Ann Herbig of Central City. A UNL graduate, he is employed by Herbig Enterprises.

His father is president and CEO of Herbig Enterprises.

He serves on the Central City Area Chamber of Commerce, where he has had many roles.

He is active in the United Methodist Church and is a member of the Aurora Co-op and Farmers Without Borders.

Ann (Conner) Herbig is vice president of Herbig Enterprises and is president of her PEO chapter.

She has been vice president of the UNL Parents Group, a Harvest of Harmony Queen judge and a 4-H leader. She also started the first food pantry in Merrick County. She co-founded the Christmas of Sharing program in Central City, is a United Way volunteer and is a TeamMates mentor.

The escort’s sister, Brooke, is a princess this year. Their parents have been involved in Friends of Ak-Sar-Ben. Their mother has been an Ak-SarBen ambassador and has been honored with an Ak-Sar-Ben Outstanding Service Award. A great-grandmother, Sophie Sobotka, received the Ak-Sar-Ben Good Neighbor Award in 1977.

Matthew Emory Hunt, 21, is a son of Daniel and Mary Beth Hunt of Blair. He expects to graduate from UNL next spring with a degree in business administration and management.

His father is president of HunTel Communications.

He serves on the executive committee of the Mid-America Council of Boy Scouts of America and on the Boy Scouts’ Central Region board of trustees. He is a board member of Memorial Community Hospital in Blair, the Omaha Children’s Museum and

S u n day, S e p t em b er 2 5 , 2 0 1 1

Nebraska Diplomats.

Mary Beth (Arts) Hunt is a TeamMates mentor with the Blair Community Schools, among her other volunteer activities.

The escort’s sister, Megan, was a princess in 2007.

Jared Michael Knedler, 21, is a son of Dr. Michael and Marie Knedler of Council Bluffs. He is pursuing a business degree at Iowa State University.

His father is a retired professor and serves on the Iowa Board of Education. He is secretary of the Council Bluffs Public Library Friends board, a Boy Scout district chairman and vice president of Keep Council Bluffs Beautiful. He serves on the Wings of Hope Cancer Support Center board and the Pension Board of the Iowa Conference of the United Methodist Church. He is a volunteer for Meals on Wheels and the Phillips Cupboard pantry.

Marie (Hansen) Knedler is vice president and chief operating officer of Bergan Mercy Medical Center and Mercy Hospital. She is a founding board member of the Pottawattamie County Community Foundation and of Hospice of Southwest Iowa. She serves on the Iowa Hospital Association board, the CB Betterment Foundation board and the Peoples National Bank governing board. She has been chairwoman of the Council Bluffs Chamber of Commerce and serves on the Creighton Nursing Alumni Advisory Board.

The escort’s brother, Jonathan, was an escort in 2006.

William Anthony Kusek, 21, is the son of Dr. Anthony and Carol Kusek of Albion.

He expects to graduate from Creighton University next spring with a biology degree.

His father is a family practice physician at Boone County Medical Center. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians and a director of ambulance services for Albion, Petersburg, Fullerton, Spalding, Lindsay and Newman Grove. He is an associate professor at Creighton University, a Boy Scout leader and counselor, and secretary of his Knights of Columbus council.

Carol (Wordekemper) Kusek is a substitute teacher and president of the Albion Education Foundation. She is secretary of the International Quilt Study Center & Museum Friends group and past president and member of the Nebraska State Quilt Guild. She serves on the Albion Area Arts Council board and leads a 4-H club.

She serves on the Archbishop’s Committee for Development and is active at St. Michael Catholic Church.

The escort’s sisters were countesses, Katherine in 2006 and Laura in 2008.

John Elliott McCoy, 21, is a son of John and Nancy McCoy of Kearney. He is pursuing a computer engineering degree at UNL. His father is president of Orthman Manufacturing Inc. and Orthman Logistics Co., manager of Orthman Energy, and managing partner of Renewable Fuels Technology, AmeriFuels and Republican Valley BioFuels. He is a member and past president of the Farm Equipment Manufacturers Association board.

He serves on the Kearney Catholic High School Foundation board and as executive committee treasurer. He also serves on the Lexington Economic Development Council board.

Nancy (Herr) McCoy has been the GOLD fundraiser co-chairwoman for Kearney Catholic High. She also has served as first lady of the Farm Equipment Manufacturers Association executive committee.

Andrew James Reckmeyer, 21, is a son of Drs. Matthew and Mary Reckmeyer of Lincoln and is a Heartland escort chairman. He attends the University of Wyoming, where his major is exercise physiology. He also has attended Victoria University in Wellington, New Zealand.

His father is an orthopedic surgeon at the Lincoln Orthopaedic Center. He is a team physician for Nebraska Wesleyan University, the Lincoln Saltdogs and the Lincoln Stars. He has served on the Tabitha Foundation Board.

