Papillion-La Vista Schools Foundation

242 W. Grant St.

Papillion, NE 68046

facebook.com/plvschoolsfoundation
2014 Year in Review
@PLVSchoolsFound

P -L

SCHOOLS FOUNDATION

plvschoolsfoundation.org
402.829.1340

Save the Date

Swing for Kids Golf Tournament
June 5, 2015
Gala 2015
August 22, 2015

Connecting Great Schools

to a Caring Community. Merle Dandridge, PLHS Class of 1993
 Papillion-La Vista
Schools Foundation
Alumni and friends of Papillion-La Vista Schools,
2014 was a great year - a year committed to supporting students,
honoring a tradition of educational excellence through ongoing
Foundation programs, and fostering the best new ideas from the District,
alumni, and friends. Last year we celebrated one of these new ideas, the

2014 Board of Directors

Papillion-La Vista Schools Endowment for the Performing Arts, at Gala
2014 with Hall of Fame alumna and Broadway and television star Merle
Dandridge (1993) performing with current students. Cynthia Buettner, Brenda Carlson, Lee Denker, John
The Foundation Board and staff are dedicated to connecting you, Erickson, Kristy Feden, Valerie Fisher, Jim Garbina,
our alumni, with each other and your schools through reunions, alumni Bill Gess, Jim Glover, Jill Govier, Kirk Goodnight, Andy
events, and an online community launching soon. Stay in touch by Isaacson, Paul Johnston, Don Kelly, Jeremy Kinsey, Gene
updating your contact information at plvschoolsfoundation.org, and share Klein, Mike Krzywicki, Marcus Madler, Jason Mathison, Rob
what you are doing with us and your fellow alumni. McCartney, Julie McKeone, Dr. Harlan Metschke, Melanie
We cannot do this without you: our alumni, community supporters, Miller, Jim Paschal, Curtis Rainge, Rita Ramirez, Dr. Andy
and District staff who choose to invest in children though the Papillion- Rikli, Karla Rupiper, Leanne Sotak, Dr. Fred Tafoya, Jeremy
La Vista Schools Foundation. To recognize this partnership and support, Van Ackeren, Tania Woessner
the Foundation will publicize the 2015 Honor
a Teacher alumni donors and their favorite
teacher on our website, Facebook, and Ongoing Foundation Programs
newsletter. Please consider joining your fellow Kids Club Outdoor Education
alumni in recognizing a teacher who made an Held at each of Papillion-La Vista’s All 6th grade students spend two days
impact in your life through a gift in their honor. fourteen elementary schools, Kids Club and one night at the Eastern Nebraska
They will receive an acknowledgment card and provides safe, reliable care for students 4-H Camp, developing a better
100 percent of your gift will directly support before and after school, on out-of- understanding of - and appreciation
students. school days, and during the summer. for - nature and the outdoors. Students
Know that you are part of a proud Kids Club offers developmentally participate in nature hikes, games, and
tradition that lives on in the accomplishments appropriate and educational curriculum, teamwork-building activities. Foundation
of alumni throughout the world. Thank you on-site activities, special guests, and support makes this program free so
field trips. Over 1,000 students were students can engage in experimental
for making a difference for children and their
served in Kids Club in 2014. learning while creating memories that
families. will last a lifetime.
Stop by and see us in 2015. Happy New Teacher Grants
Year. This program is designed to encourage
unique and innovative ideas from Old Portal School
Gene Klein, John Erickson, teachers that will improve the History books come to life for 4th grade
President Executive Director educational process and enhance the students through reenactments, story
learning experience of students in time, and tours of the Old Portal School,
the district. The Foundation funds the historic John Sautter House
$100,000 or more in grants each and the original Sarpy
year. County
Courthouse,
all at the
Our Mission: The Scholarships for heart of
Papillion-La Vista Schools Seniors our
Foundation strives to The Foundation recognizes the
enhance educational value of continuing education
opportunities for the for graduating seniors by
students of the Papillion- offering financial support
La Vista School District by through $1,000 scholarships,
offering the opportunity available annually for qualified
to participate in activities students. Alumni and friends
and take advantage of can choose to honor their
programs that would not loved ones through
otherwise be possible. named scholarships. Bell Elementary
Kids Club
