Aksarben Coronation & Scholarship Ball

speCiAl seCtion | septeMber 25, 2016

2016 AksArben CoronAtion & sCholArship bAll

oCtober 15, 2016 | bAXter ArenA | oMAhA InsIde:

» Avenue sCholArs pArtnership provides students with AdditionAl support » Meet this yeAr’s prinCesses, esCorts, stAndArd beArers, pAges And Court of honor

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SunDAy, SEptEMbER 25, 2016

OMAHA WORLD-HERALD

aksarben CORONATION

Koraleski pays it forward

By Dan Mccann World-Herald Correspondent

CHRIS MACHIAN/THE WORLD-HERALD

John J. “Jack” Koraleski and Molly Rose Kroeger will end their reign Oct. 15 when the Aksarben Coronation & Scholarship Ball returns to Baxter Arena. For ticket information, call 402-554-9600, ext. 106, or email eisermans@aksarben.org. General admission tickets also will be avaiable at the door.

Queen’s focus: Helping others

By Dan Mccann World-Herald Correspondent

Trading a scepter for a stethoscope is the latest step in Molly Kroeger’s mission to positively impact young lives.

“I wanted to have a career that would give back to other people,” she said.

With her time as the 119th Aksarben queen coming to an end, the 22-year-old is embracing her latest role: registered nurse at Children’s Hospital & Medical Center in Omaha. She started a 24-month residency program in July.

“I’m very excited to not have to introduce myself as the nursing student,” she said. “Now I can say I am a nurse.”

A passion for serving others helped elevate her to the role of queen — along with her family’s record of service and leadership. Molly is a daughter of Jackie and Terry Kroeger of Omaha. Her father is president and CEO of BH Media Group — a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway — and publisher of the Omaha World-Herald. Both Jackie and Terry are active community volunteers, lending time and talent to numerous organizations focused on education, social services and the arts.

“My dad and mom are the first to jump at helping others,” Molly said. “They never ask for any reward — they don’t expect anything in return.”

During her time at Xavier University, where she was a member of the swim team, Molly found multiple avenues for her own community engagement, whether she was assisting young immigrants at a Cincinnati magnet school, volunteering with fellow athletes at the Special Olympics or rallying the swim team to help at a local food bank.

She looks forward to continuing to engage her peers in service.

“Being the queen, it’s more of a vision of the future. Going forward, I really want to promote philanthropic concepts and encourage people my age to get involved in the community.”

An Aksarben page in 2001, she said the biggest reward of her time as queen is knowing that she helped the Aksarben Foundation provide opportunities for students in need.

“We had great fundraising results this year,” she said.

Molly promoted the foundation’s work at formal gatherings, awareness-raising parties and at the Aksarben Coronation & Scholarship Ball, the primary fundraiser for the Aksarben Scholarship Fund. Last year, the foundation added a two-year scholarship program for Metropolitan Community College students from low-income families whose course of study is designed to lead to work in a high-skill, highdemand occupation.

“The Aksarben Foundation is something very unique to Omaha. It shows how much Omaha as a community has come together and put education at the forefront,” she said. “I’m particularly excited about the two-year program because of the effect it can have on at-risk young people and their ability to make an income for themselves.”

Another highlight of her time as queen? Learning more about the community and getting to meet a lot of influential people, including the 119th Aksarben king, Jack Koraleski, and his wife, Stephanie Koraleski.

“Our families have very similar values, so we got along really well,” said Molly, who graduated from Xavier this year.

Between swimming, studying and her clinical work, she grew accustomed to long days and juggling multiple responsibilities.

“I was definitely exhausted most days,” she said. “I really had to have good time management to get everything done.”

Such skills will serve her well as Queen Molly embraces life as Nurse Molly. To her successor, she says enjoy your time, meet as many people as you can — and don’t sweat the small stuff.

“On the night of the coronation, it can be pretty nerve-racking. But everyone is going to be supportive of you.”

For John J. “Jack” Koraleski, the highlight of his time as the 119th Aksarben king has been “getting to meet some of the Aksarben scholarship recipients, listening to them talk about their dreams and knowing that the Aksarben Foundation is helping them have those dreams. … These kids are so bright, they are so nice, and they are so excited.”

In the late 1960s and early ’70s, the retired executive chairman of Union Pacific Railroad was one of those “kids” — a fellow Aksarben scholarship recipient.

“There was nobody more shocked than me,” he recalled about getting the scholarship. “I mean, what a gift. I still get goosebumps thinking about that letter.

Receiving it had a great impact on me.”

In a nod to the full-circle nature of life, Koraleski considers his time as king his way of “paying it forward.”

“The overall objective is to be a representative of the Aksarben Foundation, a goodwill ambassador who can go to different events and talk a bit about the history of the organization and what the foundation does: pouring millions of dollars back into scholarship funding for the future.”

Long after his time as king is done, Koraleski said that he and his wife, Stephanie — a psychologist nationally known for her work with cancer survivors — will continue to be champions for education. If you have an education, they say, you have a chance.

“You have to do everything you can to give everyone a shot at a good education,” he said.

He and Stephanie are leading by example, working to support the Black Catholic Student Scholarship Fund, the Latino Scholarship Fund and many schools in Omaha and abroad. They are benefactors of an organization called Educate Uganda, and they helped what he called a “little school we fell in love with in Maui,” where the Koraleskis have a home.

“We helped the school through some tough times,” he said. “We get involved wherever we are. We’re always looking for those opportunities where we can make a difference.”

His list of community involvements is not limited to education. Retired since last September after a 43year career with Union Pacific, he still maintains a full schedule, lending his insights to organizations such as Heritage Services, Omaha Performing Arts, Creighton University, Lauritzen Gardens and the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s College of Business Administration.

The UNO graduate said he will remember his time as king fondly — not only for getting to meet fellow scholarship recipients but also getting to know people in Omaha who are “so passionate about our community, so caring and so generous. At all these Aksarben functions and parties, you get to know people better — and that’s really been fun.”

He has nothing but praise for his royal counterpart, 119th Queen of Aksarben Molly Kroeger and her parents, Jackie and Terry Kroeger.

“The queen is historically and symbolically the hope for the future,” he said. “You look at Molly Kroeger and you say, ‘There is probably no better role model — someone who is passionate about helping others, someone who is definitely going to make a difference.’ ” For the king who will take his place, Koraleski’s advice is simple: take time to enjoy the experience, and stay close to the Aksarben Women’s Ball Committee chair.

“She’s the lifeline for the king and the queen and their families,” he said.

OMAHA WORLD-HERALD

aksarben women’s ball committee | standard bearers

SunDAy, SEptEMbER 25, 2016

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Women’s Ball Committee The Aksarben Women’s Ball Committee plans the Aksarben Coronation & Scholarship Ball.

Front row, from left: Linda Chloupek, Andee Scioli, Jeanie Jones, Stephanie Murphy, Kim Banat, Carrie Jenkins, Karen Sundell. Middle row: Lisa Gravelle, Erin Owen, Beth Kramer, Jennifer Zatechka, Karen Nelsen, Kim Falk.

Back row: Sheri Shonka, Kim Burkhalter, Judy Pritza, Julie Liakos, Christie Oberto, Anne Jetter.

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Standard Bearers Standard bearers, like all court members, are selected based on their parents’ volunteer commitment to the community. The court focuses on families in the metro area who have not previously been honored by Aksarben. Standard bearers are assigned to assist the queen or king during the coronation procession. Standard bearers can be male or female who are typically of middle school to high school age.

Mackenzie Ann Delaney, daughter of Mamie and TJ Jackson and Michael Delaney

Lily Kathryn Dencklau, daughter of Tiffany and Corey Dencklau

Sydney Grace Schroeder, daughter of Laura and Dr. Bradley Schroeder

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WORKING TOGETHER

Sometimes It’s Who’s Beside You that Matters Most.

And when we work together, everybody wins.

Proud to support the Knights of Ak-Sar-Ben Foundation’s long-standing mission of building a more prosperous Heartland.

Preserving

AK-SAR-BEN HISTORY for more than a century

The Durham Museum is the proud home of the Ak-Sar-Ben Archive

402-351-5118 mutualofomahabank.com 53800_0916

Member FDIC

402-444-5071 | DURHAMMUSEUM.ORG

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OMAHA WORLD-HERALD

aksarben traditions | floor committee

Aksarben Floor Committee

1896

1935

1936

A century of souvenirs Aksarben lapel pins paid tribute to current events and were a visible sign of organizational pride

By Melinda Keenan World-Herald Correspondent

Tucked away in the basement of the Durham Museum is a big piece of Aksarben history that is as small as a penny.

Make that nearly 100 pennies.

The museum has a collection of Aksarben lapel pins — delicate pieces of art that were issued annually to members to wear for pride and promotion. Each pin is a colorful symbol illustrating the diverse missions of the civic organization. Some focus on agriculture and livestock, others on entertainment and sports, and still others on patriotism.

The pins are just part of the vast collection of Aksarben memorabilia the Durham stores, loans and sometimes displays, said collection manager Becky Putzer.

When the pins were donated to the museum, they arrived fastened in rows on a piece of red velvet and framed in black.

Since late May, the museum has been

removing the pins, cataloging each one and preserving them in small plastic bags inside cardboard boxes.

There are no plans to display the collection right now, Putzer said. But next spring, the museum will put together an Aksarben racing exhibit.

“Some of these could make their way out there,” she said of the pins.

The Douglas County Historical Society also has an Aksarben pin collection, with examples from 1907 to 1995. Research specialist Max Sparber said the pins are not currently on display, but have been shown in previous Aksarben exhibits.

A check of eBay shows some attempts by pin owners to sell individual pins.

About 75 pins are online, at asking prices from $5.50 to $61.50.

The oldest pin in the Durham collection dates to 1896, a year after Aksarben was established.

The organization formed in early 1895 in response to an unsuccessful 1894 state fair that lacked backing by Omaha businesses. The state fair board chided the community for not providing suitable evening entertainment or lodging for families that traveled to Omaha for the fair.

That first pin — the largest in the collection — is about 2 inches long and painted gold.

The Durham’s pin collection is complete except for the years 1901 and 1907. The final pin in the collection was issued in 1996, a year after the Aksarben race track closed.

With the exception of the first pin, all the others feature thumbnail-size drawings — mostly of knights, agricultural produce, Aksarben buildings and horses and livestock. The 1941 pin features a 4-H clover; the 1950 pin, a cowboy hat.

In 1936, Aksarben paid homage to modern transportation on its pin, with a split rendering of a locomotive and a Conestoga wagon.

The 1940 pin features a female figure skater, a nod to Sonja Henie — the threetime Olympic champion and professional ice skater who brought her Hollywood Ice Revue to Omaha’s new ice rink at the Aksarben Coliseum that year.

In 1942, Aksarben showed its patriotism during World War II with a Statue of Liberty pin.

And in 1961, when President John F. Kennedy pledged to send an American safely to the moon, Aksarben again demonstrated its patriotic pride with a pin featuring a rocket circling the globe.

The 1996 pin simply displays the organization’s crest with the words “Knights of Ak-Sar-Ben.”

Floor Committee co-chairmen: John Marshall and Marc Wisdom.

