Scholarship Ball offers chance to help worthy students

ATCHISON — The annual Benedictine College Scholarship Ball, now celebrating its 51st year, has again been named a Top 10 fundraising event in the Kansas City area by The Independent magazine. This year, co-chairs Kevin and Colleen “Cocoa” O’Malley and Lené Westerman have set the popular event for the evening of Feb. 25 at the Overland Park Convention Center, located at 6000 College Blvd. The Scholarship Ball includes dinner, awards, entertainment and dancing to live music by The Coda. More information and reservations are available online at: www.benedictine. edu/scholarship-ball.

The event brings in millions for scholarships that will enable students from all walks of life to attend Benedictine, a private, Catholic, residential school located in Atchison. Each year, the ball features the presentation of the Cross of the Order of St. Benedict, a prestigious award established in 1969 to recognize alumni and friends who have supported charitable institutions, provided civic or religious leadership and demonstrated professional excellence. This year, the award will go to Jack (’70) and Kathy Newman.

Jack graduated from Rockhurst High School in Kansas City, Missouri, and St. Benedict’s College, Atchison, and then earned both a master’s degree in health care administration and certification as a CPA. He served in an administrative role at the University of Kansas Hospital, and then continued his career in health care advisory services for 22 years at KPMG and for over 12 years at Cerner Corporation. Both during his career and in retirement, Jack has served or is serving on the following boards of directors: Benedictine College, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City, Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas, Enterprise Bank & Trust, EPR Properties, Hallbrook Country Club, Heartland Health and The University of Kansas Health System.

Kathy graduated from St. Teresa’s Academy and Avila University, both in Kansas City, Missouri, and has a bachelor’s degree in special education. She initially taught special-needs children at the Marillac School in Kansas City, Missouri, and later served on the first formal board of directors of that school. She also has served on the board of directors of St. Teresa’s Academy. Kathy moved to the role of a stay-at-home mom raising, with Jack, the couple’s son Chris, and their three daughters — Amy, Molly and Kate. She now assists, whenever possible, with 11 grandchildren, ranging in age from 1 to 21.

Founded in 1858, Benedictine College is a Catholic, Benedictine, liberal arts college located on the bluffs above the Missouri River. The school is proud to have been named the best private college in Kansas by The Wall Street Journal, one of America’s Best Colleges by U.S. News & World Report and one of the top Catholic colleges in the nation by First Things magazine and the Newman Guide.

“The Nun Run last year was such a huge success that I had no reservations about opening the opportunity again in 2023 to other girls who want to experience the life of Sisters,” said Meghan Ascher, youth director at Church of the Nativity in Leawood.

Over spring break 2022, six high school girls embarked on a weeklong journey to visit three convents, opening their hearts to what vocation the Lord might be calling them to. The girls spent 48 hours at each convent, three days and two nights, where they entered the rhythm of the life of the convent, working and praying with the Sisters.

Avery, a 15-year-old participant in last year’s trip, loved everything about it.

“The Nun Run was an amazing experience that helped me grow in my faith and deepen my spiritual life. I enjoyed spending time with the Sisters and experiencing the different ways they pray and work. It was one of the highlights of my year,” she said.

This year, the “runners” will return to two archdiocesan communities: the Fraternity the Poor of Jesus Christ and the Sisters, Servants of Mary. In addition, they will journey to the Marian Sisters of the Diocese of Lincoln.

They will participate in each order’s respective missions, including homeless street ministry, visiting the sick and dying, and spending time with the mentally and physically handicapped.

The Sisters, Servants of Mary, who welcomed the Nun Run last year, speak highly of the girls’ time at their convent.

“My favorite takeaway from their stay,” said Sister Teresa Seaton, SSM, “was seeing the girls feel comfortable to be themselves and enjoy their time with us.”

Ascher said that it is important the girls feel free in their discernment. They will begin the experience with an orientation night at Nativity learning the basics of discernment before going out to meet the Sisters. Last year, she said, the travel time between convents proved to be an important time for them to process their experiences in an open dialogue.

“High school girls who would give up their spring break to entertain a potential call to religious life are truly mature, adventuresome and dynamic people, and I genuinely enjoy my time spent with them,” Ascher said.

The Nun Run this year will once again be offered over spring break, from the evening of March 10-17.

Ascher said the trip is open to any high schooler 14-18 years old who would like to participate, whether they are seriously discerning a call to religious life or not.

“Sometimes, you just have to take a step before you know which path in life the Lord might be calling you,” she said.

The cost is $50 to attend, and Ascher can be reached at (913) 954-2261 to register. The Church of the Nativity website includes information about the upcoming event at: www.kcnativity.org/ NunRun.