For Patrick J. Salerno Sr., achievement in activities, service to the community, and enthusiasm for new opportunities have been the motivators for his life. At Central, Pat excelled in athletics, and before graduating in1958, was selected for All-City, All State, and All-Midwest honors in football. Pat was also a baseball and basketball letterman. At the University of Nebraska, Pat achieved athletic success by lettering in both football and baseball for the Huskers and academic success by being awarded the Boucher Medal for the senior athlete with the highest GPA. He graduated with distinction in 1962 with a B.S. in education. Pat began his teaching career by returning to Central as an English teacher and assistant football coach, eventually becoming head baseball coach and then head football coach. In 1968, after completing an M.A. at UNL, Pat and his family moved to Lincoln to complete work for his Ph.D. at UNL. He then returned to OPS, joining the faculty at South High School as English Department Chairperson, also serving as an assistant principal for one year. Pat then joined the OPS district staff as Supervisor of English and Language Arts until his retirement from OPS after 35 years of service. Pat has continued to seek opportunities for service by participating on community boards and committees associated with several organizations, including the Nebraska High School Sports Hall of Fame Foundation, the Christ Child Society, the Central High School Alumni Association, Metropolitan Community College, Omaha by Design, and the Nebraska Arts Council.