Committee members: Greer Almquist, David Anderson Jr., Dr. Ryan Arnold, Davin Bickford, Michael Boyer, Jonathan Bradford, Matthew Breunsbach, Brian Buescher, Mark “Butch” Burgers, Mark Carlson, James Casler, Adam Christensen, Craig Christenson, Kurt Cisar, Tim L. Clark, Jim Codr, Kevin Conway, Dr. Brad Copple, Bill Cutler IV, Andrew Dana, Matthew Darling, Matthew Deaver, Brody Deren, Taylor Dieckman, Dr. Matthew Dilisio, Steven Dugger, Jonathan Enenbach, Matthew Enenbach, Patrick Fay, Travis Flodine, Matthew Forest, Stephen George, Justin Gibson, Jesse Gloystein, Ryan Grace, Jim Granger, Dr. Kevin Grosshans, Andrew Guill, Doug Hegarty, Dru Heidemann, Harry Hoch III, Michael Hoch, Jeff Hoffmann, Robert Hollingsworth, Patrick Huse, Shane Ideus, J. R. Johnson, Michael Jung, Marc Kaschke, Mark Keating, Kevin Kerrigan, Steve Kerschke, Scott Kroeger, Tim Langan, Lance Larsen, Joshua Livingston, David Lutz, Mike Mackintosh, Randy McAlpine III, Michael McDevitt, Dr. Matthew McMahon, Sean Moylan, Gary Muhs Jr., Jeff Nogg, Mark Ostronic, Eric Oxley, Matthew Pape, Dan Parker, Anthony Pasternak, Michael Peterson, Andy Plummer, Joe Pogge, Zach Potter, Ben Reynolds, D.J. Rezac, Chad Richter, Brian Ritter, Matt Ruma, Levi Scheppers, Todd Schuiteman, Justin Shanahan, Dillon Shea, Adam Simpson, David Stearnes, Rory Sudbeck, Chase Sutton, David Thrasher, Patrick Turner, Tony Urban, Dominic Vaccaro, Ryan Wade, Adam Watson, Michael Wetta, Nick Wilwerding, Wesley Woodward, Tom Worthington, Brian Zaversnik, Jess Zeiss, Jeff Ziemba, Ryan Zink.

AkSARbEn cOROnAtiOn This special section was produced by The World-Herald in cooperation with the Aksarben Women’s Ball Committee.

Special sections editor Chris Christen 402-444-1094, chris.christen@owh.com Project editor Howard K. Marcus 402-444-1397, howard.marcus@owh.com Section designer Kiley Cruse Writers Pam Thomas, Melinda Keenan, Judy Horan, Dan McCann Copy editor Pam Thomas For special section advertising information, contact dan.matuella@owh.com.

1941

1961

1996 DurhAm museum

On the cover The Aksarben Coronation Ball Crest, rendered for 2016 by World-Herald graphic artist Dave Croy, reflects Nebraska’s agricultural ties: red for beef, yellow for golden ears of corn and green for wheat.

Aksarben royal court photos provided by Dwyer Photography.

OMAHA WORLD-HERALD

SunDAy, SEptEMbER 25, 2016

aksarben SCHOLARSHIPS

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Past scholars remain grateful to Aksarben

By Judy Horan World-Herald Correspondent

High school students long have found their dream careers with the help of an Aksarben scholarship at the college or university of their choice. These former Aksarben scholars represent the past seven decades.

pHyLLiS kROESE — 1950s Phyllis Kroese attended a one-room rural school in Webster County, Nebraska, before going on to high school.

“I loved my home ec class at Campbell High School,” she said. “When the department was closed at the end of my sophomore year, I was devastated.”

In 1954, she received an Aksarben scholarship to attend the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. The avid 4-H member majored in home economics and earned a teaching degree. Kroese graduated in January 1958 on a Saturday and began teaching the following Monday in Nebraska City.

“None of this would have been possible without the financial aid and encouragement from Aksarben,” she said.

Kroese now lives in Downers Grove, Illinois, with her husband, John. They own three farms near Adams, Nebraska.

COLLEEn FOgARty — 1960s Colleen Fogarty worked as a registered nurse for 41 years in the Omaha and Council Bluffs area.

“I was one of 11 children from a farm family near Wisner, Nebraska. There was no money available for higher education. However, higher education was a priority to me and my parents,” Fogarty said.

She received an Aksarben scholarship in 1966 and enrolled at St. Joseph‘s School of Nursing in Omaha, where she achieved her goal of becoming a registered nurse. She and her husband, Jim Fogarty, raised four children.

The scholarship from Aksarben meant a great deal to her.

“It was an honor to be recognized,” she said, “especially since I was from a small high school in a small Nebraska town.”

kAROL SWAn — 1970s You might see Karol Swan driving a tractor on her farm near York, Nebraska. Agriculture is in her DNA. In 1974, Swan used her $250 Aksarben scholarship to pursue a degree in animal science after graduating from Ashland/Greenwood High School.

“I attended UNL’s ag college and graduated in 1978,” she said. “At that time, $250 paid tuition for my first semester of 16 credit hours. That is now the cost of one credit hour.”

Swan retired after 32 years with the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

“If I had not had that degree, I would not have gotten that job,” she said. “The scholarship was very helpful to my education, and my education was important to my career in the livestock industry.”

Swan’s Aksarben ties continue. Her daughter, Jordan, is a 2016 heartland princess.

AkSARbEn/HORAtiO ALgER CAREER SCHOLARSHipS Aksarben/Horatio Alger Career scholarships include up to $2,000 annually for two years at Metropolitan Community College including tuition, books, fees and other expenses.

Metro matches Aksarben’s contribution. Approximately 195 high school students from Douglas and Sarpy counties accepted the scholarships.

Application period for the scholarships is Oct. 1 to March 15;

MiCHAEL MCQuiStAn — 1990s Michael McQuistan received his Aksarben scholarship after graduating from Wakefield High School in 1995.

“I went to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, majoring in math. After that, I earned a Ph.D. in math from the University of WisconsinMadison,” said McQuistan, who grew up in a farm family.

The degree took him to his present job as an applied mathematician for the U.S. Department of Defense. He lives in Laurel, Maryland.

Receiving the scholarship took away unwanted stress.

“I was both excited and honored to receive the scholarship. The Aksarben scholarship, along with other scholarships I received, meant that I didn’t need to worry about money during college, and I didn’t need to take out student loans. I could just focus on being a student.”

JOE kiRby — 1980s

bEnJAMin bAuDLER — 2000s

Joe Kirby says ongoing education was always a priority for him.

Want to know how to improve your diet? Ask Benjamin Baudler. The Fontanelle, Iowa, native

Aksarben/Horatio Alger Scholarships Proceeds from the Coronation and Scholarship Ball, along with donations to the Aksarben Scholarship Fund, support two Aksarben/Horatio Alger scholarship programs that this year awarded scholarships valued at more than $1.2 million to heartland students from low-income families.

“Financially, college was going to be a challenge. I attended UNO and worked 30-plus hours per week. The Aksarben scholarship was very helpful, but more importantly, the scholarship and organization provided a sense of support and encouragement,” he said.

Kirby attended Creighton Prep high school. He used his Aksarben scholarship at UNO, where he majored in MIS and management.

The Omaha native is vice president and partner at Lynch Ford Chevrolet. He lives in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

high school guidance counselors can provide application details. Career Scholars receive comprehensive college and career advising from the Avenue Scholars Foundation.

AkSARbEn/HORAtiO ALgER StAtE SCHOLARSHipS Aksarben/Horatio Alger State scholarships of $6,000 payable over four years are presented annually to 50 Nebraska and western Iowa students. The scholarship awards are matched by the University of Nebraska, Creighton University, College of St. Mary, Bellevue University and Metropolitan Community College.

Application period for the scholarships is Aug. 1 to Oct. 25.

To apply, go to scholars.horatioalger. org. State scholars are eligible to participate in the TeamMates postsecondary mentoring program.

has a degree in dietetics, with help from the Aksarben scholarship he received in 2009.

At first, Baudler attended the University of Northern Iowa, where he studied business marketing for two years. Then he enrolled at Iowa State University, where he graduated in 2014 with a bachelor’s degree. He is now a dietitian at a Hy-Vee Supermarket in Clinton, Iowa.

Baudler said the scholarship took pressure off his college experience, allowing him to focus on getting the grades he needed to further his career.

DAkOtA buRgERHOFF — 2010s Dakota Burgerhoff’s dream is to design spaceships. With his Aksarben scholarship from 2013, the Bloomfield, Nebraska, native may find himself living his dream.

Burgerhoff is a senior at the Colorado School of Mines in Golden, Colorado, where he studies mechanical engineering with an emphasis on thermofluids and aerodynamics. He will graduate in 2017.

He said the school is challenging. “Even if you were the smartest kid in your high school, chances are you aren’t even close at Mines.”

The Aksarben scholarship has opened doors.

“Through Aksarben and the Horatio Alger Association, I was able to intern at Honeywell in northern Michigan this last summer, and learned much that will greatly boost my resume,” he said. “None of that would have been possible without this scholarship, and for that reason I am incredibly grateful.”

State scholar overcame hurdles

By Judy Horan World-Herald Correspondent

Carly Rain Adam has faced adversity and come out fighting.

She was born legally blind. When she was 8, her father died.

“From a young age, I learned to be a fighter,” she said.

Her push to overcome obstacles in life helped qualify the Sioux City native to receive a four-year Aksarben/Horatio Alger State Scholarship, one of two college scholarship Carly Rain programs sponsored by the Adam Aksarben Foundation.

She was awarded the scholarship in 2012 and graduated this year from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a bachelor of science degree in science and technology. Because of the scholarship, she didn’t have to work 40 hours a week, which left her time to focus on academics. Along the way, her eyesight greatly

improved.

The news gets better. She recently was awarded a paid assistantship through UNL’s Science and Technology Department.

“That means for two years I will be doing research, taking classes and working toward a master’s degree,” she said.

Funding for the Aksarben/Horatio Alger scholarship programs comes through the Aksarben Coronation & Scholarship Ball, said Jon Burt, president of the Aksarben Foundation. The State Scholarships are now fully endowed at the program’s current scope and scale, and the program will continue to grow through targeted donations to the Aksarben Scholarship Fund.

Aksarben scholars are determined to succeed.

Their graduation rate of 78 percent is above state and national averages of 60 percent.

Without the Aksarben scholarship, Carly doesn’t know where she would be.

“I think the scholarships are an amazing opportunity to allow you to become a sustainable person that can function in society,” she said.

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aksarben SCHOLARSHIPS

OMAHA WORLD-HERALD

Partnership eases way to high-demand career

By Judy Horan World-Herald Correspondent

The two-year scholarships provided by the Avenue Scholars Foundation at Metropolitan Community College were appreciated. But they were not enough.

“Our students had a 50 percent waiver from Metro. But the truth of the matter is that many of these kids’ families rely on these 16- and 17-year-olds to work and contribute to the family. So paying college bills becomes a luxury item,” said Doug Pierson, Avenue Scholars program director.

It was a happy day when Avenue Scholars found a partner in the Aksarben Foundation.

“Aksarben coming on board removed the biggest barrier to student success,” Pierson said. “We now could give our scholars a full ride to Metro, including books and tools.”

The Aksarben/Horatio Alger Career Scholarship pilot program was launched last year for students from low-income families in Douglas and Sarpy counties.

The training the students receive at Metro helps prepare them for careers in high demand fields such as information technology, electrical, manufacturing, health care, auto technology and other skilled trades.

Metro matches funding from Aksarben.

Those who sign up are not slackers. The first-year college persistence (retention) rate of more than 80 percent is well above

the state community college average of 50 percent.

