During his 32-year career at Central, Mike Gaherty had a major impact on the lives of many students enrolled in his journalism classes. Mike has been described by one of his students as “a gentle guide, always encouraging, but always also giving us room to fall on our faces ….” Mike’s students won many awards, and the CHS newspaper, The Register, was recognized for innumerable awards in many journalism categories. In addition to his focus on expecting excellence in writing and in using creative approaches to problem solving, Mr. Gaherty emphasized the business side of journalism through his emphasis on ad sales — sales carried out by students. This focus helped students understand the business of journalism and helped to keep school publications, both the school newspaper and yearbook, affordable for the student body. Mike’s expectations and guidance as a journalism teacher inspired many students to continue in that field. For his efforts, Mike has been the recipient of an Alice Buffett Outstanding Teacher Award, a Lifetime Achievement Award from the UNO Communication Department, and the Gunnar Horn Journalism Award from Creighton University.
Mike passed away in 2023 at the age of 82.