Central High School Foundation
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL FOUNDATION STYLE BOOKFOR THEME WRITING AND REVISION SARA VORE TAYLOR Eagle ABC’s A - Academics 2018 ANNUAL REPORT B - Behanior C - Community C E N T R A L Board of Directors A Note from the Executive Director Matt Aden On behalf of the Omaha Central High School Foundation Board of Directors, CHS 1974 President Rob Likes the Foundation staff, and myself, I would like to thank our alumni, teachers, CHS 1991 administration, support staff, students, parents, friends, and community Vice President Julie Cobb supporters for helping make this past year a resounding success. Once again, Parent we have had many accomplishments thanks to your love, commitment, and Secretary dedication to the finest downtown high school in the country: Omaha Central High School. Over the past year, the Foundation hosted a number of events designed to connect our broad and diverse community. This past April our annual Matt Darling fundraiser, Rock the Nest Trivia Night, was a sellout evening and a special event for all who attended. We hosted two golf outings this past year, Golf Fore Eagles CHS 1999 Ed Bennett, Ed.D. Treasurer at the Field Club of Omaha and Soaring with the Eagles in the Sand Hills at the Principal Dismal River Club in Mullen, NE. Both events were well attended and Keith Bigsby, Ed.D. provided days and evenings of Central High School comradery and Principal Emeritus reminiscing. Our “Generation C” Alumni Membership increased to an all-time high, and it continues to be a major catalyst for efforts in helping bridge many of our Central High students’ opportunity and achievement gaps. The Foundation hosted eight class reunions and building tours this past year to reconnect our alumni to the current-day Central. In addition, the Central Rusty Crossman, MD High School Foundation hosted two Passing Periods: CHS Alumni Luncheon Series events and helped the Central High School Alumni Association present CHS 1966 Andy Haggart the 19th Annual Central High School Hall of Fame Ceremony. This is just a small CHS 1988 Kristie Hayes, MD piece of what the Foundation does every day to ensure that Central doesn’t forget its past, continues to live successfully in its present, and plans for its CHS 1973 future. For the 2017-18 school year, the Foundation helped provide classroom grant funding that totaled over $340,000. These classroom grant allocations ensure Mike Lebens that ALL Central students, teachers, and staff have access to the equipment, materials, and unique learning opportunities that are not available within the CHS 1970 Merrilee Moshier Miller regular school budget. I want to thank all of our special alumni, families, and CHS 1966 friends who made these grants possible. I would also like to recognize and Harley Schrager thank our Adopt-a-School partners: Coca-Cola, DLR Group, First National CHS 1965 Bank, Midland University, and Nebraska Methodist College for their ongoing belief and support in helping keep Central the finest downtown high school in Foundation office the country. The Central High School Foundation also awarded $127,500 in scholarships to graduating seniors at the Central Senior Recognition Ceremony this past May. Thank you to all of our scholarship donors, many of whom have set up scholarships with us in remembrance of loved ones, friends, and past graduates and faculty. Your dedication to helping the graduates of Central High School pursue their dreams and aspirations is to be recognized and commended - once again, thank you! Michele Roberts Executive Director In closing, it has been a busy and exciting year - one to be celebrated and one to serve as an example of the great efforts that must continue to help Central CommunicationsJosh Bucy & Database High School, home of the EAGLES, continue its 159-year-old “Tradition of Excellence.” 2 Once an Eagle, Always an Eagle, Sydney Davidson Michele Roberts, Executive Director Events & Alumni Relations Joanne Wagner Givens Finance A Letter from the President CENTRAL In 2019, we, as Eagle Nation, will gather for the ribbon cutting and dedication celebration of the new Central High School Arts By The Numbers and Library Addition. When the Central High School Foundation began the Arts and Library Addition capital campaign in 2014, it was by far the most aggressive and largest fundraising effort in its history. Over the past four years alumni, friends and supporters, corporations, and other foundations have all answered the call to make this project come to life. I want to thank every one of our donors for their love, belief, and contributions of time, talent, and treasure to Omaha’s downtown 504 3.1 138 high school. I also want to thank and salute the Foundation staff and the Graduates Average GPA National Honor CHSF Board of Directors for their support, patience and dedication over the last few years