Jon Burt, president of the Aksarben Foundation, said the Career Scholarship program is unique nationally.

“The vision is to make it a permanent program and deliver a quality workforce solution to the local business community by the end of a six-year pilot phase,” he said.

Avenue Scholars talent advisers are now in eight local high schools. The majority of Career Scholars are identified at the end of their sophomore year of high school, and they receive college- and career-preparation services during their junior and senior years.

Business leaders who are members of the Knights of Aksarben have opened doors to provide entry-level jobs once the scholars enroll at Metro, Pierson said.

For example, the Aksarben Foundation recently hosted nearly two dozen metro area auto and truck dealers to discuss their need for automotive technicians. As a result of that meeting, dozens of jobs have been committed to Career Scholars.

Business partnerships are critical to the program’s success.

“Career Scholarships are more than a monetary award,” Burt said. “They’re more than support services. They are about unlocking talent, identifying career pathways and ensuring jobs that benefit both students and businesses.”

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THANK YOU JOHN “JACK” KORALESKI CXIX King of AKSARBEN AND

MOLLY ROSE KROEGER CXIX Queen of AKSARBEN FOR YOUR SUPPORT OF

AKSARBEN/HORATIO ALGER SCHOLARSHIPS

GIVING BACK. MOVING FORWARD.

Alan Ramirez, a Benson High senior and Aksarben/ Horatio Alger Career Scholarship recipient, smooths a dent in a fender at Carstar, an autobody repair shop. Career scholars like Ramirez receive help from the Avenue Scholars Foundation and participate in field trips — called career exploration posts — to gain exposure to possible careers.

Av e n u e ScholArS F o u n d At i o n

OMAHA WORLD-HERALD

SunDAy, SEptEMbER 25, 2016

aksarben COURT OF HONOR

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‘Hope Virus’ part of Schenzels’ legacy

By Melinda Keenan World-Herald staff Writer

Brenda Christensen calls it “the Hope Virus.”

She says anyone who has ever volunteered, worked or received services at the Hope Center knows the symptoms.

Ty and Terri Schenzel, who founded the Hope Center for Kids in 1999, infected the community with a strong desire to help young people in need.

“Their enthusiasm and passion for serving in the north Omaha community is so contagious,” said Christensen, president of the center’s board of directors. “There is no cure for the Hope Virus.”

Now in its 17th year, the Hope Center at 2200 N. 20th St. and one in Fremont serve more than 2,700 youth annually with meals, tutoring, employability training and career advice.

The Hope virus continues to spread despite the deaths of its founders in August 2015. The Schenzels died in an accident in South Dakota when a car they were riding in was hit by a vehicle driving the wrong way on I-90.

Also killed in the accident were Ryan Hrubes of Omaha, who was driving the Schenzels, and David Wise of Salem, South Dakota, who was driving the other car. Hrubes’ wife, Emily, was injured.

The Schenzels and their work will be remembered at the Oct. 15 Aksarben Coronation & Scholarship Ball, when they are posthumously inducted into the Court of Honor.

Though the Schenzels will always be associated with the Hope Center, they had resigned their positions in May 2015.

Christensen, who joined the center’s board four years ago, said “their hearts were with the Hope Center,” but they felt God was leading them to do something else.

Ty was associate and youth pastor at Waypoint Church; Terri worked with the church’s women’s ministry.

Three months later, they died. Christensen said everyone was devastated by their deaths but also motivated to contin-

ue their work.

“Since the accident, it has been absolutely incredible how we have been inspired by their lives,” Christensen said.

Through word-of-mouth, more people have been introduced to the Hope Center, she said.

Student enrollment has increased more than 20 percent, volunteers have clocked more than 6,500 hours and new

service programs have been added.

“We are blessed with an abundance of volunteers,” she said. “We are so blessed to have a committed staff.”

Creighton University students, and working and retired individuals are among hundreds who donate more than 7,000 hours annually as after-school tutors at the centers in Omaha and Fremont.

Still other professionals in finance and accounting, health care, education and other fields give students career advice.

The Hope Center’s Employment Academy provides high school students with academic assistance, employability training, coaching and internships, along with a weekly $50 stipend.

The center also works with Step Up Omaha to train and find summer employment for teens.

And it has started a new pilot program, called Hope Builds, that teaches teens basic construction skills by building and selling storage sheds.

The results? More than 200 youths have found gainful employment through the Hope Center since 2012; 92 percent of its high school students graduated on time in 2015; and more than 200 student members have gone on college visits.

The center also meets basic needs, serving 18,000 hot, homemade meals and sending home 3,000 weekend to-go meals in 2015. The annual Thanksgiving dinner serves about 450 meals to students and their families.

Because of all this success, it’s not uncommon to see former students returning to the Hope Center as adults, Christensen said.

“We see people come back to visit, to volunteer and join the staff,” she said.

One staff member is a former student who was active in gangs. Today he’s married, with two kids and a home.

Christensen says of all the successes: “We are more committed now than we ever were.”

Varner found her niche at Nebraska Humane Society

By Melinda Keenan World-Herald Correspondent

It was the 1960s and Judy Varner, like others of her generation, was eager to change the world.

She became a social worker — working with minority girls — and she dabbled in local politics.

But it wasn’t until she moved to East Lansing, Michigan, in 1989 and took a job in a totally unrelated field that she would make her greatest mark.

Varner, who retired this year as president and chief executive officer of the Nebraska Humane Society, will be inducted into the 120th Aksarben Court of Honor Oct. 15 during the 2016 coronation and scholarship ball. The honor is in recognition of her work caring for abandoned and abused animals.

During Varner’s watch, the Omaha-based society grew from a single, outdated building into a four-building campus with 150 employees and an $11 million annual budget.

“The level of care that the NHS gives is the best in the country,” she said.

Though Varner always loved animals, she initially had no interest in working to protect them. That is, until she saw a help-wanted ad for director of the Lansing humane society.

On her way to the job interview, she

stopped to get her hair done and wound up with a stylist who had a friend who worked there. The stylist shared her friend’s heartbreaking stories of the animals.

During the interview, Varner recalls discussing euthanization. She also saw the animal graveyard, where bones were sticking

out of the dirt. Yet she was touched by what the staff was trying to do with so little.

Afterward, she called her dad. There was no way she was taking that job, she told him.

But her dad, Durward B. “Woody” Varner, president of the University of Nebraska system and later president of the NU Foundation, asked: “Do you think you can change it?”

She said she could.

He told her that she had a responsibility to take the job.

By the time she left Lansing for Omaha, the Michigan society had an updated building and supportive fund-raisers.

“I found my niche,” she said.

In Omaha, Varner had to learn a new aspect of animal care — dealing with law enforcement and animal control issues.

Curbing illegal dog fighting and animal hoarding resulted in multiple death threats, but she never blinked.

“To me there is right and wrong. And that’s pretty clear,” she said.

Growth of the Nebraska Humane Society coincided with the public’s attitude toward animals.

“Twenty-six years ago, animals did not have the recognition they have now,” she said. “They are receiving the respect for the contributions they make to our lives.”

One family told her of a small dog that changed their mother, who was elderly and tended not to leave home.

“This little dog got her out,” she recalled them saying of their mom taking the dog on walks. “She became a new woman.”

Animals used to be valued for their ability to work. They were farm animals, mousers.

Today they are part of the family, which Varner said creates a different set of problems.

Many owners don’t know how to train their dog or cat properly. The animals misbehave, destroy a rug or furniture and cause stress for everyone.

In her own home, she crates her dogs and gives them dog chews and toys stuffed with frozen peanut butter to keep them occupied during the day. Other options for owners include pet day care, dog walkers and trainers, she said.

Animals have a healing power that crosses all racial and socio-economic boundaries, Varner said, and the demand for pets keeps growing because of our technology-driven lifestyle. She theorizes that we are “cocooning” in our homes, interacting only through our phones and the Internet.

“People have the desire to have a relationship,” she said. Who wouldn’t want “a ball of fur to love you and adore you?”

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SunDAy, SEptEMbER 25, 2016

OMAHA WORLD-HERALD

aksarben pages

Parents’ service a tradition for Aksarben pages Each year, the Aksarben Coronation & Scholarship Ball recognizes pages, children who are in second or third grade, in honor of their parents’ dedication to volunteerism in the Omaha metro area.

Kathryn Annemarie Alloway Jennifer and Mitchell Alloway

Eden Marie Anderson Krista and Mickey Anderson

Jonathon Kendal App Becky and Michael App

Samuel Joseph Berliner Kathleen and David Berliner

Isaiah Michael Boyd Sara and Matthew Boyd

Elizabeth Cecelia Boyle Dana and Michael Boyle

Ava Caroline Brownrigg Katherine and Brian Brownrigg

Blake Patrice Chandler Chaley and Eric Chandler

Caleb Lynn Clark Kerry and Timothy Clark

Eleanor Flynn Codr Emily and James Codr

Margaret Mahoney Codr Emily and James Codr

Harrison David Dana Amanda and Andrew Dana

Sima Dora Denenberg Drs. Tippi and Steven Denenberg

William George Dittrick Glynnis Dittrick and Dr. George Dittrick

William Theodore Dunning Toba Cohen-Dunning and Eric Dunning

Olivia Anne Fahey Amber and Brian Fahey

Parker Martin Ganey Carrie Ferris and Brent Ganey

Reagan Lynn Gloystein Ashley and Jesse Gloystein

Reese Victoria Gloystein Ashley and Jesse Gloystein

Emery Louise Grace Ellen and Ryan Grace

Christian Harrison Gravelle Lisa and Matthew Gravelle

Marguerite Cova Harr State Sen. Burke and Jennifer Harr

Sophia Joy Marilyn Hegarty Melissa and Douglas Hegarty

Harper Lee Hinsley Sarah and David Hinsley

Evelyn Rose Jeffreys Kelly and Jason Jeffreys

Ainsley Elise Jenkins Carrie and John Jenkins

Ellie Langdon Jung Emily and Michael Jung

Luke Thomas Maxwell Kelley and Thomas Maxwell

Kenley Brooks Molettiere Dr. Courtney and Matthew Molettiere

Lauren Grace Murnan Erin and Michael Murnan

Gianluca Alexander Oberto Christie and Gustavo Oberto

Ava Elizabeth Owen Erin and Rob Owen

Henry Brackett Owen Lisa and Tyler Owen

Lucy Kay Peterson Julie and Kyle Peterson

Carter James Pflug Nancy and Dr. John Pflug

Cale Michael Redding Brittni and Chad Redding

Patrick Edward Finnegan Schermerhorn Dr. Mary Finnegan and Eric Schermerhorn

Gabrielle Papez Semrad Dr. Lindsey and Scott Semrad

Siena Marie Sumner Patsy and David Sumner

Eloise Joan Sutton Carolyn and Charles Sutton

Luke William Thomas Lori and Leon Thomas

Jack Pollard Watson Christine and Adam Watson

Leah Linn Wisdom Tara and Marc Wisdom

OMAHA WORLD-HERALD

aksarben volunteerism

SunDAy, SEptEMbER 25, 2016

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Omaha princess, escort parents’ top volunteer locations Each year, the Aksarben Coronation & Scholarship Ball recognizes young women and men in honor of their parents’ dedication to volunteerism in the Omaha metro area.

The graphic at right represents the top 30 nonprofit organizations and events to which parents of this year’s Omaha princesses and escorts have volunteered their time. The larger an organization’s name, the more volunteers it had among parents of the princesses and escorts.

