Papillion-La Vista Schools Foundation

242 W. Grant St.

Papillion, NE 68046

PAPI L L I O N - L A V I STA

SCHOOLS FOUNDATION
I NVESTING IN THE F UTURE

facebook.com/plvschoolsfoundation 2017 Update

@PLVSchoolsFound

P -L

SCHOOLS FOUNDATION

plvschoolsfoundation.org
402.829.1340

Save the Date

Swing for Kids Golf Tournament
June 2, 2017
at Eagle Hills
in Papillion
Gala 2017
August 26, 2017
at Embassy Suites
in La Vista

Connecting Great Schools

td.
B e ll
to a Caring Community.

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 Our Mission: The Papillion-
La Vista Schools Foundation
strives to enhance educational
opportunities for the students
of the Papillion La Vista
Community Schools by
offering the opportunity to
Connecting Great Schools participate in activities and
to a Caring Community take advantage of programs
that would not otherwise be
possible.
Board
of Directors
A lumni and friends of Papillion La Vista Schools,
The 30th year of the Papillion-La Vista
Schools Foundation supporting our students and
Last year we updated our website to help
make connecting easier. Check it out! Log on to
plvschoolsfoundation.org to find information about
educators ended up being one of our best years your next class reunion, read about the ongoing
Officers yet. The Swing for Kids Golf Tournament in June programs supported by the Papillion-La Vista
and Hall of Fame Gala in August continue to be Schools Foundation, sign up for Kids Club, or even
Jim Paschal
our largest gatherings of alumni, educators, and make a gift recognizing a teacher who inspired
President community, but we exist to give back to Papillion you or a classmate who helped shape your school
Jill Govier La Vista Community Schools all year round. memories.
Vice President It’s the everyday conversations we have with This year we’re taking on a big project. A new
Mike Krzywicki individuals and businesses that make this work digital scoreboard will not only bring state-of-the
Vice President
possible. Your energy, ideas, and gifts uphold art visual appeal to Papillion La Vista Stadium,
the tradition of excellence in Papillion La Vista it will serve as a learning lab for media students
Jim Garbina
Community Schools. who create content and operate the board during
Treasurer We’re proud of our Papillion La Vista games and events. Revenue from sponsored
Karla Rupiper Community Schools Alumni – all 23,000+ of ads on the board will fund the schools’ areas of
Treasurer you throughout the world. It is our honor to greatest need. Make plans to see it this fall at the
recognize the successes of alumni, from formal Monarch-Titan game!
Ellen Buglewicz awards like our Hall of Fame Distinguished Alumni Alumni, you inspire the work we do. Your
recognition, to every day Tweets and posts that accomplishments represent the tradition of
Brenda Carlson
share celebrations like graduates opening a new excellence in Papillion La Vista Community
Lee Denker business, writing a book, or educating future Schools, and we work to make sure that tradition
Anna Eckhoff leaders in our public schools. The Foundation lives on. Thank you for making a difference for
Jill Frederick serves to connect alumni with each other. We children and their families.
Jim Glover love that your reunions bring you back together, 2017 has big things in store. Stop by and see
Randy Guthmiller visiting the schools that helped shaped your lives, us, or connect online!
and are grateful when you give back like the Class
Paul Johnston
of 1996 did with their reunion gift to the Shirley Jim Paschal, John Erickson,
Don Kelly Minton Scholarship. Board President Executive Director
Jeremy Kinsey
Gene Klein
Robin Larsen
Marcus Madler
Rob McCartney
Dr. Harlan Metschke
Sue Pieper
Curtis Rainge
Rita Ramirez
Dr. Andy Rikli
Kelly Roberts
Trent Steele
Mike Summers
Dr. Fred Tafoya
Fred Uhe
Tania Woessner