to making the new addition a Society members reality. A special recognition to our Arts and Library Addition capital campaign co-chairs Mike Lebens and David Slosburg. Class of 2018 Class Thanks to Mike’s and David’s vision, passion, and determination, every student at Omaha Central High School will soon have access to an educational experience that will blend the tried and true Central High School academic rigor with a cutting-edge facility in helping them become Omaha’s future leaders and citizens. With completion of the Arts and Library Addition, and as part 174 14 75% of our agreement with the Omaha Public Schools, we will begin the second part of the Arts and Library Addition project - the Teachers Average Years Percentage of renovation of 25,000 square feet of existing building space. This part of the project will work to upgrade space in the existing At Central Teaching Teachers With A facility while working to return portions of the building to its Experience Master’s Degree 20th century beauty and elegance. Representatives of the High School Central High School Foundation and Omaha Public Schools CHS Faculty or Higher will collaboratively plan the existing building upgrades with OPS funding the renovation work. As we move into the future, the Central High School Foundation will now be refocusing its efforts on our Legacy Caucasian 37% Fund campaign. The Legacy Fund, which was set aside during our Arts and Library Addition campaign, will work to ensure African American 27% that the Central High School Foundation has the ongoing resources it needs to help keep Central High School strong 58% 163 Hispanic 26% and relevant into the foreseeable future. Information about the Legacy Fund can be found on page 15 of this Annual Report. Students on Number of ELL Other 10% I would truly appreciate your consideration in supporting the Central High School Foundation Legacy Fund to ensure that Free or Reduced (English Language Racial/Ethnic the Tradition of Excellence continues for future generations. Lunch Learner) Students Composition In closing, I am profoundly grateful for your ongoing support of the Central High School Foundation as we work to guarantee Student Body Student that every one of our students has access to a 21st century education grounded in a tradition of excellence. This project’s ASSETS 2018 current and ongoing future success would not have been possible Cash and cash equivalents $7,985,583 without you! Certificates of deposit $400,000 Deposits $600 Again, on behalf of the Omaha Central High School Statement Investments and cash $2,506,539 Foundation Board of Directors and Foundation staff, Thank of restricted for endowment YOU and GO EAGLES! Total Assets $10,892,722 Sincerely, Financial NET ASSETS 2018 Unrestricted $924,602 Position Temporarily restricted $8,061,272 Permanently restricted $1,906,848 3 Total Net Assets $10,892,722 Matt Aden, CHS 1974, Board President Reunion Recaps The Class of 1957 met for their 60 year class reunion on August 18th and 19th. Cocktails and appetizers at the Regency Lodge kicked off the reunion weekend on Friday night. Following a tour of the school in the morning, classmates gathered at Cascio’s Steakhouse for dinner and conversation on Saturday night. The Class of 1962 met on August 25th and 26th to celebrate their 55 year class reunion. On Friday night, classmates gathered for a meet and greet at DJ's Dugout. On Saturday, there was a barbecue and river boat 1957 cruise on the River City Star. The reunion wrapped up with a dance 1962 featuring the music of the George Walker band. The Class of 1967 celebrated their Golden 50 Year Reunion on August 18th and 19th. Over 185 classmates reconnected to remember wonderful memories and have some fun at a Purple Power Party at Petrow’s on Friday night. Classmates then toured Central High School on Saturday morning. The reunion concluded Saturday night at the Happy Hollow Country Club where over 200 people took in a fantastic dinner, program, and rockin' music provided by The Brits. On September 15th, the Class of 1972 celebrated its 45th reunion at at the Old Mattress Factory with a cocktail reception. Classmates Mark Sanford (keyboard & vocals) and Chuck St. Lucas (drums) provided 1967 music for the night. The featured speaker was G.E. "Doc" Moller, who delighted the crowd by sharing some of his keen wit and reflections on the past. On Saturday morning classmates toured Central, where they enjoyed 1972 a continental breakfast, an enlightening presentation by Dr. Keith Bigsby, and learned about future enhancements to their alma mater. The Class of 1977 held their 40 year class reunion on September 8th and 9th. Friday was full of fun activities, including playing 18 holes of golf at Elmwood Park golf course, watching the CHS football team play 2017 Class Reunions Omaha Bryan, and ending the day with a gathering at the Old Mattress Factory.