Scholarships

Ken Allee attended Central High School, as did his five children. Family, faith, education, and giving back in any way possible were key pillars in his life and attributes he and his wife passed along to their children. Ken was often described as a strong, caring leader who was a role model for all. Ken courageously battled cancer only to succumb in 2011, but his legacy lives on through his family and friends. In his honor, his family wants to be able to help a student in continuing their education to achieve their goals, whatever they may be, just as Ken would always push his own children to do. This scholarship was established by the family of Ken Allee in his memory in 2023.

The Lyn and Stephen Bouma Performing Arts Scholarship was originally established by The Dennis Anderson Family in 2010, to honor the Boumas’ love of music and the positive impact on the vocal music students at Central High School during their long tenure as Choral Director and Accompanist at Central High School. Upon Mrs. Bouma’s retirement in 2021, the couple chose to continue funding an annual scholarship for a Central High School choir member who plans to pursue a major or minor in a performing arts or performing arts education field.

Marilyn Buresh graduated from Central in 1943. While at Central, she was a copy editor for The Register, and developed a lifelong appreciation for jazz through first exposures to Downbeat and Metronome magazines in the journalism office. She moved from Omaha to Chicago to work as a lab technician at the Norwegian American Hospital, where she met her husband, Kenneth. She and Kenneth moved to Owatonna, MN, where she raised her family and engaged enthusiastically with her community. Music, art, and film were passions throughout her life, and her philanthropy supported accessible education and arts education in the communities she loved. This scholarship was established in 2021.

W. Edward Clark was a 1932 graduate and a longtime faculty member at Central who had a profound influence on the lives of students and in the development of Central’s national reputation for academic excellence. Mr. Clark taught at Central for three decades, from 1946 to 1976. A thoughtful, reflective writer, he also produced fifteen plays, three novels and hundreds of poems. His vast knowledge of literature and his clear expectations for academic achievement by all of his students were hallmarks of his teaching. He continued to be recognized as a revered member emeritus of the Central Faculty until his death in 2000. This scholarship was established in 2001.

Henry Davis established this scholarship fund at the Central High School Foundation because he appreciated the great education that he received at Central High School and wanted to assist students who were pursuing vocational or technical training. Henry Davis graduated from Central in 1969, and is the President and CEO of Greater Omaha Packing Company. These scholarships were established in 2009.

Susie Fletcher Dickerson graduated from Central in 1933 and earned her B.S. and M.S. in Education from the University of Nebraska. She was a dedicated educator in the Omaha Public Schools for over 25 years. At her retirement she had been teaching 6th grade at Dundee elementary school. She was the President of the Omaha Chapter of Links Inc. and was the first female Deacon at St Philip Episcopal Church. Edward Fletcher Jr., Susie’s brother, graduated from Central in 1944. He, too, worked to help others by joining the military as Petty Officer 2nd class, a cook, and machine gunner. He was a decorated battle veteran for his participation at both the Battle of Iwo Jima and Okinawa in 1945. He served aboard the USS Sullivan DD 31. After leaving the military, he worked for San Diego Management until his untimely death. The next generation of Susie and Edward’s family continued their legacy. Niece Betty Thomas McWilliams graduated from Central in 1944. She worked as a banking supervisor in Lincoln, Nebraska. Susie’s son, Charlies Dickerson, III, graduated from Central in 1959. He attended Penn State University to earn his bachelor’s degree. After college he joined the armed services and became a naval officer who worked on the USS Springfield CLG and with the Sixth Fleet staff. He attended the University of Wisconsin A.B.D., earned his post MBA from the University of Illinois Post, and enrolled in Diversity Studies at Oxford University in Oxford, England. He was in management for thirty years with AT&T, became a partner at Berkeley Group LLC, and was a professor of American and African American History. He was the president of Sigma Pi Phi Mu Boule Foundation, honored as a Distinguished Alumni at Penn State University, and inducted into the Central High School Hall of Fame. Charles’s sister, Susan Dickerson Browne graduated from Central in 1966. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska and her Master’s in Education from the University of Texas. She also earned a Master’s in Science from Southwest Texas University. Susan was a dedicated educator and administrator in the Westlake and Austin Texas School Districts for 40 years and later served as a professor of reading and reading specialist consultant in the Partner Reading Specialist group. The Dickerson, Fletcher, McWilliams families would like to honor their legacy with a scholarship to a deserving student who will continue to give back to the community by becoming an educator.