“Mrs. Bev Ruff was my speech coach and teacher all three years at PLHS. had an immeasurable impact on my success as a
journalist and television news broadcaster.” Brandi Petersen, PLHS 1999
1 alumni newsletter
community. The Papillion-La Vista
Schools Foundation provided funds to
revive the historic Portal School, allowing
students to connect to lives of the
pioneers. Papillion-La Vista teachers,
the Papillion Area Historical society, law
enforcement, and community members
volunteer to create this experience.
Summer Library
Four or more elementary school libraries
stay open during the summer to offer all
K-6th grade Papillion-La Vista students the
opportunity to take their own summer
vacation through the pages of books.
Students can participate in activities
in the library and are invited to check
out books. Summer Library expands
elementary students’ horizons through
education and reading, providing an
opportunity to families who do not have
close access to a another library or the
financial ability to buy new books.
Junior High Tutoring
The Foundation provides funding for
teaching staff to work with junior high
students after school, four days a week,
providing extra help necessary for
students to succeed.
Career Academies
School-to-Career Academies allow high
school students the chance to receive
in-depth exploration, hands-on career
experience, and on-the-job training.
Foundation scholarships and tuition
reimbursement assist students in
financial need to earn both high school
and Metropolitan Community College
credit, giving them a jump-start to their
future and a strong advantage as they
launch their career.
Post Prom
The Papillion-La Vista Schools Foundation
partners with parents and community
leaders to provide resources to keep
Papillion-La Vista South High School
students safe at a drug and alcohol-
free event for after Prom. Evening
activities include a lock-in with food,
entertainment, and prizes to keep
hundreds of students up all night with
fun. Parents know their children are safe
and well-chaperoned while students
feel at ease in an environment free of
negative peer pressure.
“More than just a teacher – she was a mentor, a friend, someone for us to look up to and aspire to be. Shirley Minton had such
a positive impact on her students’ lives.”
Graduate
Safe
Graduate Safe
is drug and
alcohol-free event
for Papillion-
La Vista High
School Seniors
after graduation.
The Foundation
partners with
parents and
community
leaders to give
graduates a
safe opportunity
Old Portal School
to celebrate
with food and grade students explore different careers
entertainment. Parents, staff, and through vehicles used by businesses
community members make this event in the community. Businesses are
succeed through donations, volunteer represented by a vehicle that students
time, and financial support. Graduates are able to touch, feel, and climb
have a safe, memorable, and exciting through while learning from professionals
close to their high school career. in the business world.
Cooperation BEST Elementary Arts
Cooperation BEST (Better Educate Art is an essential element of the
Students for Tomorrow) connects curriculum for all students in the District.
community businesses to schools in The Papillion-La Vista Schools Foundation
the Papillion-La Vista School District to provides funds for all K-6th grade
enhance the educational experience students to participate in the Omaha
of each student. Schools and business Theater Company’s “Every Single Child”
partners work together to provide program. The program is modified to link
unique learning experiences, connecting with District curriculum through activities
students to the community and providing developmentally appropriate for each
them the opportunity to explore careers grade. Fine arts organizations including
and industries. The Rose Theater and Omaha Theater
Company contribute to the Elementary
Student Emergency Arts experience.
Funds
A resource to provide for emergency
basic needs such as food, shelter, and
transportation, students and families
can count on the Student Emergency
Fund when there is no other place to
turn. The fund provides a hand to help
families in need and allow students to
continue to benefit from the outstanding
learning environment of Papillion-La
Vista Schools. This program is supported
by the La Vista Community
Foundation and through
the District 2014
Teacher Giving
campaign.
Vehicle
Day
Each
year, over Vehicle Day
900 first
Jim Frederick, PLHS 1996
alumni newsletter 2
Past Meets Present Harold Eurich, Richard Eurich,
Joyce Siepelmeier, and Elaine Moore