Last year, the graphic on the Aksarben page parents’ volunteer activity had Omaha Children’s Museum as the top nonprofit to which the parents donated time. This year, there is a three-way tie between Heartland Family Service, the Omaha Symphony and The Rose Theater for having the most volunteers from princess/escort parents.

To see the complete list of nonprofits served by this year’s princess and escort families, go to the ball’s Facebook page at facebook.com/aksarbencoronation.

OLiviA HELEn bAkER, 21,

EMiLy bAnAt, 21,

daughter of Amber and Tom Baker.

She is pursuing a degree in kinesiology at Occidental College.

Olivia’s family has many ties to Aksarben history. She was an Aksarben page, and her brother, Jonathan, was an escort last year and previously a page. Her father has served on the Aksarben Floor Committee. Her aunt Betsy Baker has been chairman of the Women’s Ball Committee. And her grandfather Jack W. Baker has been an Aksarben governor and was Aksarben king in 1996.

The princess’s father is director of Woodhouse Family Insurance Agency. He has served on the Westside Community Schools board and the Westside Community Schools Foundation board. He has served on the board of Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands and has served on the selection committee for the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce Business Hall of Fame.

The princess’s mother, the former Amber Elenga, works at Village Needleworks. Her volunteer work has benefited the Boys & Girls Clubs, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Westside Schools and the Children’s Respite Care Center.

daughter of Kim and Michael Banat.

She obtained a degree in secondary English education from Texas Christian University in May and is employed at Southwest High School in Fort Worth, Texas.

She was an Aksarben page in 2001. Her mother, the former Kim Goodwin, is a member of the Women’s Ball Committee.

The princess’s father is vice president and general manager of the international division of Valmont Industries.

The princess’s mother has been active in the Omaha Symphony Guild, including a term as president. She has served on the Nebraska Medicine Legacy Board as well as the boards of the Uta Halee Girls Village Guild, the Child Saving Institute Guild and the Fontenelle Forest Nature Association Guild. She is a sustainer of the Junior League of Omaha.

ALExAnDRA COuRt bAxtER AnD kAtHERinE bAkER bAxtER, 21, daughters of Anne and Nicholas Baxter.

The twins are pursuing history degrees, Allie (top left) at Northwestern University and Katherine (bottom left) at Duke University.

The twins and their sister, Elizabeth, were Aksarben pages. The princesses’ mother, the former Anne Conine, was a princess in 1984 and has served on the Women’s Ball Committee; her family’s business, J. Bragg’s, was the Aksarben Royal Court couturier in 1990. The princesses’ father has served on the Floor Committee and has been chairman of the Aksarben Stock Show & Rodeo. Allie and Katherine’s aunt Julie Conine Koeplin was a princess, and their uncle James Conine was an escort. Their grandmother Susan Enyart Conine served on the Women’s Ball Committee.

Nick Baxter is chief risk officer and executive vice president of First National Bank of

Omaha. He is chairman of the NET board and serves on the Humanities Nebraska Foundation board. He has chaired Millard North High School’s main annual fundraiser.

Anne Baxter serves on the Salvation Army advisory board, is a court-appointed special advocate and has served on the Omaha Symphony Debutante Ball Committee.

kAiLA niCOLE CASSLing, 21, daughter of Elizabeth and Michael Cassling and Amy Cassling.

She is pursuing a degree in commercial dance at Pace University in New York City. Her father is an Aksarben councillor.

Mike Cassling is CEO of CQuence Health Group. He serves on the Salvation Army’s national advisory board and the Omaha Community Foundation board. He is chairman of the Bellevue University board and the Nebraska Multisport Complex board. He also is co-finance chairman of the Broadway Dreams Foundation.

The princess’s mother, the former Amy Ver Wey, is controller at Swartzbaugh-Farber & Associates.

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SunDAy, SEptEMbER 25, 2016

JESSicA cLARk, 21, daughter of Dinah and Tim Clark.

She is pursuing a degree in bioinformatics at the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

The princess’s father is executive director of Love’s Jazz & Arts Center. He serves on the boards of 100 Black Men, Omaha Community Foundation, African American Unity Fund and NorthStar Foundation. He is past president of Girls Inc. He also is co-founder of Omaha Mass Choir.

The princess’s mother, the former Dinah Johnson, is supervisor of information technology project planning at OPPD. She is active in the Omaha Section-National Council of Negro Women Inc. and at the Literacy Center of the Midlands.

ELizAbEtH kAitLyn FitzgERALD, 21, daughter of Denise and Tate Fitzgerald.

She is pursuing a degree in fashion design at New York’s Parsons School of Design.

Kaitlyn and her siblings, Olivianne and Nelson, were Aksarben pages. Her father was an Aksarben escort chairman and has served on the Floor Committee. Kaitlyn’s aunt Kelli Draper was the Aksarben queen in 1988.

And her great-grandfather William F. Fitzgerald was king of Aksarben in 1976.

The princess’s father is senior vice president correspondent mortgage lending manager at Mutual of Omaha Bank. He is chairman of the board of Nebraska Methodist College, serves on the Madonna School board and is chairman of the St. Wenceslaus Parish finance committee.

The princess’s mother, the former Denise Wenger, is owner of On a Whim. She has been chairman of the Debutante Ball Committee.

She also has been active in events benefiting Omaha Duchesne Academy, Omaha Performing Arts, Omaha Children’s Museum, Habitat for Humanity and more.

The Fitzgeralds are chairing the 2017 Archbishop’s Dinner for Education.

MARiSSA Ann gigAntELLi, 21, daughter of Lori and Dr. James Gigantelli.

She is pursuing a degree in architectural engineering at the University of Nebraska.

The princess’s father is a professor of ophthalmology at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. He serves on the board of the Nebraska Medical Association. He also has held leadership roles with the Nebraska Academy of Eye Physicians and Surgeons, the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American College of Surgeons.

The princess’s mother, the former Lori Piazza, is a dietitian. She is the 2015-16 chaperone chair of Opera Omaha Cotillion, the scholarship chair of the Nebraska Medicine Guild and the webinar chair of the Nebraska Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. She has

OMAHA WORLD-HERALD

been active in Live Well Omaha Kids and the Westside school district.

ELizAbEtH MEgHAn Hupp, 21, daughter of Lauren and Michael Hupp.

She is pursuing accounting and finance degrees at the University of Kansas. The princess’s sister, Anna, was a princess last year. Their father is an Aksarben councillor and past Floor Committee member.

Michael Hupp, an attorney, is president of Koley Jessen law firm. He is a member of the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce board and is a trustee of the Omaha Business Ethics Alliance. He is a Sacred Heart/CUES mentor and has served as president of the Catholic Charities of Omaha board.

Volunteer work of the princess’s mother, the former Lauren Becker, has benefited the Child Saving Institute, Omaha Marian and the American Cancer Society. She serves on the St. Vincent de Paul Parish Helping Hands committee.

The princess’s parents are members of the Archbishop’s Committee for Development and of the United Way of the Midlands Tocqueville Society.

MiRAnDA MARy kELLnER, 21, daughter of Teresa and Kirk Kellner.

She is pursuing degrees in family science and psychology at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Her sister, Blair, was a page in 2006. Her father is chairman of the Aksarben Board of Governors.

Kirk Kellner is regional president of Wells Fargo. He serves on the board of Habitat for Humanity of Omaha, is treasurer of the Joslyn Museum board and serves on the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce board. He also is a University of Nebraska Foundation trustee and serves on the board of Midwest Housing Equity Group.

He is chairman of the Aksarben Board of Governors.

The princess’s mother, the former Teresa Jacobsen, is a Jazzercise instructor. She serves on the board of the St. Luke United Methodist Church Teen Center and is co-chair of the Susan G. Komen Pink Ribbon Gala.

EMiLy pAtRiciA knutH, 21, daughter of Amy and Bradley L. Knuth.

She is pursuing degrees in finance and accounting at Texas Christian. Emily and her sister, Anna, were Aksarben pages. Their father has served on the Floor Committee.

Brad Knuth is senior vice president of D.A. Davidson and cofounder/manager of the Concordant Fund.

He is finance chair of the Durham Museum board, investment chair of the College of St. Mary board, and development chair of the Humanities Nebraska Foundation board.

The princess’s mother, the former Amy

Vanhauer, is the arrangements co-chair for the Pinot, Pigs & Poets fundraiser for Completely Kids. She is a member of the Food Bank for the Heartland “Foodies” Guild. Her volunteer efforts have supported Girls Inc., Duchesne, the Omaha Symphony and more.

cAROLinE cLARE kOzLik, 22, daughter of Emily and Mike Kozlik.

The princess’s mother, the former Emily Cunningham, was a member of the Women’s Ball Committee, and her father has served on the Floor Committee.

Mike Kozlik serves on the board of the Mid-America Council of the Boy Scouts of America, is co-founder of Nebraska Academic Decathlon, is a trustee of Duchesne, serves on the board of the Douglas County Health Department and is treasurer of the Omaha Bar Association.

Emily Kozlik is director of development for Catholic Charities. She serves on the boards of Friends of Children’s Hospital & Medical Center, Children’s Museum, Urban League and ICan.

ERin ELizAbEtH LAugHLin, 21, daughter of Dr. Theresa and Mark Laughlin.

She is pursuing a psychology degree at Boston College. Her brother Ryan was an Aksarben page, and her father was an escort.

Her aunt Melissa Laughlin was a page.

Mark Laughlin is an attorney with Fraser Stryker Law and a Nebraska Bar Foundation fellow. He serves on the Omaha Community Playhouse board and has been board president. He is the governorappointed vice president of the Nebraska Arts Council. He also is mock trial coach for the Duchesne Academy team.

The princess’s mother, the former Theresa Graham, is an adjunct professor of psychology.

She is president-elect of the Friends of the Heart board, is a Catholic Charities Mentoring Mom and is co-chair of the St. Margaret Mary Catholic School speech team.

LEigH ELLEn LinDquiSt, 22, daughter of Joni and Ric Lindquist.

She is pursuing a nursing degree at Texas Christian. Leigh was a page in 2003. Her sister, Kara, was a princess in 2014. Her brother, Alex, was a train bearer in 2005. The princess’s mother, the former Joan Gilmore, was a countess in 1981 and has been chairman of the Women’s Ball Committee. Her father has served on the Floor Committee.

The princess’s father, an attorney, is president of Eric H. Lindquist P.C. He was a longtime Westside Junior Warriors football coach and served on the Westside Athletic Club board. He also served on the Completely Kids board.

The princess’s mother has served many roles on the Debutante Ball Committee, and her volunteer efforts have supported Lauritzen

Gardens and Joslyn Art Museum. She has been a TeamMates event co-chair and is an active fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity.

SARAH JAnE MOORE, 21, daughter of Wendy and S. Scott Moore and Susan Kutilek Moore.

She is pursuing a marketing degree at Loyola Marymount. Two of her sisters were princesses, Brooke (Benjamin) Jacob in 2010 and Bradie Benjamin in 2013. Her aunt Cindy Moore was a princess, and her uncle Andy Moore was an escort. Her father served on the Floor Committee and was involved in the Aksarben Stock Show & Rodeo.

Her stepmother, the former Wendy Benjamin, was involved in the Aksarben Buckaroo Bash.

And her grandmother Dian (Moore) Warren served on the Women’s Ball Committee.

The princess’s mother is a nurse practitioner at Creighton University Medical Center.