Anna Di Ruocco graduated in the Class of 2012. The Di Ruocco scholarship was something Anna knew she wanted to start when she was a senior since she was a recipient of several scholarships herself and deeply loves Central High. Anna was the student who proposed the Club letter, which was approved by Dr. Keith Bigsby. Anna believed all involved students should be able to receive a letter to show their school spirit and involvement. Di Ruocco was heavily involved in many activities during her time at Central. Anna believes “Once an Eagle, Always an Eagle.” Following her time at CHS, she has gone on to become a pillar in her community. Anna has become an advocate for disabilities and is a co-founder of a local non-profit. This scholarship was established in 2023.

Marvin "Marv" Gilman was born in 1935 to immigrant parents and graduated from Central in 1953. He graduated from the University of Nebraska in Omaha in 1957. He loved jazz music, films, traveling, and was known for cheering on the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Cornhuskers! But most importantly, he loved the people in his life: his friends and family. He is remembered as being a grateful man who wanted to help others, including the students of Omaha Central High School. This scholarship was established in 2021.

David William Hojnacke was a 2020 posthumous Central High School graduate. David bravely fought Synovial Sarcoma during the last three years of high school. Despite the hardships of his fight, David kept a positive attitude with a desire to attend UNL in the Fall of 2021. David was a good student, and a wonderful friend and son. He enjoyed the JROTC, movies, reading, and his pet dog and snake. Above all else, David loved his friends and family. Those he loved called him a Good Samaritan: he aimed to help people, and sought to make everyone happy. It is that spirit, his family wishes will continue to spread throughout the Eagle community with the endowment of this scholarship. This scholarship was established in 2021.

Dean and Susan were high school sweethearts. During his time spent at Central High, Dean participated in Hi-Y, O-Club and numerous sports, most notably football. Susie was an enthusiastic participant in many social and academic clubs during her time at Central including City Choir, Pep Squad, and Future Teachers. Dean attended Kansas State University on a full ride football scholarship, where he had aspirations of becoming a history teacher and coach. He played for four years and completed his football and academic career at UNO. Susie attended Peru State College to pursue a degree in education. They married in the fall of 1966 and the two set out to start a family. Dean embarked on a career fostered by an entrepreneurial spirit instilled by his parents. First, in the insurance industry as an agent and eventually became the co-owner of the agency. Following the sale of the agency, Dean shifted his focus to commercial real estate. As a broker, developer, investor, advisor and mentor, Dean’s real estate career spanned nearly four decades. In 2016 Dean was inducted into the CRE Summit Hall of Fame in recognition of his impact on the local commercial real estate industry. Susie, in addition to being a homemaker and mother of two boys, devoted time to charitable organizations and causes such as Friends of Planned Parenthood, Parents Assistance Line and All Saints Episcopal Church. Both Dean and Susie had a love for history and it is only fitting that their scholarship be awarded to someone who pursues an education in this field. The Dean, CHS 1964 and Susan, CHS 1965, Hokanson Scholarship Fund was started by Sandy Friedman, CHS 1964. For many years Sandy and Dean were classmates, close friends and business partners. The scholarship was formed after Dean’s death in 2021.

Paul Jepsen was a 1929 graduate. The Jepsen scholarships are given by the Jepsen family in memory of their late father, Paul Jepsen, CHS 1929. This scholarship is unique in that it is renewable for four years. When establishing this scholarship, Paul’s son Ed shared that the family’s goal was to provide something meaningful so that deserving students could get a college education they might not otherwise be able to obtain. This scholarship was established in 2002.

This scholarship was established by Larry’s sister and brother-in-law, Linda K. and Nelson Gordman CHS 1958, in his memory following his death from cancer in 2019. An Omaha businessman for more than four decades, Larry had the rare opportunity to work alongside his father and his children at the family company, now known as All Makes Office Equipment. Larry always strived to “do the right thing.” He was a philanthropist and often mentored the next generation of business leaders in the community. He was passionate about helping others navigate tough times and succeed, and his wife Andi remains a pillar in the Omaha philanthropic community.

John Keenan taught English at Central for more than 39 years. He achieved legendary status for his demanding standards, his lively classroom and his determination to help every serious minded student succeed. Carefully written themes meticulously revised became the absolute standard for his classes, and theme deadline day always drew a large after-school crowd of students spilling outside the classroom as they attempted to complete their theme requirements. He received the Alice Buffett Outstanding Teacher Award in 1990 and retired in 1995. This scholarship was established in 2001.

