Thursday, April 1, 2004 in Omaha World-Herald
By Michael Kelly
Jarodd Butler received an award Wednesday at a country club, and a classmate cheered him on – twin brother Jamaur Butler.
The Blessed Sacrament School fourth-graders, who don’t belong to any country club, have suffered tragedy but persevered.
Their mother, Doris L. Butler, gave birth to a second set of twins 2 1/2 years ago. A year later she died of cancer.
The 2-year-olds, Talia and Tahj, as well as Jarodd and Jamaur, are being raised by their aunt, Laverne Butler. She looked on proudly Wednesday at the Happy Hollow Club as Mayor Mike Fahey, in front of 160 people, presented a Children’s Scholarship Fund “Challenger Award” to Jarodd.
Blessed Sacrament, on North 30th Street near Miller Park, had nominated Jarodd in part for “his behavior and willingness to be and do his best.”
He has kept nearly perfect attendance and accepted extra help. When he made the honor roll this year, Principal Sue Moser said Wednesday, “I had to keep from crying.”
She said the twins support each other well.
“How their mother prepared them has my greatest admiration,” she said. “She left two very responsible, caring children who are able to move forward.”
The awards luncheon celebrated not just Jarodd and five other youngsters, but also the scholarship fund. Despite not being widely known, it is providing an amazing $ 1.7 million locally this year for 82 private schools and 1,554 K-8 kids – averaging about $ 1,100 each.
The fund is open to children whose families meet federal income guidelines for the free or reduced-price lunch program. Parents are required to pay at least $ 500 per family, and are responsible for fees and books.
The Omaha area enjoys good public schools. But some families want the opportunity, at least, to consider private schools.
Said auto dealer Tal Anderson, board chairman of the local fund: “This is all about giving parents a choice and students a chance.”
The national Children’s Scholarship Fund was launched in the late 1990s by John Walton of Wal-Mart and Theodore Forstmann, an investor. They pledged $ 100 million.
The national fund provides $ 1 for every $ 2 raised locally. The Omaha fund started in 1998.
Besides Jarodd, the Omaha students honored Wednesday were: Jose Aguilar, seventh grade, Jesuit Middle School; Audrey Holmes, sixth grade, Mount Calvary Lutheran; Christine Koyama, eighth grade, St. Cecilia; and Anna Gurney, fifth grade, St. Bernard.
A touching moment – and a long ovation – occurred when Anna’s father, Evan, was introduced. He returned a few days ago from military service in Iraq.
Also honored was Dan Fast, eighth grade, Guardian Angels School in Wisner, Neb. Kelsey Perry, an eighth-grader at St. Paul Lutheran in Omaha, gave an invocation.
Kids like these inspire older folks. Jarodd and Jamaur suffered the loss of their mother but have carried on.
School is no country club. Sometimes it’s very hard. It’s great to see kids who are grateful for help – and willing to try hard, too.