The princess’s father is vice president of brokerage services and auctioneer at World Group Commercial Real Estate. He is chairman of the Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Advisory Board and has served on the boards of Prevent Blindness Nebraska, the Nature Conservancy of Nebraska, Merrymakers Association and the Douglas County Fair.

Wendy Moore is a Junior League sustainer and serves on the Nebraska Shakespeare Festival board. She has had key roles in fundraisers for the American Heart Association and Child Saving Institute. She is a longtime member of the Nebraska State Bar Association Annual Gala Committee.

gREtA RAE cHRiStEnSEn MORRiS, 21, daughter of Brenda Christensen and Michael Morris.

She is pursuing a journalism degree at Miami University of Ohio. Greta was a page in 2002. Her brother, Wells, was an escort in 2014. Her sister, Tatum, was a page in 2007.

Her mother has served on the Women’s Ball Committee, and her father has served on the Floor Committee.

The princess’s father is vice president of Thermo King Christensen. He is president of the West Omaha Sertoma Club, serves on the College World Series Ticket Sales Committee and is treasurer of the Millard North Booster Club.

The princess’s mother is president of the Hope Center for Kids board. She was co-chair of the Omaha Symphony Debutante Ball 50th Anniversary Celebration. She has been president of the Completely Kids Guild and co-chair of the Lauritzen Gardens Antique & Garden Show.

oMaha World-herald

sunday, septeMber 25, 2016

allyson Marie pietrok, 21,

Casey seline, 21,

daughter of Dr. Cassandra and Gary Pietrok.

She is pursuing a degree in biological systems engineering at UNL. The princess’s father is manager at Kiewit Corporate Risk Management. He is active in the Sand in the City fundraiser and Habitat for Humanity. He has been Omaha Marian Fund chairman and St. Columbkille Parish Auction chairman.

The princess’s mother, the former Cassandra Schram, is a dentist and owner of Pacific Hills Dental. She serves on the Marian High board and is president of the Omaha District Dental Society. She has been president of the Nebraska Academy of General Dentistry. She also has been active in the Heartland Family Service Guild and Lauritzen Garden Guild.

daughter of Sue and Steve Seline.

She is studying English and film studies at UNL. Her brother Nicholas was an escort last year.

The princess’s father is president of Walnut Private Equity Partners, president of Walnut Radio and managing director of Southroads Technology Park. He is chairman of the Building Healthy Futures Foundation board and has served as chairman of the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce. He is chairman of a current Boy Scouts fundraising campaign.

The princess’s mother, the former Sue Baggarly, is vice president of Walnut Radio.

She is chairman of the Westside Community Schools Foundation and serves on the boards of Christ Child Society and the Munroe-Meyer Institute. She also is a TeamMates mentor.

Claire elizabeth pritChard, 21,

Charlotte sjulin, 21,

daughter of Jenelle and John Pritchard.

She is pursuing a degree in advertising and public relations at UNL. Her brother Michael was an escort in 2013, and her brother John was an escort in 2010.

The princess’s father is a marketing account executive at Northern Natural Gas. The princess’s mother, the former Jenelle Bischof, is dean of students at Omaha Public Schools. She has served on the Heartland Family Service board. Her volunteer work has benefited the Henry Doorly Zoo, Opera Omaha, the Rose Theater and the Munroe-Meyer Institute.

daughter of Drs. Ann and David Sjulin.

She is pursuing a biology degree at UNL. Her sister Lucy was a princess in 2014, and her other sister, Jacki, was a page in 2006.

Her mother, the former Ann Meissner, was a countess in 1983, and her father was an escort in 1985. Her father also has served on the Floor Committee. Her uncle Carl Sjulin was an escort in 1983, and her aunt Kathryn Sjulin Lonowski was a countess in 1981. Her grandmother Sandra Shoup Meissner was a countess in 1958, and her grandfather Herbert C. Meissner was an escort in 1955-58; they met at the 1958 coronation ball.

The princess’s father is an ear, nose and throat physician at Boys Town National Research Hospital. He has served on the boards of the Omaha Hearing School and the WOLSA Foundation. He is a member of the

worship team at King of Kings Lutheran Church and has directed the church’s junior high music program.

The princess’s mother is an obstetriciangynecologist at Mid-City OB-GYN. She has done volunteer work at the New Hope Life Center for Women and has served on the board of the Women’s Center for Advancement. She has served on the board of the Nebraska American Saddlebred Association and has been a King of Kings confirmation leader.

ann skradski, 21, daughter of Julie and Dr. Joseph Skradski.

She is pursuing a marketing degree at UNL and is in the predentistry program. Her sister Rachel was a princess in 2009, her brother Andrew was an escort in 2011 and her sister Rebecca was a princess in 2014.

Her father is a dentist at Classic Dentistry.

He is an adviser to Phi Gamma Delta and capital campaign chairman for the fraternity. He is also past president of Optimist Club of Omaha.

Her mother, the former Julie Edwards, is office manager for Classic Dentistry. She serves on the Stephen Center Guild board and has been board president. She is an elder at Community of Christ Church. She was president of Junior League of Omaha.

raChel sullivan, 21, daughter of Louri Sullivan and Charles Sullivan.

She is pursuing a degree in banking and finance at the University of Missouri. Rachel and her siblings — Josh, Samantha and Charles — were all Aksarben pages. The princess’s mother, the former Louri Fellman, has served on the Women’s Ball Committee and has had other roles

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assisting with the Aksarben ball production.

The princess’s father has served on the Floor Committee.

Charles Sullivan is vice president of development and acquisitions for Commercial Investment Properties. He has served on the National Association of Home Builders board and the Nebraska Commission on Housing and Homelessness. He has been a trustee of the Boy Scouts Mid-America Council and served on the board of the Midlands chapter of the Anti-Defamation League.

Louri Sullivan is senior director of community impact and special projects at the Jewish Federation of Omaha. She has been active in fundraisers supporting Westside Schools, Lauritzen Gardens, Boys & Girls Clubs and more. She is a trustee of Temple Israel.

anne elizabeth torson, 21, daughter of Elizabeth and Robert Torson.

She attends UNO. Her brother William was an escort in 2005; he and her other brothers, John and Daniel, were pages. The princess’s mother, the former Elizabeth Roskens, was a princess in 1977.

Her aunt Lisa Yanney Roskens was Aksarben queen in 1991, and her grandfather Ronald Roskens was king in 1980.

The princess’s father is president and owner of Robert Torson Architects and serves on the National Council of Architectural Review Boards. He has been an active volunteer with Habitat for Humanity, the College World Series, Child Saving Institute, United Way of the Midlands and more.

The princess’s mother has been co-chairman of an American Heart Association fundraiser, has been active in school-related organizations and has served on the boards of several community groups.

aksarben heartland princesses Callie elizabeth albers, 21,

Madison albers, 21,

brittany albin, 21,

Madison alexis bastian, 21,

daughter of Ann and Jeff Albers of Wisner.

She attends the University of NebraskaLincoln, where her major is animal science. Her brothers Blake and Perry were escorts, Blake in 2012 and Perry in 2014. Her aunt Holly Albers Schroeder was a princess in 1991.

The princess’s father is president and manager of Herb Albers Feedlots. He is a member and past president of the Wisner Lions Club. He has served on the UNL Alumni Board and on the Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation board.

The princess’s mother, the former Ann Wagey, is manager of Prime Stop.

daughter of Karen Albers and the late Thomas Albers of Bellevue.

She is pursuing an English degree at Truman State.

The princess’s mother, the former Karen FitzGerald, is manager at Albers Communications Group. She has chaired committees of the Alpha Delta Kappa honorary sorority and teaches French classes through the Alliance Francaise d’Omaha. She has served on the Heartland Family Service board and has volunteered with the Omaha Symphony Guild and the Junior League of Omaha.

The princess’s father was owner and president of Albers Communications Group at the time of his death. He was also Heartland Family Service board chairman and past president of the Downtown Kiwanis Club.

daughter of Drs. Renee and James Albin of Norfolk.

She is studying vocal performance at UNL. Her sister, Lauren, was a princess in 2013.

The princess’s parents are obstetriciansgynecologists at Women’s Health of Northeast Nebraska.

They have both been chairmen of the ob-gyn committee at Faith Regional Health Services several times.

Dr. James Albin also serves on the hospital’s board. He is a member of the Christian Businessmen’s Forum and the Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast Committee. He also is a solo vocalist for church and community events.

The princess’s mother, the former Renee David, serves on the YMCA board. She also has been active in the music, theater and athletic booster clubs at Norfolk High School.

daughter of Donnette and Eugene Bastian of Arlington.

She is in the prephysical therapy program at UNL. Her sister, Charlsie, was a princess last year.

The princess’s father is a dedicated dispatcher for Werner Enterprises. He has been a youth basketball coach.

The princess’s mother, the former Donnette Kremke, is an elementary school counselor at Council Bluffs Community Schools. She is president of the Alpha Omicron Pi parents club and has been president of the Arlington Band Parents group.

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aksarben heartland princesses

SunDAy, SEptEMbER 25, 2016

DAnA JAnE DiLLOn, 21,

nicOLEttE nEtz, 21,

AbiGAiL SAWin pEtERS, 21,

daughter of Patty and Sid R. Dillon of Fremont.

She is pursuing a degree in youth and family studies at UNL. Her brother Chase was an escort in 2012.

Her grandfather Sid C. Dillon was inducted into the Aksarben Court of Honor in 2008.

The princess’s father is dealer-owner of a number of Sid Dillon and Dillon Brothers vehicle dealerships. He serves on the board of Fremont Area Community Foundation and on the executive committee of the Fremont Family YMCA. He is a past president of the Fremont Rotary and has served as chairman of the board of Midland University.

Her mother, the former Patty Flynn, is a grantee of the board of Dodge County Head Start. She serves on the board of the Low Income Ministry of Dodge County. She also is past president of the Priscilla Flower Mission and her PEO chapter.

daughter of Robin and Dr. Douglas Netz of Lincoln.

She is pursuing a degree in nutrition, exercise, and health science at UNL as well as a degree in dietetics.

Her sister Morgan was a princess last fall.

The princess’s father is a cardiologist at CHI Health Nebraska Heart Institute. He is president of the Netz Family Foundation and vice president of the Lincoln G.O.L.D. nonprofit organization. He is a fellow in the American College of Cardiology.

The princess’s mother, the former Robin Hansen, is founder and president of G.O.L.D. She also founded the Lincoln chapter of the American Heart Association Sweethearts Program.

daughter of Lisa and Jacob Peters of Council Bluffs.

She is pursuing a marketing degree at the University of Kansas. Her brother, Nathan, was an escort in 2014.

Her father was an escort in 1982; her uncles Andrew and Mark Peters were also escorts. Her grandmother Jane Savidge Peters was a princess in 1951.

And her great-great-aunt Gladys Peters was Aksarben queen in 1920.

Her mother, the former Lisa Sawin, serves on the executive board of the Council Bluffs Guild of the Omaha Symphony and on the Lauritzen Gardens Guild board. She is a member of the Iowa Supreme Court Grievance Commission.

The princess’s father is a partner with Peters Law Firm. He is treasurer of the Pottawattamie County Pheasants Forever board and serves on the board of Pottawattamie County Conservation.

ELizAbEtH Ann bOLDt GRAMS, 22, daughter of Renee A. and Craig B. Grams of Upland.

She is pursuing a nursing degree at Bryan College of Health Sciences.

The princess’s father is self-employed in production agriculture.