The Kelleys have made their mark in Omaha in the investment world and through their dedication to education and children. After the high school sweethearts graduated from both Central and the University of Nebraska, Dick ultimately began a half-century career as an investment advisor. His service to clients and ethics have been noted by numerous industry observers, Dick named a top 50 advisor by Rep Magazine, Top 100 Broker by Money Magazine and a Top 400 advisor by Financial Times. Helen became a high school English teacher. She left the classroom to raise the couple’s children, but her commitment to education remained. She served 13 years on the Westside school board, including several terms as president, and served as president of the Nebraska Association of School Boards. Dick served for nearly three decades on the board of Children’s Hospital, including terms as president of both the board and the hospital’s foundation. He was also a founding board member of the Omaha Public Library’s charitable foundation. Helen’s community work included service with the Girl Scouts, Omaha Symphony and United Way. The couple in 2020 celebrated 60 years of marriage. Helen passed away in 2020 at the age of 82.

Frank Knapple was a football, basketball, and baseball coach hired in 1926 who taught civics and economics for more than 30 years at Central. The Knapplemen, as they were known, were successful in football, basketball, baseball, and track. Though his teams had much success, his philosophy was NOT to win at any cost. He believed that good sportsmanship and citizenship must always come first. Show-offs were not tolerated. After retiring from Central, Frank was the Douglas County Superintendent of Schools for eight years. This scholarship was established in 2007 by Frank’s son Bob. The scholarship was increased to $3,000 per year in 2020 by Frank’s grandson, Patrick Thomas.

This scholarship is made possible due to the generosity of their son, Dr. Peter Krogh. Thor Krogh graduated from Central in 1924, and was a high school administrator in California and New York for more than 20 years. He also served with Research for Better Schools in Philadelphia and was the director of student teaching at the former Monterey Institute of Foreign Studies. This scholarship was made in honor of Thor and Kay’s passion for education, and particularly the Central High School's English Departments impact on Thor during his time at Central.

Jane Kurtz is a proud Central High School 1985 graduate who was in the first generation of her immediate family to attend college. Growing up in the Hanscom Park area, Jane attended Norris Jr. High and then Central High where she was active in band, French club, swim team, and speech and debate. After graduation, Jane attended the U.S. Naval Academy as the first woman from Nebraska to become a Midshipman. She transferred to the University of Virginia where she received a B.A. in history in 1988 and a law degree in 1992. For almost 20 years, Jane practiced corporate health care law in Richmond, Virginia and Kansas City, Missouri. Then, she switched gears, becoming a writer and independent publisher while staying home to raise four kids. Now, Jane lives with her husband in Portland, Oregon and Vieques, Puerto Rico. She remains eternally grateful for Central High School, its administration, and teachers for the invaluable academic and life lessons they gifted to her and hopes that this scholarship will aid another Lady Eagle to further her education in a way that will be a first for her family. Go Eagles!

Arthur graduated from Central in 1914. Due to World War I, Art enlisted in the Navy but completed his Liberal Arts degree following the war. He married his college sweetheart Genevieve in 1921 and started the securities investment bank Kirkpatrick-Pettis-Loomis Co. in Omaha in 1933. Art’s father died suddenly in 1937 in San Diego. On a flight to California to console his mother, his airplane crashed into a mountain north of Los Angeles in the January fog. According to his son, “We don’t control the challenges we will face in life; we do control how we handle the challenges.” This scholarship was established in 1994.

E. Frank Maycock graduated from Central in 1948. Frank studied accounting at the Univ. of Nebraska-Lincoln and served 18 months in Korea, earning the Bronze Star. He served as an accountant at Plastilite for more than 20 years until his death in 1986. His son Tom followed in his footsteps, graduating in 1986. “If establishing yourself as a man of absolute integrity, sterling character, and a sly sense of humor is the measure of a man, then Frank accomplished in his 55 years what it will take most 110 years to accomplish.” This scholarship was established in 1987.