W hen Papillion-La Vista’s fifteenth

elementary school opens in the
fall of 2015, many may recognize the
name. Others may even say “I went
to that school!” The Papillion-La Vista
Schools board of education approved the
name Prairie Queen, after a one-room
schoolhouse that stood in the same
area. The new elementary school will
be located just north of Werner Park
baseball field in Papillion. The original
Prairie Queen sat near what is now
114th & Highway 370 on land donated
by the grandfather of Prairie Queen
and Papillion High School alum Elaine
Haug Moore. Elaine’s father went on to
build the swing set and it still sits on the
property of Elaine and her husband Bob.
The school opened in 1884 and operated
until 1957 when it was purchased and
converted into Papillion Grange Hall.
The name may be the same, but
the two schools will be vastly different.
The new Papillion-La Vista elementary
school will house kindergarten through
6th grade students – all with their own
classroom, a library, a cafeteria and
gym, offices for school administration,
and even indoor bathrooms. The original
Prairie Queen housed students through
8th grade – all in one room! Papillion
High School graduates Becky Seibold
Crofoot (1960), Harold Eurich (1949),
Richard Eurich (1953), Elaine Haug
Moore (1953), and Joyce Schobert
Siepelmeier (1951) shared some
memories of their time at Prairie
Queen with the Foundation:
stage of foot-tall boxes and hung a sheet
to make the stage curtain.
• The school was warmed by a wood
burning stove. The teacher had to get
there early to start it up. Students were
required to haul coal inside to fuel the
fire. “The fun time was when we locked
the teacher in the coal house!” said
Richard Eurich.
• We took a field trip to the city - Omaha
Courtesy of Sarpy County
– and visited Omar Bakery, Roberts
Historical Museum
Dairy, and Armour Packing plant. The
meat packing plant was operating while
we visited.
• Water was hand-pumped outside, then
put in a ceramic jug inside the school for
students to fill their cups.
• We had to run outside to use the
restrooms, even when it was “cold as
heck.”
A special thank you to these alumni for 1914
sharing their time, stories, and photos.

• When it was time for students’

class, you would pull your chair up 1946
to the teacher’s desk to have your
lesson, and then go back to your
desk while another grade level had
their lesson.
• There was no homework
because when you went 1942-43 School Year
home to the farm you
Above: Back row, Teacher Ethel Lee, Harold Eurich, Herbert
had chores to do. Mayer, Maxine Arp, Dorothy Shobert, Patricia Seibold, Joyce
• Lunch was whatever Shobert
Mom packed! Front row, Danny Seibold, Dick Eurich, Kathryn “Babe”
• For our Christmas Seibold, Elaine Haug, Bobby Haug Prairie Queen swing set
program we made a

Prairie Queen Elementary Rendering

bcdm Architects
“Mr. Mike Logan’s energy and enthusiasm was contagious. My role as DECA State President sparked my interested in media. I view
DECA as a pivotal moment in my life, and Mr. Logan was a big part of that.” Brittany Jones-Cooper, PLHS 2004
3 alumni newsletter
Papillion-La Vista
Monarchs High School Highlights
• Papillion-La Vista High School received 3rd place in 2013-
2014 Class A NSAA US Cellular Cup, representing activities
Papillion-La Vista
and athletics. South Titans
• Girls Golf was 2014 state runner-up, the best finish in • 2014 Girls Cross Country finished 1st in State Competition, while
school history. the Boys qualified for State.
• Volleyball entered the 2014 State Tournament undefeated • Chris Dean won 2014 state championship for #1 singles in
for the season, Boys Tennis.
finishing as runner- • Colin Stock won 2014 State Champion Wrestling at 195 lbs.
up. • The 2013-2014 Softball and Baseball teams both qualified for
• Marching band the State Tournament.
received a Superior • Marching band placed 1st in 3 competitions and 2nd in State in
rating in 2014 state 2014, all with Superior ratings.
competition. Chris Dean Anna Milton
• Girls Softball went
to State for the 22nd
year, finishing 3rd. photo by Laura Kramer, PLHS

PLHS photo by Emi Lesser, PLSHS photo by Matt Stoss, PLSHS

All-Class Homecoming In Memory

T he Papillion-La Vista Schools
Foundation celebrated homecoming
with two all-class celebrations!
visit the Foundation table before the
game to win prizes and receive a
discounted meal courtesy of the Titan
Celebrating the lives of those alumni and
educators who have passed away in 2014*