He is president of the Minden Public School Board and the Upland Rural Fire Department Board. He is a member of the Aurora Cooperative Board and a trustee at St. Ann’s Catholic Church.

The princess’s mother, the former Renee Boldt, is an advanced practice registered nurse. She serves on the Minden Opera House board and has served on the board of Two Rivers Public Health Department. She also has been active with St. Ann’s and the fire department.

ALLiE LEWiS, 22, daughter of Dr. Cindy and Brad Lewis of Kearney.

She is pursuing a chemistry degree at Gustavus Adolphus College. Her brother, Mat, is an escort this year.

Before his retirement, the princess’s father was a medical malpractice insurance agent. He is a youth hockey coach and has served as president of both the adult and youth hockey boards in Kearney.

The princess’s mother, the former Cindy Hannibal, is a medical oncologist and hematologist at Heartland Hematology and Oncology.

pAiGE niSSEn, 22, daughter of Roxanne and Dr. Alan Nissen of Lincoln.

She is pursuing a degree in business administration at Texas Christian University.

The princess’s father is a retired otologic surgeon. He is a volunteer physician at the People’s City Mission and a volunteer faculty member at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

The princess’s mother, the former Roxanne Pankonin, has retired from a career in banking and commercial real estate. She is a past Moms in Touch group leader, is active in her PEO chapter, and has served on the board of the Lancaster County Medical Alliance.

cAtHERinE OSbORnE, 21, daughter of Emily and Mike Osborne of Lincoln.

She is pursuing degrees in Spanish and public relations at Drake University. Her brother, Will, was an escort in 2014. Her aunt Suzanne Osborne Hince was a countess — a title that preceded Heartland princess — in 1991, and her grandfather Tom Osborne was king of Aksarben in 2007.

The princess’s father is owner of Osborne Family Enterprises. He is a Sunday school teacher and youth group volunteer at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church.

The princess’s mother, the former Emily England, is co-owner of Forever Faithful Boutique. She does volunteer work for St. Mark’s and Lincoln Public Schools.

The Osbornes are TeamMates mentors.

OMAHA WORLD-HERALD

Public Library board and is involved with the local Right to Life group. She also has been a mock trial adviser at Scotus Central Catholic High School.

ALLiSOn MARiE ScHROEDER, 21, daughter of Jill Gradwohl Schroeder and Jeffery Schroeder and of Lincoln.

She is pursuing a degree in biological systems engineering at UNL. Her brother, Joel, was an escort last year. Her sister, Shannon, was a princess in 2012.

The princess’s father is an assistant attorney general and chief counsel of the Nebraska Roads Department.

The princess’s mother, also an attorney, is a partner at Baylor Evnen Curtiss Grimit & Witt. She is a fellow of the American Bar Association. She also serves on the board of Cedars Youth Services and has served on the board of the Lincoln Public Schools Foundation.

nAtALiE MARy pfEifER, 21,

DAniELLE RAE SiSSOn, 22,

daughter of Julie and Terry Pfeifer of Grand Island.

She is pursuing a degree in hospitality, restaurant and tourism management at UNL. Her sister, Lyndie, was a princess in 2007.

Two of her brothers were escorts, James in 2009 and Michael in 2014.

The princess’s father is a financial adviser at Edward Jones Investments. He serves on the board of CHI Health St. Francis Medical Center. He has served on the board of the Grand Island Area Chamber of Commerce, has been chairman of the Heartland United Way board and has been a trustee of the Stuhr Museum.

The princess’s mother, the former Julie Bruckner, is a sales representative of Majestic Treasures. She co-founded the Grand Island Area Cancer Endowment Foundation. She has assisted with United Way fundraisers and has been a member of Serra Club.

daughter of Rhonda and Calvin Sisson of Yutan.

She is pursuing a criminal justice degree at the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

The princess’s father is executive director of the Suzanne and Walter Scott Foundation. He serves on the Omaha Zoo Foundation board and has been the foundation’s executive director. He has been active in the Omaha Estate Planning Council, the Lions Eye Bank and the Boy Scouts.

The princess’s mother, the former Rhonda Keller, is active in Bible Study Fellowship and Brookside Church and is an advocate at Assure Women’s Center.

MARy KAtE RAMbOuR, 21, daughter of Cheryl and Mike Rambour of Columbus.

She attends UNL and will study nursing at Bryan College of Health Sciences. Her sisters, Ellen and Rachel, were Aksarben princesses. Her aunt Renee Rambour was a countess.

The princess’s father is owner of Rambour Realty and Insurance. He is on the local Boy Scouts of America board, the YMCA board and the St. Bonaventure Catholic Church Finance Committee. He is past president of the Columbus Lions Club.

The princess’s mother, the former Cheryl Keiderling, is director of religious education at St. Bonaventure. She serves on the Columbus

MEGAn SuLLivAn, 22, daughter of Kathy and Patrick Sullivan of Bellevue.

She expects to obtain a master’s degree in professional accountancy at UNL in December. Her aunt Bridget Ann Sullivan was a countess in 1985.

The princess’s father is an attorney at Adams & Sullivan and is general counsel for the City of Bellevue. He serves on the boards of the Midlands Community Foundation and Sarpy County Crime Crimestoppers.

The princess’s mother, the former Kathy Husten, is vice president of marketing at CQuence Health Group. She is a member of a judicial nominating commission for the Nebraska Supreme Court. She was a founding member and vice president of the Bellevue Community Foundation board. She is an active volunteer at Marian High School.

oMaha world-herald

Sunday, SepteMber 25, 2016

aksarben heartland princesses

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McKenzie SuMMerfield, 21,

Jordan Swan, 22,

Katherine wilSon, 21,

daughter of Nancy and Ken Summerfield of Papillion.

She is pursuing a chemistry degree at the University of Kansas.

The princess’s father is an agent with American Family Insurance. He is active in Midlands Community Foundation fundraisers and in Papillion-La Vista Community Schools fundraisers.

The princess’s mother, the former Nancy Spencer, is a secretary with Papillion-La Vista. Much of her volunteer work also revolves around the school district, where she has been active in parent-teacher organizations.

In addition, the Summerfields are youth leaders at Thanksgiving Lutheran Church.

daughter of Karol Swan and the late Donn Swan of York.

She is a graduate student at UNL and an independent horse trainer. Her family received a Pioneer Farm Family Award from Aksarben in 2014 because of their 100 years of family farm ownership.

The princess’s mother, the former Karol Livers, was employed by the U.S. Agriculture Department for 32 years.

She is active in the CommonGround women’s group, is a York County 4-H leader and is the York County 4-H Council treasurer. She volunteers with the Nebraska Horse Clubs Association and other community groups.

The princess’s father worked for the USDA, farmed and raised quarterhorses. He was a 4-H volunteer. He also was active in Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion.

daughter of Dr. Cristin and Jessup Wilson of Fremont.

She is pursuing a master’s degree in occupational therapy at College of St. Mary. Her brother Kiefer Wilson was an escort last year.

The princess’s father is chief financial officer of Taylor & Martin Enterprises and of Taylor & Martin Auctioneers; he also is president of Preferred Leasing.

He is active in the Fremont Area Community Foundation.

Her mother, the former Cristin Chisholm, is a dentist. She is active in her PEO chapter and is past president of the Tri-Valley Dental Society.

The Wilsons are members of the vestry at Fremont’s St. James Episcopal Church.

aksarben omaha escorts brogan daniel biShop, 21,

JaMeS patricK coyle, 22,

son of Tammi and Colin Bishop.

He is pursuing a degree in computer science at the University of Nebraska’s Peter Kiewit Institute.

His brother Costen was a standard bearer at the 2013 coronation ball.

The escort’s father is president of The Maids International and a board member of Cleaning for a Reason.

The escort’s mother, the former Tammi Monrad, is president of Bishop Advertising.

She is a member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands Guild and the Omaha Symphony Guild. She has been an active fundraiser for the Westside Community Schools Foundation.

The Bishops have been active in Project Nightlights.

son of Pamela Bloch and Michael Coyle.

He is pursuing a business degree at Marquette University.

His sister, Alison, was an Aksarben princess in 2011, his brother Nathan was an escort in 2013, and his brother Daniel was a page.

His father has served on the Aksarben Floor Committee.

The escort’s father is an attorney at Fraser Stryker. He is past president of the Westside Community Council and of the Nebraska Association of Trial Lawyers.

He is a diplomate for the American Board of Trial Advocates.

The escort’s mother is an attorney at Curley Law Office. She is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association and is an adviser to the Latino Center of the Midlands.

She serves on the board of the Intercultural Senior Center and has served on the boards of Westside Athletic Club and Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands.

Mace bogard, 22, son of Anne and Matt Bogard.

He is pursuing a degree in biology at Rockhurst University.

Matt Bogard is the executive vice president and director of asset services for CBRE|MEGA. He has played an active role in Creighton Prep’s BASH fundraiser and Duchesne Academy’s Conge fundraiser. He assists Habitat for Humanity.

The escort’s mother, the former Anne Perrin, assists in the St. Margaret Mary Parish bereavement ministry. She has been active in fundraisers for Catholic Charities of Omaha and Duchesne. She has served as vice president of administration in the Omaha Symphony Guild.

John byron daviS iii, 22, son of Kimberly and John Davis Jr. He is in the prelaw program at the University of NebraskaLincoln. JB is an escort chairman this year and was a page in 2002; his sister, Laura, was a page the next year.

The escort’s mother, the former Kimberly Skutt, was Aksarben queen in 1979 and has been chairman of the Women’s Ball Committee. JB’s grandmother Cornelia Cowan Davis also served on the Women’s Ball Committee. JB’s grandfather Thomas Skutt was Aksarben king in 1992, and his great-grandfather VJ Skutt was king in 1964. His great-aunt Sally Skutt Desmond was queen in 1956. And his great-great uncle Fred Metz was Aksarben king in 1903 and was a founding governor of Aksarben.

The escort’s father served on the boards of the Omaha Hearing School and Easter Seals Nebraska. He was president of the Easter Seals President’s Council.

The escort’s mother is vice president of development for the Nebraska Humane Society. She has been a Brownell-Talbot School trustee and has served on the boards of organizations including the Omaha Community Playhouse and the Rose Theater.

chaSe tanner dixon, 22, son of Robin and Roger Dixon.

He is pursuing a finance degree at UNL. His sister Chelsea was a princess in 2006, and his sister Chandlar was a page in 2004.

The escort’s father is president and CEO of the Metropolitan Entertainment and Convention Authority.

He serves on the Metropolitan Hospitality Association board, the Nebraska Tourism Commission and the Omaha Sports Commission.

The escort’s mother, the former Robin Webb, is an independent contractor.

colin dudzinSKi, 22, son of Sherrie and Dr. Bernard Dudzinski.

He is pursuing a doctorate in dental surgery at the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry. His brother Jordan was an escort in 2009.

The escort’s father is a dentist at New Image Dentistry. He is a volunteer and supporter of the I-Smile dental program. He also has been a youth sports coach.

The escort’s mother, the former Sherrie Blair, has served as president of the parent club of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity in Lincoln.

Her volunteer efforts have benefited the Child Saving Institute, St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, Creighton Prep and the Stephen Center homeless shelter.

Jacob falK, 21, son of Stacey and Kevin Falk.

He is pursuing degrees in business administration and pre-physical therapy at UNL. His brother Joshua was an escort in 2013, and his brother Joseph was a page in 2010.

The escort’s mother, the former Stacey Glass, has served on the Women’s Ball Committee.