La Vista Middle School students take a photo with guest speaker

1 alumni newsletter Mike Smith, funded through a Foundation Teacher Grant.
Ongoing Foundation Programs
Outdoor Ed: Trailblazing New Curriculum
S ixth graders’ favorite memory got a makeover! Since 1973, thousands
of Papillion La Vista students have enjoyed nature as their classroom
through this program specifically designed to enhance curriculum. They
spend two days and one night with their classmates at the Eastern
Nebraska 4-H camp.
This year, a team of district staff evaluated the Outdoor Ed program,
adding modules in ancient civilization, survival, and ecosystems to keep
lessons on the cutting edge 6th grade curriculum. The Papillion-La Vista
Schools Foundation covers the total cost of this program, allowing all
of the nearly 900 6th graders this year to attend, regardless of a family’s
ability to pay.
The Outdoor Ed Endowment, started by Outdoor Ed Founder and Hall
of Fame Legendary Educator Ann Danner, continues to grow. This fund
will ensure that Papillion La Vista students are able to experience this
Outdoor Education amazing outdoor classroom for generations to come. Join Ms. Danner
with a gift to the endowment at plvschoolsfoundation.org/donate.

Teacher Grants: Brewing Classroom Success

W ith the help of alumni and friends, the Foundation funds over $100,000 in grants each year to encourage innovative ideas from
teachers that will improve the educational process and enhance the learning experience of students in the district.
Titan Brew is just what we’re talking about. The concept stemmed from a student’s wish to be a barista, and grew to become a
sustainable business that gives special education students real-world working experience. In partnership with the Papillion Dunkin’
Donuts, Special Olympics Project Unify, and a Foundation Teacher Grant written by Mr. Nathan Cain, the Titans have created a coffee
delivery service that helps students develop a variety of skills while connecting with building staff in a unique way.
The Titan Brew team even added a philanthropic side to the business, choosing to donate extra funds to the True Titan
Endowment Fund, Unified Sports & Special Olympics, and Free Wheelchair Mission.
Learn more about Titan Brew at titanbrew.wixsite.com/plshs. Papillion La Vista South’s Titan Brew program has served as a model
for other schools, including Titan Brew at Papillion Middle School and Bow Down Brew at Papillion La Vista High School.