Mary Moberg, CHS 1951, devoted much of her life in service to others and public education was often a focus of hers. She taught kindergarten for 37 years with the Omaha Public School District! She also served as president of the Omaha Education Association and was on the board of directors for both the Nebraska State Education and the Metro District. Mary took her service to others outside of the classroom too. She served on both the Educators Credit Union and then the First Nebraska Credit Union boards from 1973 to 2018, serving many years as the Secretary/Treasurer. During her service on the FNCU Board, the organization grew their assets from less than $1 million to more than $130 million. Mary continued her service through her work with the Women’s Auxiliary of the Salvation Army and the Omaha Area Retired School Employees Association. The Durham Museum and the Joslyn Castle often benefitted from her time and talents. Her love of Eagle Nation was evident in her volunteerism to CHS and serving as president of the Central High School Alumni Association. When not golfing or volunteering, she enjoyed spending time in the company of family, friends, and teaching colleagues.

Aleidine (Ali) Kramer Moeller, CHS class of 1966, spent her 52-year career in World Language Education. Inspired by her outstanding CHS German teacher, Gretchen Schutte, Dr. Moeller went on to receive her undergraduate and graduate degrees in German language and literatures. She taught German for 11 years in Omaha Public Schools and served as chair of Modern Languages at CHS, succeeding her mentor, Gretchen Schutte. Upon her return to higher education as a professor, she became interested in how languages are optimally acquired and made accessible to all learners. This shifted her teaching career to focus on research informed language learning and teaching practices and teacher education. She was named the Edith S. Greer Professor in the Department of Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where she built a strong undergraduate and graduate program in World Language Education. Her scholarly publications and research were shared through speeches, seminars, and workshops around the globe. Ali served in numerous national leadership positions including President of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) and the American Association of Teachers of German (AATG). She was awarded the Louise Pound George Howard Distinguished Career Award at UNL, the ACTFL Wilga Rivers Award for Leadership in World Language Education, and the ACTFL/NYSFLA Anthony Papalia Award for Excellence in Teacher Education. She attributes her academic interests and success to her supportive and loving parents, Walter and Aleidine Kramer, and the inspiring educators at CHS, who sparked a life-long journey of intellectual curiosity and learning.

G.E. “Doc” Moller served Central for 32 years, the last twenty-seven as principal. During his tenure, Central’s reputation as one of the most-respected academic institutions in the area flourished as students earned countless awards and scholarships. This included having at least one National Merit Scholar in each of his years at CHS. Believing a teacher’s command of the classroom is essential to learning, he made it a cornerstone of his administration to guarantee a proper learning atmosphere throughout the school. Under his guidance, the Central High School Endowment Scholarship Fund and the Central High School Foundation were created. This scholarship was established in 1996.

Lieutenant colonel Robert G. Nelson Ph.D. (US Army retired) played three sports and earned recognition as the best athlete in his senior year at Central. Classmates nicknamed him “Sharpshooter” for his district record breaking hurdle skills and “three point” basketball shooting ability. At the University of Nebraska, Robert pioneered research to use behavioral psychology principles to modify stuttering. As a Vietnam War Veteran, Robert earned the rank of Captain and was awarded an Army Commendation Medal for outstanding service. After his active military duty, Robert followed his inspiration to study acting and script writing. As a result, “Nelson Glen” obtained several acting roles in television and film and obtained life membership in the Screen Actors Guild of Hollywood. He also served on the committee for performers with disabilities and the nominating committee for the 5th Annual SAG Awards. This scholarship was established in 2021.

Stuart Oberman is a proud graduate of CHS, Class of 1988. At Central, he developed his skills in math, science, and writing, thanks to inspiring teachers like John Waterman and Robert Wolff, who provided a strong foundation in advanced math and physics, and Marlene Bernstein and Dan Daly, who honed his writing abilities. After graduating from Central, Stuart earned a BSE in Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Iowa, graduating in 1991. He then attended Stanford University as a Tau Beta Pi graduate fellow, earning his MS (1994) and PhD (1997) in Electrical Engineering. His doctoral research focused on High-Performance Floating Point Arithmetic Units, in which he developed innovative algorithms and digital circuits that enable computers to perform mathematical calculations fast and efficiently. Stuart began his professional career at AMD, where he was a floating point unit architect for the K6 and Athlon microprocessors. In 2002, he joined NVIDIA, where he is Vice President of Hardware Engineering, leading multiple Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) design and verification teams. His contributions have been pivotal in designing 12 GPU architectures that deliver accelerated computing solutions across NVIDIA’s diverse sectors, including 3D graphics, gaming, high-performance computing, autonomous machines, and AI. Notably, Stuart and his teams played a key role in developing the AI-optimized GPUs, Hopper H100 in 2022 and Blackwell B100 in 2024, which have significantly advanced the deployment of AI technologies, particularly in the realm of large language models like ChatGPT. Stuart has coauthored one book and more than 25 technical papers, holding over 55 granted US patents. He has also served as a consulting professor at Stanford and has participated in and chaired several international conference program committees. Stuart lives with his wife in Sunnyvale, California where they raised two daughters. He is extremely grateful to all the Central educators for providing him with an excellent foundation for a successful career in engineering, and he hopes that these scholarships will help students achieve success in their education and future careers in engineering.

