2019 Administrators of the Year – Archdiocese of Omaha
Each year, the Archbishop’s Dinner for Education honors eight outstanding educators for their contributions to Catholic education. The 2019 Dinner for Education will be held September 12 at Embassy Suites in La Vista. Leading up to the event, we’ll highlight this year’s honorees on the blog. Read on to learn about our Administrator of the Year honorees.
Metro Administrator of the Year – Mike Dempsey, Gross Catholic High School (Bellevue, Nebraska)
Mike Dempsey, Gross Catholic High School assistant principal, exemplifies the Gross Catholic High School values: faith, compassion and drive. He has served as not only assistant principal, but classroom teacher, guidance counselor and athletic director. He attends nearly every school event; he makes popcorn, sells candy and will work the admission gates with a smile. “He has such a strong presence within the school and at all activities. Whether you are a student, alum, opposing team or even a future Cougar, he will be sure to greet you,” said Nick Sidzyik, Gross Catholic parent.
Mike has been a math teacher, counselor and coach (including football, basketball and boys golf) since he started his teaching career in 1980 at Gross Catholic. He moved to Roncalli Catholic High School for five years but returned in 1991, where he has worked since, serving as both the athletic director and assistant principal since 2009.
Gross Catholic parent Anne Nickerson sums up Mike’s contributions best:
“Gross Catholic’s motto is Dux Esto – Be a Leader. Mike has set the bar high on what a leader should be.”
Rural Administrator of the Year – Jennifer Fiscus, St. Rose of Lima School (Crofton, Nebraska)
The 2019-2020 school year will mark Jennifer’s third year as principal and eighth year at St. Rose of Lima School. Jennifer is a role model for her students and teachers—a leader who is compassionate, faith-filled and willing to adapt her duties to meet the needs of students. She has built creative partnerships with the local public school district and she deals with students in a calm and caring manner.
“She is a positive reminder of the strength of women serving Christ’s Church who will give our children the courage to lead as outstanding Catholic women themselves!” said Christopher and Holly Wortmann, parents of four girls who attend St. Rose of Lima School.
In a smaller school, it’s often necessary for the administrator to take on multiple roles from parent meetings to parking lot or recess duty, among others. Despite any challenges, St. Rose of Lima School has not only maintained its student population under Jennifer’s leadership but has experienced an enrollment increase.
We invite you to join us as we celebrate both of these tremendous leaders in Catholic education within the Archdiocese of Omaha. Tickets for the Archbishop’s Dinner for Education on September 12 can be purchased online.