The Monarchs defeated Lincoln
Southeast on October 3. After the
game, alumni gathered at Liberty Social
Hall to continue the celebration. A
committee chaired by Ellen and Darrel
Smith helped plan the fun evening.
Liberty Social Hall donated the use of
their facilty.
The Titans took on Omaha
Northwest on October 9, winning the
game 54-22. Alumni were invited to
Defenders. Alumni were invited to sign Kay Appel, Portal & G. Stanley Hall custodian
a poster with the graduation year. The Gladys Blum (Carlson), 1951
Class of 2014 was the best represented! Dorothy Brasch (Arp), 1945
We’d love your help to make 2015 Patricia Denker (Seibold), 1947
homecoming celebrations bigger and Brian Downey, 1969
better! Contact Alumni Manager Erin Carol Fairfax, PLHS nutrition teacher
Burke at eburke@paplv.org with any Steve Knott, 1971
suggestions or to join the fun by serving Robert Mass, 1969
on a planning committee. Deborah Nichols (Fisher), 1969
Shirlee Nance, LVJH English teacher
Robert Ostransky, 1969
Ross Riepl, 1994
Harry Rudolph, 1947
LeRoy Stuehm, 1946
Joan Timmerman, 1953
Bob Ward, 1944

*Please accept our apologies for those who

were unintentionally omitted.