Titan Brew Titan Brew

Additional Programs:
Kids Club Middle School Tutoring Cooperation BEST
Scholarships for Seniors Student Emergency Funds Vehicle Day
Old Portal School Post Prom Career Academies
Summer Library Graduate Safe Elementary Arts
Greatness Awards alumni newsletter 2
2016 Hall of Fame
G ala 2017 brought us back to the
Embassy Suites. The evening opened
with performances by Titan alum Sam
Swerczek and Monarch alum Merle
Dandridge, currently starring in the hit
television show Greenleaf. The singers
were joined by a combined Monarch and
Titan jazz band, and Ms. Dandridge was
backed by Monarch and Titan students
and alumni.
Gala is an opportunity to celebrate our
school/community partnership and publicly
recognize individuals and organizations
who have made a lasting impression on
our schools community. The Papillion La
Vista Schools Hall of Fame honors alumni,
educators, and boosters. The 2016 Hall of
Fame recognized eight individuals and one
civic organization.
The Distinguished Alumni award
acknowledges graduates who have
distinguished themselves in their careers
and exemplary service: Derek Caster,
Papillion La Vista South, 2013, is the
youngest Hall of Fame inductee to date.
Diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular
Dystrophy in 2001, his compassion and
energy in assisting and advocating for
students with special needs inspired
teachers and fellow students in school.
He continues to work in the community
to further awareness and support for
Muscular Dystrophy. Col. Anthony
Deane, Papillion La Vista, 1981, is a
veteran of the Cold War, Operation Desert
Shield/Desert Storm, Operation Joint
Guardian (Kosovo), and Operation Iraqi
3 alumni newsletter
Freedom. He is the
author of “Ramadi
Declassified:
A Roadmap to
Peace in the Most
Dangerous City in
Iraq.” Three-sport
Monarch letterman
and Husker
football player Dr.
Scott Woodard, Laura Sheree Photography
Papillion La
(l-r) Derek Caster, La Vista Mayor Doug Kindig, Papillion Mayor David Black, Ann
Vista, 1977, Lage, Jessica Kollars, Dr. Toni Ganzel, Dr. Scott Woodard, Donna Gess,
now specializes in Col. Anthony Deane, and Bill Gess.
laparoscopic surgical
Teaching Academy, coached cheerleading,
procedures in Estes Park, CO. Dr. Toni
and even sewed football uniforms.
Ganzel, Papillion La Vista, 1971, has held
Community Boosters have shown
various positions in medical practice as
outstanding support to the district through
an otolaryngologist as well as academic
private support or service: Bill & Donna
medicine. She currently serves as Dean
Gess served our schools for decades –
of the University of Louisville School of
Donna as a teacher and volunteer, and
Medicine.
Bill on the School Board, Foundation
Legendary Educators are teachers
Board, and more. At the end of 2016,
and staff members who have made
Bill Gess retired from his service on the
a positive impact in Papillion La Vista
Board of Education and the Papillion-La
Community Schools: Kathy Kollars
Vista Schools Foundation Board. The City
made an impact on every student who
of La Vista and City of Papillion are
entered her Papillion La Vista High School
strong partners with our district through
classroom. Her psychology classes,
supportive elected leaders, businesses,
with the memorable scrapbook project,
and community.
encouraged students to discover more
All Papillion La Vista Schools Hall
about themselves and their peers. This
of Fame Members are listed on the
posthumous award was accepted by
Foundation website. Nominations for the
Ms. Kollars’ daughter, Jessica. For nearly
2017 Hall of Fame are now being accepted
40 years of service to Papillion La Vista
are due by May 2. Download the form at
Community Schools, Ann Lage taught
plvschoolsfoundation.org/
English, guided future educators in the
alumni/hall-of-fame.
Laura Sheree Photography
Classes Reunite to Give Back
T here’s plenty to talk about at twenty
year reunions: new families, exciting
careers, memories from back in the day,
but for the Papillion La Vista High School
Class of 1996, they wanted to make sure
there was some conversation about giving
back.
This giving mindset was not new for
the class. In 2012, Shirley Minton was
posthumously inducted into the Papillion
La Vista Legendary Educators Hall of
Fame. With permission from Ms. Minton’s
husband John, and her children, PLHS
alumni Mindy Podraza and Wes Minton,
the Class of 1996 and Class of 1998
joined together to start a scholarship in
her memory. The scholarship is given to a
Papillion La Vista student who will be the
first in their family to attend a technical
college or two- or four-year college.
Ms. Minton was a journalism teacher
at Papillion La Vista High School, teaching
and mentoring students as they wrote the
award-winning Scepter newspaper and
an annual yearbook. More than a teacher
though, she offered students guidance,
advice, and even home-cooked meals.
It was class president Jim Frederick’s
idea to add a philanthropic opportunity
to their twenty year reunion – and it
wasn’t hard to get classmates on board.
Donations were taken online as the
alumni registered for the event. As the
class gathered at The Stave in downtown
Papillion during Papillion Days, classmates
caught up and shared memories. With so
many great memories of “Mama Minton,”
it wasn’t long before classmates started
adding extra money to the fund. Ms.
Minton’s son, Wes, also a 1996 graduate,
was at the reunion.
At the end of the evening, the class
had raised $2,884.10 for the Shirley
Minton Scholarship, exceeding their goal of
The Class of 1972 donated the “Monarch
Man” piece outside the PLHS cafeteria.
$2,000. The scholarship
fund is now at about
$7,000, just $3,000 short
of reaching endowment
level. At $10,000,
the Papillion-La Vista
Schools Foundation
is able to ensure that
the scholarship will be
awarded to a graduating
high school senior each
year forever.
The Class of 1996
isn’t the first class to
join together for a large
donation. John Erickson,
Papillion-La Vista Schools
Foundation Executive Class of 1996 representative Jim Frederick and classmate John Minton
Director and president of present a check of $2,884.10 to the Foundation for the scholarship in
the Class of 1980, said his honor of John’s mother, Shirley Minton.
class decided to create
their own scholarship in
memory of classmates
who have passed away.
“It’s an honor to know
that a high school senior
will benefit from our class
gift every year. Through
this endowed scholarship,
the Class of 1980 has
created a lasting memory
for our classmates who
have gone before us,” he
says.
The Class of 1972
celebrated being the
first class to attend all
four years at the current
Papillion-La Vista High The Class of 1996 gathered at The Stave in downtown Papillion to
School building by donating celebrate their 20-Year Reunion.
a monumental piece of eburke@paplv.org or 402-898-0477 to
art. Monarch Man watches over students hear more about opportunities available.
in the hallway outside the cafeteria. A The Papillion-La Vista Schools Foundation
collaborative effort between Randy Penke, currently contributes funds to fifteen
Ken Ritter, and Gene Pfahl made this ongoing programs and twenty-nine
possible. scholarships for ongoing seniors. Support
Alumni wishing to add a special class to students and educators of Papillion La
gift to their reunion through a new or Vista Community Schools is only limited by
existing fund, can contact Erin Burke at the dreams of our donors.
In Memory Bob Halac, 1998
Celebrating the lives of those alumni and Robert Haug, 1954
Lavern Krist, 1945
educators who have passed away in 2016*
Jeremy Liford, 2009
Tim Mohr, 1992
Patrick Adamski, 1991 Ron Murphy, 1967
Dorothy Unvert Baker, 1942 Tammy Pitcher Paulsen, 1998
Harold Borman, 1937 Jerod Roberts, 2009
William Beerline, 1957 Margaret Schlueter, elementary teacher
James Cossairt, 1949 John Tex, 1953
Calvin Dierks, 1971
Nicholas Wilson, 2016
Elden Doll, 1943
Judy Thomson Dorste, 1965
Carol Barney Echtenkamp, 1969 *Please accept our apologies for those
Lorraine Megel Felker, 1943 who were unintentionally omitted. Help us
stay up to date - email eburke@paplv.org.
Joyce Douglass Flippin, 1969
4 alumni newsletter
High School Highlights
photo by Emily Borer, PLHS
◊ Monarchs finished
2nd Place in the 2015-
2016 Class A NSAA
Cup, which represents
excellence in activities
and athletics. This was photo by Ally Richardson, PLHS
a record finish for the
Clockwise from top left, Monarch
school! softball, Girls Golf wins their first state
◊ The girls golf team won state! This was the team’s first championship, Monarch Theatre presents
championship in school history. To Kill a Mockingbird.
◊ Monarch softball qualified for the state tournament for
a record 24th year in a row, finishing as state runner-up.
◊ Monarch Volleyball finished the year ranked 4th, making it to the state semi-finals.
◊ The Marching Band received Superior ratings at the Lincoln and NSBA State
Competition.
◊ The Monarch Theatre Department staged a dramatic fall play, To Kill a Mockingbird.