The escort’s father is senior area sales manager for Actelion Pharmaceuticals. He has served as a trustee of St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church.

The escort’s mother is executive director of the Elkhorn Public Schools Foundation.

She has served on the Omaha Symphony Debutante Ball Committee and the Campfire USA board. Her volunteer work has benefited Lauritzen Gardens, Project Harmony and the Rose Theater.

nathaniel JaMeS farho, 21, son of Barbara and James Farho.

He is pursuing a business administration degree at UNL. The escort’s father is enterprise technology sales manager at Oracle. He has served on the boards of Youth Emergency Services and Assistance League of Omaha.

He is secretary of the Blackstone Business Improvement District and has been president of Midtown Neighborhood Alliance.

The escort’s mother, the former Barbara Riggenbach, is senior director of communications and community engagement at United Way of the Midlands.

Many of her volunteer activities have focused on educating young people. She has served on the board of Collective for Youth and on the National League of Cities’ Mayors Education Policy Advisors Network. She has served on steering committees helping the Omaha Public Schools and on a Millard Public Schools business advisory council.

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SunDAy, SEptEMbER 25, 2016

OWEn DExtER HARRy, 22, son of Christine and Robert Harry Jr. He is pursuing a degree in interior design at the University of Idaho. Owen is an escort chairman this year. His parents were both members of the Royal Court in 1990, his mother as a princess, his father as an escort. Robert Harry was escort chairman the next year and also has served as Floor Committee chairman and on the Aksarben Stock Show & Rodeo board. Among Owen’s other ties to Aksarben: His grandmother Kathleen Fuchs Owen was a princess; his grandfather Robert E. Owen was an escort, served on the Floor Committee, was an Aksarben councillor and a governor. His great-grandmother Dolores Carlson Owen was a princess. And his great-grandfather Edward F. Owen was an Aksarben governor and was king of Aksarben in 1975.

The escort’s father is vice president of Lockton Cos. He is a member of the Omaha Parks and Recreation advisory board and of a Metro Community College advisory board.

The escort’s mother, the former Christine Owen, served on the board of Omaha’s Ronald McDonald House and has been active in the Junior League of Omaha and Child Saving Institute. She is a member of the All Saints Episcopal Church Vestry.

MicHAEL tHOMAS KOcH, 21, son of Lisa and Daniel Koch.

He expects to obtain a business degree from Creighton University in December. His brothers — Alexander, Jonathan and Thomas — were pages. His father was a page, an escort and an Aksarben councillor. His grandfather Harry Koch was king of Aksarben in 1997; he also served as an Aksarben governor and a councillor. His grandmother Gail (Young) Koch was Aksarben queen in 1952; she also was Women’s Ball Committee chairman.

Daniel Koch is president of Phoenix Capital.

He has served on Creighton’s conflict of interest review committee, Children’s Hospital Foundation board, Catholic Charities Foundation board and St. Robert Bellarmine stewardship committee.

The escort’s mother, the former Lisa Mainelli, serves on the Children’s Hospital/UNMC Institutional Review Board and the Creighton University Institutional Review Board. She is a member of the Sacred Heart Guild, St. Robert’s Ladies Guild and the Omaha Symphony Guild.

The Kochs serve on the Dobleman Head and Neck Cancer Institute board.

ADAM JOHn KOtuLA, 21, son of Suzanne and Dr. Rudy Kotula.

He is pursuing degrees in biochemistry and Spanish at Creighton. His sister, Anna, was standard bearer at the 2014 coronation ball. His mother, the former Suzanne Ganzhorn, has served on the Women’s

OMAHA WORLD-HERALD

aksarben omaha escorts Ball Committee.

The escort’s father is a physician at Methodist Physicians. He serves on the Nebraska AIDS Project board and is a consultant for the Nebraska Immunization Task Force. He serves on the Creighton University Alumni Advisory Board and the Creighton Parents Leadership Council.

The Kotulas were honorary co-chairmen of the 2016 Heartland Family Service Gala. They are co-chairmen of the 2017 Brownell-Talbot Gala.

Suzanne Kotula serves on the Omaha Symphony Governing Board and the Children’s Hospital Friends Board.

cOnnOR MicHAEL KOuKOL, 21, son of Elizabeth and Dr. Steven Koukol.

He is pursuing a finance degree at UNL. Connor was an Aksarben page, as was his sister Libby. His other sister, Katie, was a princess in 2010. His brother, Jeff, was an escort in 2012.

The escort’s father is a urologist and a partner at the Urology Center. He is a member of the finance committee of the South Central Section of the American Urological Association. He also is a member of the American College of Surgeons.

The escort’s mother, the former Elizabeth Tooley, is a registered nurse at the Methodist Pain Management Clinic. She is immediate past president of Methodist Volunteers in Partnership. She has served on a number of boards including Boys & Girls Clubs, Girls Inc. and the Rose Theater.

HEnRy HuDSOn KutiLEK, 21, son of Anne and Steve Kutilek.

He is pursuing a chemical engineering degree at UNL. Henry was a page in 2001.

His uncle Joseph Kutilek was an escort in 1988.

The escort’s father is president & CEO of Customer Service Profiles. He has been president of the board of Omaha’s Ronald McDonald House and now is on the charity’s advisory committee. He has co-chaired a CUES corporate drive and he remains a CUES corporate drive team leader.

The escort’s mother, the former Anne Rothfuss, is director of special events for CUES. She serves on the Stephen Center board and is active in the nonprofit’s guild.

She has served as a Sacred Heart mentor. Her volunteer work has benefited Creighton Prep, Christ the King, Catholic Charities, TeamMates and Westside High.

The Kutileks are past chairmen of the annual CUES fundraising event.

MicHAEL FLOyD MELLEn, 21,

JAcK RiccERi, 21,

son of Lisa and Gary Gotsdiner and Mike Mellen.

He is pursuing a mechanical engineering degree at the University of Arizona.

His brother Andrew was an escort in 2011; Michael, Andrew and their sister, Jessica, were Aksarben pages.

Their father was an escort as well.

The escort’s mother, the former Lisa Marietti, is a business consultant at Gallup Inc. She serves on the boards of the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, the Westside Community Schools Foundation and Phoenix Academy. She is a mentor in the Girls Inc. Pathfinders Program, has served on the Girls Inc. board and has been president of the nonprofit’s friends group.

She also is a member of the Project Harmony Community Cabinet.

The escort’s stepfather, a lawyer, is chairman of McGill, Gotsdiner, Workman & Lepp.

The escort’s father is founder of Lowry Mellen Realty Advisors and has been involved in the United States Tennis Association.

son of Buffy and Tom Ricceri.

He is assistant manager of the Fossil Store at Village Pointe.

He and his sister Skylar were train bearers at previous coronation balls. His mother, the former Buffy Fricke, and his aunt Cathy Bonnesen have served on the Women’s Ball Committee.

His father and his uncle Scot Bonnesen have served on the Floor Committee.

The escort’s father is a plumber for Mainelli Mechanical Contractors. His volunteer work has benefited Westside Community Schools, Boys & Girls Clubs and All Saints Episcopal Church.

The escort’s mother is a business analyst for First National Bank of Omaha. She was general co-chair of the 50th anniversary bash for Boys & Girls Clubs and has been president of the nonprofit’s Family Guild. She has been active in fundraising for Westside Schools, Fontenelle Forest, Opera Omaha, Lauritzen Gardens and more.

nAtHAniEL tHOMAS nEMER, 22,

son of Cynthia E. Epstein and David A. Wiesman.

He is studying computer science and linguistics at the University of Michigan.

Mathew and his brother, Harison, were Aksarben pages.

The escort’s father is president of Wiesman Development. He serves on the board of Joslyn Art Museum and contributes to many community causes.

The escort’s mother is an attorney at Epstein & Epstein. She is a Nebraska State Bar Fellow, serves on the Nebraska Supreme Court District 2 Committee on Inquiry and has been a Nebraska State Bar delegate. She also has served on the Child Saving Institute board.

son of Susan Nemer Haddix and Michael Nemer.

He is pursuing a business degree at UNL. His brother, Nick, was an escort in 2007.

The escort’s mother, the former Susan Meehan, is married to George Haddix.

Among her community activities, she is a Creighton University trustee and serves on the boards of Child Saving Institute, Fontenelle Forest and Jesuit Academy. She has served on the Omaha Symphony Debutante Ball Committee.

The escort’s father, a business executive, is married to Denise Nemer.

niKOLAOS pipERiS, 21, son of Christina and Dr. Peter Piperis.

He is pursuing a degree in philosophy at Boston College.

Dr. Piperis is a chronic pain specialist and anesthesiologist at Momenta Pain Care.

The escort’s mother, the former Christina Koliopoulos, works at the Momenta clinic.

She is former parish council president at St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church. Her volunteer work has benefited the church, St. Vincent de Paul Parish and the Rose Theater.

The Piperises have been active at Creighton Prep.

MAtHEW F. WiESMAn, 21,

JAMES ROMAn WORtMAnn, 22, son of Cecilia and Thomas Wortmann.

He is pursuing a business degree at UNO. His sister Rachel was a standard bearer at the 2013 ball.

The escort’s parents founded InterTech Collision Centers in 1987; the company now has eight locations.

Tom Wortmann was active in the D.R.E.A.M. Foundation car giveaway for many years. He has been a sponsor of the Millard Business Association’s Project Wee Care and of the Omaha Soap Box Derby. He supports the Creighton Prep trapshooting team.

The escort’s mother, the former Cecilia Klosner, is a longtime volunteer with the ReRuns R Fun consignment sale and is a longtime sponsor of the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. Her volunteer work has benefited St. Columbkille Catholic School, Marian High School and the Open Door Mission.

OMAHA WORLD-HERALD

aksarben heartland escorts

SunDAy, SEptEMbER 25, 2016

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HEnRy tHOMAS AufDEnkAMp, 22,

DyLAn DAM, 22,

nELS HOLMquiSt, 21,

ALEc J. kOukOL, 21,

son of Brenda and Brent Aufdenkamp of North Platte.

He is pursuing a degree in agricultural economics at the University of NebraskaLincoln.

The escort’s father is a teacher-coach for North Platte High School, Adams Middle School and North Platte Catholic Schools.

He also is a Lincoln County 4-H leader and sponsor.

The escort’s mother, the former Brenda Kimberly, is a Nebraska Extension educator in 4-H and youth development. She is also a Nebraska 4-H educator, leader and sponsor.

She has served on the board of the American Youth Horse Council.

The Aufdenkamps are teachers and elders at First Evangelical Lutheran Church.

son of Karna and Dwight Dam of Hooper.

He is studying agricultural education at UNL. His brother, Derek, was an escort in 2012.

His mother, the former Karna Anderson, is beef superintendent of the Aksarben Stock Show.

The escort’s father is a farmer. His mother is an extension educator.

son of Amy and Tim Clare and Jill and Don Holmquist, all of Lincoln.

He is pursuing a degree in hospitality, restaurant and tourism management at UNL. His sister Ingrid Holmquist was a princess, and his brothers Matthew and Colin Clare were escorts.

The escort’s mother, the former Amy Weesner, is a fashion stylist at Cabi Clothing and J. Hilburn Menswear.

She is a trustee of the Lincoln Community Foundation. She does volunteer work at Westminster Presbyterian Church and Cedars Home for Children.