Monarch Homecoming Titan Homecoming

“Ms. Ann Danner was a teacher with real passion for her profession and students. Whatever it took was what Ann would do to
help a child succeed.” Kris Zey, Tara Heights 5th Grade Teacher
alumni newsletter 4
 Hall of Fame
G ala is an opportunity to celebrate
our school/community partnership
and publicly recognize individuals
and organizations who have made
a lasting impression on the District.
The Papillion-La Vista Schools Hall of
Fame honors graduates, educators,
and boosters. Eight individuals and one
community organization were inducted
into the Hall of Fame in 2014:
• Distinguished Alumni,
acknowledging alumni who have
distinguished themselves in their
careers through exemplary public
service. LT Jennifer Malandra
(Rubin), Papillion-La Vista South, 2006,
now serves in the United States Navy
as a Reactor Controls Division Officer on
the USS Ronald Reagan off the coast of
San Diego.
Op
ti m
is t
Clu
b o f Pa p i l l i o
Dr. Jeffry & Optimist Club Jean Brown
Lisa
Strohmyer
Alumni
The Papillion-La Vista Schools
Foundation extended their efforts
to connect alumni with each
other and with their schools
through the hiring of an alumni
manager, Erin Burke, 2005.
In 2014, the Foundation
provided support for seven
high school reunions: 1954,
1964, 1969, 1979, 1984, 1994,
and 2004. Alumni can turn to
the Foundation for a classmate
contact list, school tours, venue,
catering, and lodging options
(with discount opportunities!),
and so much more.
In 2015, alumni can expect to
see more frequent communication
from the Foundation office, the
debut of an online networking site designed just for Papillion-La Vista alumni,
and a simplified online reunion registration.
Planning a reunion? Contact Erin at eburke@paplv.org to find out how the
Foundation can help.
“Calculus was by no means glamorous, but by Mr. Paul Kunes’ passion for the subject he inspired me to pursue an engineering
degree and challenges me to continue my daily quest to learn more.”
5 alumni newsletter
Brig Gen. Peter Gersten, Papillion-
La Vista, 1984. An Air Force pilot, Gen.
Gersten now serves as Deputy Director
for Politico-Military Affairs at the
Pentagon. Dr. Gib Willett, Papillion-
La Vista, 1982, physical therapist,
lecturer, and published research author.
Dr. Willett taught at UNMC’s Physical
Therapy Program from 1990-2014.
• Legendary Educators, for teachers
and staff members who have made
a positive impact students and the
Papillion-La VIsta School District. Jean
Brown built a structure of business
support for our schools, known as
Cooperation BEST. Ann Danner
was instrumental in the creation and
ongoing success of student-favorite
Outdoor Education. Before he passed in
2007, Michael Logan was an engaging
business teacher and DECA leader
at Papillion-La Vista High School. His
“golden voice” was recognized from
a
is t
aV
L
n-
Ann Danner Michael LT Jennifer Dr. Gib Willett
Logan, Malandra
posthumous (Rubin)
1994 20 Year Reunion
1969 45 Year Reunion
Jennifer Malandra, PLSHS 2006
announcing football and basketball
games.
• Community Booster, for those
who have shown outstanding support
of the District through private support
or service. Dr. Jeffry and Lisa
Strohmyer have been active leaders
in parent organizations across all school
levels. Lisa previously served on the
Foundation board. The Optimist Club
of Papillion-La Vista has shown
outstanding support for all Papillion-La
Vista schools, particularly La Vista West
Elementary.
For a list of all Papillion-La Vista
Schools Hall of Fame Members, visit
plvschoolsfoundation.org/alumni/
hall_of_fame. Nominations for the 2015
Hall of Fame are now being accepted!
Download the application form at
plvschoolsfoundation.org/alumni/
hall_of_fame. Applications are due May
1, 2014.
Brig Gen
Peter
Gersten
A Tradition of Giving
The Papillion-La Vista School District has
thrived for more than 140 years thanks
to dedicated educators and support from
alumni and a caring community.
Endowed or expendable gifts support
students, teachers, technology, programs,
or the specific area of interest to the donor.
Our Planned Giving committee was created
to support community members developing
a plan to leave a legacy in a manner that
fulfills all of their wishes.
The Papillion-La Vista Schools
Foundation recognizes gifts through the
Legacy Society, Annual Giving Societies and
the Superintendent’s Circle, for those with
lifetime gifts and pledges of $10,000.
Giving Levels:
Platinum - $1,000 (Superintendent’s Circle for 10-year pledges
of $1,000/year)
Gold - $500
Silver - $250
Bronze and lifetime alumni - $100
Friend and alumni member - $25
Endowment for the Performing Arts
F or more than 140 years,
students of the Papillion-
La Vista School District have
excelled in drama, vocal
music, and instrumental
music. The Endowment
for the Performing Arts
is a breakthrough for the
Papillion-La Vista Schools
Foundation, marking the
Foundation’s first Endowed
Center of Excellence to photo by Zarina Lehmann, PLHS photo by Kerri Waholtz, PLHS
support a specific area of
our schools…forever.
This project began
with a simple conversation
between a parent and
Foundation executive
director John Erickson. John
Falewitch, father of two
Papillion-La Vista alumni,
saw the profound impact
the performing arts had
on the lives of his children
photo by Caitlin Brisse, PLSHS photo by Caitlin Brisse, PLSHS
and wanted to ensure
that generations to come South. This could be anything from announce $100,000 had been pledged
had the same opportunities to excel. flying in a special guest conductor to these two funds, which combine to
With that dream, a pledge was made or traveling performance group to a create the Papillion-La Vista Schools
to establish the Monarch Endowment workshop on innovative set design Endowment for the Performing Arts.
for the Performing Arts. The Papillion- - the sky is the limit. What matters Broadway and television star Merle
La Vista Schools Foundation made a is that the project does not come Dandridge, 1993, was on hand to
promise to build on his gift to reach an from the Schools Foundation, it celebrate the announcement with a
initial goal of $50,000. comes from the educators who work video featuring some of her friends.
Additional leadership gifts have been closely with students and know what This Endowment is far from
received for the Monarchs, as well as to opportunities will help them achieve complete. Learn how you can join
establish the Titan Endowment for the outstanding goals. A recommendation in at plvschoolsfoundation.org. You
Performing Arts. will be made each year by the vocal and are invited to direct your gift to the
Once fully-funded, interest from instrumental music and drama leaders, Monarchs or the Titans, divide the gift
each Endowment will be awarded to in collaboration with each high school between the two schools, or allow the
the project or performances that hold principal, then to the Superintendent of Foundation to utilize it where it is most
the greatest opportunity to engage, Schools for final approval. needed.
develop, and challenge students. at At Gala 2014, the Papillion- Below: Papillion-La Vista district alumni join Merle
Papillion-La Vista and Papillion-La Vista La Vista Schools Foundation was able to Dandridge and current Papillion-La Vista students
to perform “Seasons of Love” at Gala 2014.

“Mrs. Kati Settles taught me to love involvement and how to take risks on doing something totally out of my comfort zone when
she encouraged me to do big things. She was always patient and caring with students.” Jessica DeJong Heineman, PLHS 2004
alumni newsletter 6
Papillion-La Vista Schools Foundation
242 W. Grant St.
Papillion, NE 68046

facebook.com/plvschoolsfoundation
2014 Year in Review
@PLVSchoolsFound

P -L

SCHOOLS FOUNDATION

plvschoolsfoundation.org
402.829.1340

Save the Date

Swing for Kids Golf Tournament
June 5, 2015
Gala 2015
August 22, 2015

Connecting Great Schools

to a Caring Community. Merle Dandridge, PLHS Class of 1993