photo by Julianne Plourde, PLHS

Alumni - Community Spotlight

Don & Valerie Bellino
E ven if you don’t know Don and
Valerie Bellino personally, you have
experienced the impact they have left on
the communities of Papillion and
La Vista. Their family of companies, under
the umbrella Bellino Enterprises, have a
strong presence. You’ve probably seen
the fireworks shows at Papillion Days or
La Vista’s Salute to Summer, but may not
have known the shows were donated by
Bellino Fireworks. You know the giant
inflatable Uncle Sams and gorillas that line
the streets each July, but may not know
that these Bellino Fireworks stands allow
local teams and nonprofit organizations to
raise millions of dollars each year.
Jerzes Sports Bar & Players Keno in
Papillion has become the unofficial reunion
headquarters for Monarchs and Titans.
Whether it is a casual gathering for
wings and Keno after work, or an official
class reunion, Jerzes & Players Keno is a
welcoming place to meet up with friends.
Valerie grew up just south of Papillion
and worked as a nurse before choosing
to dedicate her time to her family and the
Bellino businesses. Don is a Papillion La
Vista graduate and was recognized in the
Papillion La Vista Schools Hall of Fame as
an Outstanding Alum in 2012.
Together, the couple was recognized
for their work in the community with the
Reflection Award at the 2017 Midlands
Community Foundation Ball. The Bellinos
have two children, Vincent and Anna.
5 alumni newsletter
Karen and Bob Fase join Papillion-La Vista Schools
Foundation Executive Director John Erickson to
discuss their fund to support educators.
Bob & Karen Fase
R ecognizing that teachers are the
heart and backbone of the tradition of
educational excellence in Papillion La Vista
Community Schools, Bob and Karen Fase
want to honor these individuals who have
dedicated their lives to preparing students
to reach their full potential.
The Fases have experienced and
witnessed the excellence of educators first
hand. Bob is a Hall of Fame Distinguished
Alum himself, and the couple have
three children who are Papillion La Vista
graduates.
Support from the Fase Family Fund for
Educator Excellence is divided into three
areas: Educator Recognition to give
teachers well-deserved praise, Classroom
Support to provided for those expected
and unexpected needs that provide for
a first-class experience for students, and
Continued Education to ensure teachers
who are interested in expanding their
knowledge have the resources to do so.
Bob and Karen Fase welcome you to
join them in recognizing educators with a
gift to the Fase Family Fund for Educator
Excellence. Visit plvschoolsfoundation.org/
donate.
We want to share your story! Contact
Erin Burke at eburke@paplv.org to
share current stories or favorite
memories from your time in school.
Update your address at bit.ly/
updatePLV
 Papillion La Vista South
Titans
◊ Titan Theatre put on the fan-favorite musical Grease.
◊ Both Girls and Boys Cross Country finished in the Top 5
in the state!
◊ The Titan Marching Band finished 3rd at the NSBA under
new band director Joe Homan. photo by Avery Ripple, PLSHS
◊ Titan Football had another successful season, this year
reaching the state playoffs.
◊ Titan Tennis finished in the Top 5 in the state.
◊ Jake Ralston (Cross Country), Anna Jennings (Cross
Country), Taliyah Flores (Volleyball), and Finest
Hampton (Football) were inducted in the Titan
Athletics Hall of Fame.