Tim Clare is an attorney at Rembolt Ludtke and a University of Nebraska regent. He is vice chairman of the West Haymarket Joint Public Agency overseeing Pinnacle Bank Arena. He is a fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel and of the Nebraska State Bar Foundation.

Don Holmquist, the escort’s father, is a psychotherapist and drug and alcohol counselor at the Lincoln Regional Center. He is a Special Olympics tennis buddy, a mediator at the Mediation Center and a clinical intern trainer and site supervisor for Doane College.

Jill Holmquist is a trial consultant employed

by Forensic Anthropology. She is president and mediator of the American Society of Trial Consultants.

son of Cydney and David Koukol of Bellevue.

He is pursuing a degree in commercial voice at Belmont University. Alec, a Heartland escort chairman this year, was an Aksarben page in 2002. His sister, Claire was a princess in 2012.

His mother, the former Cydney Wilson, has served on the Women’s Ball Committee.

The escort’s father is an attorney at Koukol & Johnson and secretary of Nebraska Land Trust. He is a past chair of, and a current volunteer with, the Omaha Bar Association’s Walk Through the Courts Day. He serves on a Nebraska Supreme Court nominating committee.

Cydney Koukol is chief communication officer at Talent Plus. Her volunteer work has benefited the Omaha Children’s Museum, Planned Parenthood of Omaha-Council Bluffs, Delta Gamma House and many more groups.

She also is a member of the Omaha Town Hall board.

JAMES ALfRED bRunE, 21, son of Sandi and Tom Brune of Fremont.

He is pursuing an accounting degree at UNL. His sister, Sarah, was a princess in 2013.

The escort’s father is a certified public accountant with Darst, Brune & Associates. He is vice president of the Fremont Public Schools Foundation board. He serves on the boards of the Fremont Opera House and the Fremont Area United Way. The escort’s mother, the former Sandi Lubker, is president of her PEO chapter and a member of the Fremont Area Art Association board. She has served on the board of the Friends of the Lied Center for Performing Arts and has been the Dodge County Historical Society board treasurer.

cALEb cOOn, 22, son of Annette and Robert Coon of Blair.

He is pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering at Iowa State.

The escort’s father is an attorney at Kutak Rock. He has assisted with Habitat for Humanity events and heart health fundraisers. He is a member of the University of Illinois Alumni Association.

The escort’s mother, the former Annette Wemhoff, is a media specialist at Sagewood Elementary. She organized the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation walk-a-thon at her school and has been a CCD outreach instructor.

AnDREW DAnnEHL, 21, son of Stephanie and David Dannehl of Bertrand.

He is studying computer information technology at Southeast Community College.

The escort’s father is president of First State Bank. He has served on the boards of the Nebraska Bankers Association, the Bertrand Area Community Foundation and the Phelps Memorial Health Center.

The escort’s mother, the former Stephanie Burchess, is a technology integration specialist at Bertrand Community School. She serves on the Nebraska Educational Technology Association board and just ended a term as the executive board secretary of the Nebraska School Librarians Association.

JAcOb EngEL, 22, son of Amy and Jay Engel of North Platte.

He is pursuing a degree in business administration at the University of Nebraska at Kearney.

The escort’s father is an insurance agent at Farm Bureau Financial Services.

He is secretary of the Great Plains Health board as well as past president of the Buffalo Bill Kiwanis Club. He has served as president of the local chapter of the Nebraska Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors. In addition, he is the worship deacon and executive board secretary at First Baptist Church.

The escort’s mother, the former Amy Phares, works in commissions and accounting at Phares Financial Services. She is vice president of her PEO chapter, a founding board member of the North Platte Area Children’s Museum and financial secretary of First Baptist.

The Engels were co-executive directors of the Miss Nebraska Scholarship Program for a number of years.

gARREtt JOHn JERkOvicH, 21, son of Tracy Thraen-Jerkovich and John Jerkovich of Council Bluffs.

He is pursuing a finance degree at the University of Iowa. His brothers were escorts, Charles in 2010 and Grant in 2013.

The escort’s father is owner of Heartland Properties. He is active in the Council Bluffs Community Betterment Foundation, serves on the board of the Municipal Housing Agency of Council Bluffs and supports the H.H. Red & Ruth Nelson Foundation.

The escort’s mother is owner of the Jotra real estate management company. She is a member of the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary and assists the Heartland Family Service’s Iowa Family Works program. She is president of the Council Bluffs Guild of the Omaha Symphony and does volunteer work for Lutheran Family Services.

The Jerkovichs have chaired a fundraiser for Iowa Western Community College.

MAt LEWiS, 21, son of Dr. Cindy and Brad Lewis of Kearney.

He is pursuing a biology degree at Gustavus Adolphus College. His sister, Allie, is a princess this year.

Before his retirement, the escort’s father was a medical malpractice insurance agent. He is a youth hockey coach and has served as president of both the adult and youth hockey boards in Kearney.

The escort’s mother, the former Cindy Hannibal, is a medical oncologist and hematologist at Heartland Hematology and Oncology.

AnDREW pEck LOHRbERg, 22, son of Dr. John Lohrberg and Amy Peck of Waterloo.

He obtained a bachelor’s degree in June from the University of Denver, where he studied political science and religious studies.

His sister Dana was a princess in 2013.

The escort’s father is a family physician at Methodist Physicians Clinic and has served on the board of Nebraska Methodist Health System. He is president of the board of the University of Nebraska College of Medicine Engagement Council (formerly Alumni Association).

The escort’s mother is an attorney at Jackson Lewis. She serves on the American Immigration Lawyers Association board and on the University of Nebraska College of Medicine Advisory Board. She also has been a member of the Lutheran Family Services board.

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SunDAy, SEptEMbER 25, 2016

OMAHA WORLD-HERALD

aksarben heartland escorts

RObERt LOWE, 21,

nAtHAn JOSEpH pEtERSOn, 23,

KRAMER RAtH, 21,

ADAM WALLAcE, 22,

son of Kim and John S. Lowe of Kearney.

He expects to graduate from UNL in December with a business management degree. His brother John was an escort last year.

His grandmother Andrea Svoboda Lowe was an Aksarben princess.

The escort’s father is a partner in Lowe Real Estate Investments and is owner of Platte Valley Tap House. He is a member of the Kearney Planning Commission. He was the 1994 Potentate of Tehama Shrine and has been active in the Rob Morris Masonic Lodge, the York Rite and the Scottish Rite.

The escort’s mother, the former Kim Sorensen, has served as president of her PEO chapter and remains active in it. She is a founding member of Central Nebraska Local Outreach to Suicide Survivors Team. She also is an active member of Prince of Peace and St. James Catholic Churches.

son of Paige and Steven Peterson of Oakland.

He graduated from Nebraska Wesleyan in May with a degree in business administration and is employed

by Del Peterson & Associates in Fremont.

The Petersons have received the Aksarben Foundation’s Good Neighbor Award for their community contributions.

The escort’s father is self-employed as an auctioneer at Del Peterson & Associates. He has been a Sunday school teacher.

The escort’s mother, the former Paige Benedict, is the owner of Anytime Fitness locations in Oakland, Lincoln and Gretna.

She is a PEO chaplain and was a member of the Healthy Communities Initiative board.

She serves on the Oakland-Craig School Foundation board and has been a school board member.

The Petersons have been leaders in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes ministry.

son of Kimberly and Doug Rath of Lincoln.

He will graduate from Nebraska Wesleyan in December with a degree in business administration. He is a Heartland escort chairman this year; his brother Austin had the same title in 2014.

The escort’s father is chairman of Talent Plus.

He serves on the boards of Cancer Treatment Centers of America and Singapore-based AtSunrice.

The escort’s mother, the former Kimberly Sutter, is president and co-chairman of Talent Plus. She serves on the boards of the Tabitha and Lincoln Community Foundations. She serves on the advisory councils of the Beryl Institute in Bedford, Texas, and of the Cornell University Center for Hospitality Research in Ithaca, New York.

son of Sarah and Donald Wallace of Craig.

He attends UNL, where he is pursuing degrees in accounting and agribusiness.

The escort’s father is a self-employed farmer and a technology integration specialist at Tekamah-Herman Community Schools. He has served as president of the Oakland-Craig school board and has been chairman of the Nebraska FFA board. He is the Nebraska State Fair sheep superintendent.

The escort’s mother, the former Sarah Meyer, is a registered nurse at Fremont Health Medical Center. She is a member of the Fremont Health Nursing Practice Council and of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing. She also serves on the First Lutheran Church worship committee.

DAviD R. pALMtAg, 21, son of Janet and John Palmtag of Nebraska City.

He is pursuing a degree in civil engineering from UNL. His brothers were escorts, John in 2008 and Stephen in 2010.

Their father also was an escort.

John Palmtag is president of 7M Corp.

He was a member of River Country Industrial Development Corp. for 12 years and is a past director of the Nebraska City Chamber of Commerce.

He is an officer of the Otoe County Visitors Committee.

The escort’s mother, the former Janet Riege, is president of J.J. Palmtag Inc. She is active in the Nebraska Realtors Association and is a past president of the affiliate. She has served on the CHI Health St. Mary’s Hospital Foundation board.

nicHOLAS ALAn pREiStER, 22, son of Carolee and Alan Preister of Columbus.

He will obtain a degree from UNL, where he is studying finance and agricultural economics, in December.

The escort’s father is a self-employed farmer.

He is active in Knights of Columbus and is a board member of Lake Oconee Estates.

The escort’s mother, the former Carolee Sprunk, is a piano instructor. She is a music liturgist at St. Isidore’s Catholic Church.

The Preisters are volunteers in the Big Pals/ Little Pals program.

LucAS ScOtt vAn WiE, 21, son of Drs. Jana and Scott Van Wie of Grand Island.

He is studying predentistry and business administration at UNL. His sister Krista was a princess last year.

His aunt Karly Van Wie-Olson was an Aksarben countess — a predecessor to the heartland princess title — in 1989. Lucas’ great-great-grandfather Jay Auble received the Aksarben Foundation’s Good Neighbor Award in 1963 for contributions to the Ord community.

The escort’s father is an orthotist and prosthetist. He is a fundraiser for the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign, a Special Olympics volunteer and a Pheasants Forever supporter.

He also serves on the Kuester Lake Water Quality and Fish Committee.

The escort’s mother, the former Jana Anderson, is a family practice physician at Hansen Medical. She is a volunteer physician for Third City Clinic, a past YMCA board member and a provider for the Every Woman Matters Program. She also mentors students pursuing medical professions.

bLAKE R. WOODRuff, 21, son of Barbara A. and Robert S. Woodruff of York.

He is pursuing a degree in finance at UNL. The escort’s father is a financial adviser at Ameriprise Financial Services. He serves on the City of York TIF advisory committee and is a member of the York County Development Corp. He is treasurer of Families for Effective Autism Treatment of Nebraska and has been president of the York Sunrise Sertoma Club.

The escort’s mother, the former Barbara Baker, serves on the York County Extension Board and is the York County Fair 4-H superintendent. She is a TeamMates mentor, is active in FEAT of Nebraska and volunteers with the York General Hospital Auxiliary.

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR AKSARBEN HORATIO ALGER SCHOLARS WELCOME TO UNO!

Sierra Brakhage Savannah Bryant Connor Cross Anabel Diaz

Alexandro Esparza-Quezada Dulce Galvan Jayden Hamel

Alicia Luis Stephanie Rosales Delgado Makayla Ruiz

Courtney Sidzyik Evelyn Sprick Maysie Thompson

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