The 2014 Spirit of St Columbkille Awards

Kim and Kevin Pokorny were married at St. Peter’s parish in Bellwood, Nebraska, and recently celebrated their 25^th anniversary.  Kim and Kevin became part of the St. Columbkille community in 1989 Their children Chris, a junior at Gross Catholic High School, and Megan, an 8^th grader at St. Columbkille School, have grown up in the parish. 

Kevin, a police officer, is Captain with the La Vista Police Department.  Kim, a registered nurse, is manager of the Blood and Marrow Transplant Program at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

Kevin has overseen the St Columbkille Festival Raffle for over 19 years; which has been a fun project for the entire family. Chris and Megan have been involved since they were babies.  The Festival is a great opportunity to ‘build family and community’ and the Pokornys would like to encourage others to become involved.

Kevin has coached soccer, softball and basketball. He is an EMHC/homebound, funeral adult altar server, delivers Thanksgiving meals, chaperoned Confirmation retreats and assists the Gross Trap Team.  Kevin is voluntary chairman of the Police Federal Credit Union Supervisory Committee.  

Kim volunteers for funeral lunches, classroom projects, parties, special events and field trips.  She is on the City of La Vista Library Advisory Board, having served as President and Secretary. Kim is very involved volunteering with national transplant organizations working to improve the treatment and care of patients receiving blood and marrow transplants.  

Chris volunteers at the La Vista Public Library, as scorekeeper for St. Columbkille basketball, for the police children’s Christmas party, at the Papillion gun club, and delivers Thanksgiving meals.  As part of an engineering team, he helped to redesign the chapel at Gross Catholic High School.   

Megan volunteers at the La Vista Public Library, for the police children’s Christmas party, delivers Thanksgiving meals, and assisted with the Linus blankets project.  She is a member of St. Columbkille School’s Acts of Kindness through Service and Junior National Honor Society. 

Kim and Kevin believe in a strong Catholic education and feel very fortunate to be part of the St Columbkille Parish and School community. 

Dottie and Al Schmid, married for over 50 years, have dedicated their lives to community. Al’s background in farming coupled with his banking experience brought them to Papillion in 1964.

In 1988, Al, along with his son Jeff, chartered The American National Bank of Sarpy County.  The bank opened its doors in 1989 and after serving as President and Chairman of the Board for many years he is currently Chairman Emeritus. Dottie, born and raised in Massachusetts, met All while visiting an uncle at Offutt Air Force Base. After raising their children, Dottie began a 30 year career as a receptionist and in insurance billing.

Al has served as President of the Papillion Chamber of Commerce, Color Guard and Honor Guard for the American Legion, served on the Boards of the Midlands Hospital Foundation, Papillion La Vista Schools and the YMCA. He was a charter member of the Papillion Area Lions Club Al served on the Building and Finance Committee when the current church was built. He was also one of four original men to serve as Lectors and EME’s when laypeople were allowed. Al has been a member of the West Omaha Serra Club for many years.

Dottie has served as President of the Altar Society, President and member of the Funeral Committee and as an Eucharistic Minister.  She has also been an RCIA Sponsor and worked with Sister Schumaker helping the New Catholic Committee. But most important was being present at the activities of her children and grandchildren.

The Schmids feel blessed with the many friendships that have been made with their opportunity to be involved in the parish and community.

The Spirit of St. Columbkille awards will be presented by Fr. Damian Zuerlein at Columb's Ceili Saturday, March 1st at the Embassy Conference Center in La Vista.