Mary (Clifton) Reckmeyer is executive director of Gallup Inc.’s Clifton Child Development Center.

She serves on the board of directors of the Children’s Scholarship Fund and the Omaha Community Foundation. She has served on the boards of the Omaha Children’s Museum and the Metropolitan Community College Foundation. She volunteers at the Matt Talbot soup kitchen.

The escort’s sister, Lauren, was a countess in 2007. His aunt, Jane Miller, serves on the Ak-Sar-Ben Board of Governors. His maternal grandfather, Donald Clifton, was inducted into the Court of Honor in 2003.

Alex Kent Warneke, 21, is the son of Kent and Susan Warneke of Norfolk. He expects to graduate from UNL next spring with a degree in mechanical engineering.

His father is editor and vice president of the Norfolk Daily News. He is founder and chairman of the Great American Comedy Festival. He is a board member of the Nebraska District of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod and a council member and past president of Christ Lutheran

23W

Church in Norfolk. He has been president of the boards of Faith Regional Health Services in Norfolk, the Nebraska Press Association and the Norfolk Area Chamber of Commerce. He also serves on the University of Nebraska Medical Center board of counselors.

Susan (Range) Warneke is a teacher in Norfolk Public Schools and music director at Christ Lutheran Church, where she also has served as congregation secretary. She has served on the Elkhorn Valley Museum board and on the State Advisory Committee on Libraries. She is also an officer in the FarmHouse Fraternity Mothers Auxiliary.

The escort’s sister, Sarah, was a princess in 2009.

Air Force 1st Lt. Philipe L. White, 24, is a U.S. Air Force pilot stationed at Offutt Air Force Base. He has a degree in economics from the U.S. Air Force Academy.

His parents are Christopher and Dominique White of Elk Grove, Calif.

Tyler Christian White, 22, is the son of Timothy and Shelley White of Grand Island.

He is in the pre-medicine program at UNL and expects to graduate next May. His father is co-owner and vice president of Heartland Ag Inc. He serves on the Nebraska Economic Development Commission and on the boards of the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Reynolds Foundation. He has been president of the Nebraska Diplomats board and serves on the University of Nebraska Presidents Advisory Board. He also has served on the Nebraska Children’s and Families Foundation and on the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce board.

Shelley (Stone) White, among her other volunteer activities, was active in the 2011 Mission of Mercy free dental care event. She has served on the Grand Island Public Schools Education Foundation and the Grand Island Senior High Parent Advisory Committee.

24W S u n day, S e p t em b er 2 5 , 2 0 1 1

OMAHA WORLD-HERALD

These T hese m merchants erchants o off C Countryside ountryside V Village illage ccongratulate ongratulate tthe he p participants articipants o off tthe he

Aksarben Coronation Ball

Omaha’s Premier Gourmet Market Grocer

Step into Facess

Our top notch deli, fresh meat butcher her shop, Ferd’s in store bakery & gourmet groceries are fit for a royal court!

402.391.0312

Omaha’s q Newest Boutique

For shoes, handbags & jewelry.

The Mix offers an upscale variety of designer shoes & accessories.

and be prepared to leave the city behind.

402.384.8400

402.933.7995

www.facesspa.com

Village Needleworks Needleworks The artistry of what can be accomplished with canvas and fiber is never ending.

www.villageneedleworks.com www w.vi vill llag agen enee eedl dlew ewor orks ks.com com 402.391.1191 402 40 2.39 391 1.11 1191 91 • ww

Continue the Celebration!

Join us for a festive brunch ever ev eryy Sunday.

Sund Su nday ay. 40 402.397.1100 402 2.39 397 7.11 1100 00 every

Dancewear,

www.marketbasketomaha.com www ww w w.ma mark rket etba bask sket etom omah aha a.co com m

for your every move. We carry a complete line comfortable, comp co mple lete te llin ine e of ccom omfo fort rtab able le,, breathable and supportive fashions gymnastics dance. forr gy fo gymn mnas asti tics cs a and nd d dan ance ce.

Roots

402.399.8580 402 40 2.39 399 9.85 8580 80

&

Wings

Specialty Boutique Hostetter’s

wantss to h wants want hel help elp p yo you u sh shin shine ine e with splashes of color diamonds. and an d di diam amon onds ds..

Visit our website & join us on facebook for the latest info of fun fashions you won’t find anywhere anyywhere else is Omaha.

Omaha’s’ newest qquilt shop in town

Valdan Valdani Vald anii Threads, Thre Th read adss, Wools, English Paper Piecing, Club, English Gifts Cards.

Dear Jane Cl lub, b En glish l h Gif fts & Ca rds. d

402.932.8217

www.moresewforyou.com

402.504.4700

402.39 402.392.1222 402 392 2.12 1222 22 800.392.1280

87th & Pacific • Omaha, NE

countrysidevillage.com