Doris and Allen Oglander believed strongly in the value of education. Allen served in the Navy during World War II and attended Harvard Business School. After the War, Allen ran a mail advertising firm and patented a piece of equipment called “Dispensa-Matic.” Doris had a passion for crafts, operating a yarn store for weaving and knitting. Doris and Allen encouraged their five children as well as their grandchildren to go to college. Eight of their grandchildren from the Rennard family graduated from Central. This scholarship was established in 2010.

Carolyn K. Orr was a longtime high school business and typing teacher at Central High School. Carolyn grew up on her beloved family’s farm outside Dakota City, Nebraska, and graduated from South Sioux City High School in 1954. She then received an undergraduate degree from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln in 1958 in Business Education as well as an MBA degree. She began her teaching career in Beatrice, Nebraska, prior to moving to Omaha where she taught until retirement. Carolyn enjoyed listening to music, playing piano, golfing and traveling as a member of the Friendship Force. In retirement, Carolyn became a favorite client of many of her former students who became professionals in law, medicine, and other business professions, which brought her great personal satisfaction from seeing their success. This scholarship was established in 2023.

Duane Perry was a mathematics teacher and head of the Mathematics Department at Central from 1940-1964, before he left to become Supervisor of Mathematics for the Omaha Public Schools. When he died in 1981, the Perry family established a fund in his memory to be awarded each year to the top graduating senior math student at Central. Doug was a 1966 graduate of Central and attributed much of his personal and professional success to his years at CHS. He was an enthusiastic supporter of the school and was instrumental in establishing the Central High School Foundation.

Kathy “Jo” Peterson was a community organizer, activist, social worker and a professor throughout Nebraska. In the year 2000, Jo Peterson received the Gandhi Award from The Grace Abbott School of Social Work, an award meant to honor individuals and organizations that exemplify Mahatma Gandhi's principles of nonviolence, selfless service, and social action. Although Jo Peterson did not attend Central High School, all of her children did. Her legacy gave her children, as well as her students, a love of learning and a desire for peace and justice. She impacted the community by teaching about the value of civic involvement, nonviolence, compassion, determination, forgiveness and resiliency. This scholarship was established in 2021.

Ruth Pilling was a 1926 graduate of Central, where she returned in 1936 to join the faculty as a Latin teacher. Also teaching English, French, and Greek, she retired in 1973. She helped set up one of the city’s first language laboratories and established several new courses. Her interests in language and biology served her well in her passion for travel, which led her to every continent (with the exception of Antarctica). This scholarship was established in 2005.

Virginia Lee Pratt was an eminently successful mathematics teacher, counselor, and math department chair at Central. Teaching at her alma mater after graduating in 1937, she was a faculty member for over forty years. Her students regularly won state and regional math contests, making Central’s math department one of the best in the nation during her tenure. This scholarship was established in 2016.

The Chuck Reed Journalism Scholarship seeks to honor the memory of this dynamic 1978 graduate by recognizing a senior student who shared Chuck’s love of journalism and writing. During his senior year at Central, Chuck became the third generation in his family to write for the Register, following in the footsteps of his mother and grandmother. His work for the Register -- the oldest school newspaper west of the Mississippi -- helped to solidify his lifelong passion for the written word. He majored in journalism at Kearney State College and soon after took a job with Stamats, a Cedar Rapids-based firm that produces recruiting materials and strategic planning for colleges and universities nationwide. Chuck would spend over 30 years with the company, becoming a senior account executive and higher education consultant. But his favorite part of the job was the opportunity to help write branding, imaging and recruiting materials for schools. Through his sage advice and writing, he contributed to the success of hundreds of schools across the country. Chuck was also married to a 1981 Central graduate and the proud father of three Central grads (CHS ’10,’12,’15). This scholarship was established by the family of Chuck Reed in his memory in 2023.