photo by Chandler Ashburn, PLSHS

photo by Chandler Ashburn, PLSHS

Leaving a Legacy
M any of us have causes we believe
in, but are unable to support
them financially. Planned giving invites
individuals to look into the future and
make decisions on future donations.
Simply put, a planned gift is a donation
arranged in the present to be given later.
Ken Molzer retired after 30 years of
teaching band in Papillion La Vista Schools.
No longer teaching in the schools, he is
still passionate about music. Mr. Molzer
founded the Papillion Area Concert Band
in 1986 and continues to direct this
enthusiastic group of musicians. Mr. Molzer
and his wife Charlotte arranged their
planned gifts to support those areas most
important to them.
“The District has been good to me,
so I’d like to give back. I put my blood,
sweat, and tears into the system. I’d like
to keep a legacy of supporting a quality
music program. After we die, we’ll still
be a part of the program.”
Planned giving is often associated
with those individuals at retirement age
or later. Marcus and Kristen (Rupiper)
Madler, graduates of the Monarch Class
of 2004, show that these decisions don’t
have to wait.
“As graduates of PLCS, we feel
the need to give back to the district
that provided us with such unique and
formative experiences. As a teacher and
counselor for the district, I see first-
hand what the Foundation provides,
whether it is through emergency
funding, teacher grants, Outdoor Ed, or
the arts,” Ms. Madler says.
By including a gift as part of your
plans, you can:
• Feel secure about the future of your
loved ones.
• Maintain control of your assets for life.
• Give more than you ever thought
possible.
“As a parent, I want to invest in my
children’s education. We see planned
giving as an easy way to ensure that
valuable opportunities exist in PLCS in the
future,” Ms. Madler added.
Planned giving provides individuals the
opportunity to utilize innovative planning
tools and strategies to make a future gift
that fits personal and estate planning
goals. Whether it is a simple bequest, gift
of life insurance, or contingent beneficiary
of a retirement account, planned gifts
offer tax benefits and assure future
A Tradition of Giving
Papillion La Vista Community Schools
have thrived for more than 140 years
thanks to dedicated educators and support
from alumni and a caring community.
Endowed and 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 plans to leave a legacy in a
manner that fulfills all of their wishes.
The Papillion-La Vista Schools
photo by Heather Sluga, PLHS
Planned gifts help insure the continuation of quality
programs like instrumental music.
generations of students have extraordinary
opportunities otherwise not possible.
Through planned giving, your
impact on students and educators of
Papillion La Vista Community Schools
can last for generations. Learn more at
plvschoolsfoundation.planmygift.org. The
site includes various gifting scenarios
and interactive calculators to help you
determine a path that matches your
interests.
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:
Superintendent’s Circle - $10,000 (incl. pledges)
or Planned Gifts at $20,000 or more.
Platinum - $1,000
Gold - $500
Silver - $250
Bronze and lifetime alumni - $100
Friend and alumni member - $25
Visit plvschoolsfoundation.planmygift.
org to learn more about Planned Giving.
alumni newsletter 6