Seth Conrad Rich graduated from Central in 2007 and attended Creighton University. He was always involved in political activities and ultimately worked for the Democratic National Committee before his untimely death in 2016. While a student at Central, Seth participated in Speech and Debate. He was selected to be Central’s Cornhusker Boys State representative in 2006. He qualified to participate in the Stennis National Student Congress in Washington, DC and the National Catholic Forensic League Student Congress. He worked for national political campaigns while a student at Central and Creighton. This scholarship will recognize a Central student who is Politically Aware and as Seth feels that being involved will make a difference. This scholarship was established in 2021 by the Seth Rich Foundation.

Janice Ross was born and raised in Lexington, Nebraska. During her junior year of high school she was selected to represent her school in the first Girls State in Nebraska. After graduating as Salutatorian, she attended UNL on a regents scholarship and earned a degree in elementary education. When women went to work in factories and other jobs, Janice taught preschool during World War II. After the war, Janice and her husband raised five children, all of whom have bachelor and post graduate degrees. Her grandchildren and one great grandson (so far) have college degrees as well. Janice had many volunteer activities including working to support women in their educational pursuits. She also loved history and spent countless hours researching her family history and visiting places her ancestors had lived. Her son-in-law, grandson, and great-granddaughter all proudly attended Central. Janice died in 2014 at the age of 91. She is buried with her husband at Arlington National Cemetery. This scholarship was established in 2019.

Ramona Byers Sanders graduated from Central in 1965. An active swimmer and runner, she attended colleges in Michigan, Kansas, and Nebraska. Married to her husband Rob and the mother of two girls, Mona lived a life of service to others. She wrote grants to aid the blind and was later active as the secretary of her local NAACP chapter. That life of service and helping hand will continue to bless others in her name. This scholarship was established in 2004.

Ned Sariscsany graduated from Central in 2005. Ned was a boy who came into his own during his high school years, participating in activities such as DECA, fishing club, and rugby. He met fantastic friends at Central, and he was very proud to be an Eagle. Unfortunately, his life was tragically cut short. However, his memory lives on in the heart and spirit of this scholarship. This scholarship was established in 2008.

Roger received his elementary education from Lothrop and Howard Kennedy, and he graduated from Central as class vice president in 1960. In 1964 he graduated from Omaha University with a degree in Business Administration; in 1973 he received his MBA degree from University of Nebraska at Omaha. Regarded by many as the fastest man in the history of Omaha athletics, Roger Sayers finished his career in track and field as one of the most decorated amateur athletes of his generation and in the process also became a legend on the Omaha University gridiron. Roger set multiple records on the football field while helping to lead Omaha University to its second bowl appearance in 1962. Noted as a tremendous multi-sport star during his career at Omaha Central High School, Sayers won the Nebraska Boys State 100 and 220 yard dash gold medals in 1958. While leading Central to a state championship, Sayers was also named All City and All State in football. Receiving a scholarship to participate in both sports at Omaha University, Sayers exploded on the national scene by winning 28 consecutive races during his freshman year and provided an exciting presence every time he touched the ball during football season. In 1962 and 1963, Roger enjoyed the best two-year period of any Omaha University athlete ever, capturing the NAIA championship in the 100 and 200 meters, defeating Olympic gold medalist Bob Hayes twice during 1962, and leading Omaha University to a Central Intercollegiate Conference title, and an All Sports Bowl championship. Roger was selected as a member of the record-setting 1962 United States Track Team that defeated Poland and the Soviet Union in dual competition. For these achievements, Sayers was named the 1962 Nebraska State College Athlete of the year. Roger continued his exceptional success in track during 1963, winning sprint championships at the Kansas, Texas, and Drake relays. Named as the 33rd greatest athlete in Nebraska history by the Omaha World-Herald, Sayers has been inducted into three Track and Field Hall of Fames, the University of Nebraska Football Hall of Fame, five Athletic Hall of Fames, and the Central High School Alumni Hall of Fame. Roger’s business achievements include a 26-year career with the Union Pacific Railroad, and he also served the City of Omaha as its Director of Human Relations. Roger’s community service activities have included Board President of the La Fern Williams Stage Theatre, Butler-Gast YMCA, and the Urban League of Nebraska, Nebraska Coordinator of the United Negro College Fund, and member of the Board of Directors of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Nebraska, and the Central High School Foundation. Roger was also twice selected as a recipient of the Outstanding Young Omahan Award. Roger has continued his community service as a trustee of Salem Baptist Church.

Robert Spire was a distinguished graduate of the class of 1943. During World War II, he was a U.S. Army officer in the South Pacific. He attended the Juilliard School of Music as a pianist before attending Harvard Law to become an attorney. He served as Nebraska’s attorney general from 1985 to 1990 and implemented Nebraska’s program for attorneys in private practice to provide pro bono legal services to the community. This scholarship was established in 2008.

Hird Stryker Jr. was a 1936 graduate of Central. Hird enlisted in the Army Air Corps and served with distinction in the China-Burma-India theater of war while studying law. Stryker returned to Omaha and practiced law for more than 40 years with the Fraser Stryker law firm. This scholarship was established in 2008.

James Baume Stryker graduated from Central in 1942 and was the brother of Hird Stryker Jr. James enlisted out of Yale in the summer of 1943 and was overseas just a few months later to serve his country in World War II. James was killed in a minefield outside Gut Hazenfeld on Dec. 5, 1944. He was present at Omaha Beach on D-Day. This scholarship was established in 2002.

The Sunderland Scholarship is given by the Backer Family in memory of their grandfather, John E. Sunderland, Class of 1916. At Central, John was the Major of the Second Battalion, Editor-in-Chief of The Register, and a member of the Student Council and Senior Council. Following his graduation from Dartmouth College in Hanover, NH, he returned to Omaha to work for the family business, Sunderland Brothers, eventually becoming Chief Executive Officer. He met and married his wife Julie and together they had two children, James Sunderland and Marcia Backer. This scholarship was established in 2002.

Augusta Turpin was an English teacher at Central from 1937 to 1957. During that time, students would run to the teacher they wanted at the beginning of each semester. According to one of her former students Hugh Williams, CHS 1948, everyone vied for her classes; there were always more kids trying for her room than she could take on. This scholarship was established in 2008 by Hugh Williams, CHS 1948.

Ruth was born and raised in Kendall, Wisconsin, a town whose population is smaller than the size of Central's graduation class. Upon graduation, she attended nurses training in Madison and then worked as a nurse during the last years of World War II and then to support her husband through college. Ruth and her husband raised 4 children all of whom have bachelor degrees and post graduate degrees. The family moved around the country with her husband's work and finally landed in Omaha in 1964 where they stayed. She was the keeper of the family bible with all of the genealogy of the family, which she treasured. She researched and visited her Czechoslovakian roots with her husband, and often went back to Wisconsin to see her family. She had several grandchildren who proudly attended Central. Ruth died in 1996 at the age of 70. She is buried in Omaha. This scholarship was established in 2019.

Ed Waples was a 1964 alumnus and staff member at Central from 1973 to 1994. Over this time, he received the Alice Buffett Outstanding Teacher Award and was nominated for Nebraska Teacher of the Year. He was frequently recognized by students and faculty for his commitment to student achievement. He continued, until his death, to share his love for literature, music, and the arts with all of those around him. This scholarship was established by his family in 2023.

Josef and Chuma Weinroth were the immigrant parents of Central alumna Phyllis Weinroth Bernt, CHS 1967. Josef and Chuma arrived in the United States during World War II with two featherbeds, some pots and pans, $26, and no fluency in English. This scholarship was established in 2023 in memory of Josef and Chuma and will be awarded to an immigrant who excels academically.

The World War II Scholarship is given in honor and memory of the Central High School students who fought defending our country and our honor during World War II. A complete listing of students who died in combat can be found here.

The DeEmmett Bradshaw Zerbe, CHS 1943, and Mason Speltz Zerbe, CHS 1948 Student of the Year Scholarships are named after two brothers who were model students who embodied what it means to be an Eagle at Central High School. During their time at Central, both DeEmmett and Mason were strong academic students who were highly involved in both school and community activities. Mason was named the Student of the Year in 1948 for his academics, school spirit, and involvement in the Omaha community. Mason’s brother, DeEmmett, enjoyed math, running on the track team, and serving on the JROTC Eagle Battalion. Mason’s son, Dean Zerbe, wanted to honor his father and uncle, and so the The DeEmmett Bradshaw Zerbe and Mason Speltz Zerbe Student of the Year Scholarships were established. These two scholarships will recognize two graduating seniors, one male and one female, who plan to attend a college, university, or trade school and who have spent the past four years demonstrating the same academic, leadership, community and school spirit that Mason and DeEmmett represented during their time at Central. These scholarships were established in 2019 by the Zerbe family.