Photo Caption: The Schreiner family, descendents of John L. and Henrietta Schreiner, were honored in the “Outstanding Catholic Family” category for a legacy of 100-plus years of engagement with Bishop Noll Institute.
To cap off Bishop Noll Institute’s 100th school year, several alumni were honored for their dedication and service to the school.
Alumni Rosemary Coleman, class of 1942; Michael and Lori (Prahovich) Whelan, class of 1985; and the Schreiner family were inducted into the school’s Hall of Honor during the annual donor reception and Hall of Honor ceremony Thursday (Nov. 12).
The Schreiner family, descendents of John L. and Henrietta Schreiner, were honored in the “Outstanding Catholic Family” category for a legacy of 100-plus years of engagement with the Catholic high school.
John L. and Henrietta sent their 11 children to the school for three decades, from the first day of class on Sept. 16, 1921, when it opened as Catholic Central High School, until their last child graduated in 1950. Many of those 11 siblings also sent their children to Bishop Noll, and later-generation descendants attended Noll until 1990.
Also in the early 1990s, Anthony Schreiner’s children began a scholarship for Bishop Noll students in their father’s name, and it is still awarded annually to this day.
In addition, Lillian Schreiner Radigan, John and Henrietta’s daughter and a 1938 graduate of Catholic Central, is believed to be Bishop Noll’s oldest living alum as she approaches her 102nd birthday.
Dr. Richard Schreiner, Bishop Noll Class of 1963, accepted the award on behalf of his family, several of whom were in the audience.
“Thank you Noll for all you have done. Thank you, Grandpa and Grandma Schreiner, for doing what you did. I’m not sure how many of us could do that, but it’s been wonderful,” he said.
Rosemary Coleman, a 1942 Catholic Central graduate and English teacher, was honored in the “Outstanding Alumna” category for her dedication to the school.
“Bishop Noll was always front and center in her mind,” Bishop Noll’s Director of Advancement Mary Ellen O’Neill said of Rosemary, who was inducted posthumously, having died in March. “She communicated with our office often - always wanting to know how she could make the school a better place.”
Rosemary endowed scholarships in memory of both of her siblings – John, who was killed during World War II, and Margaret. Recently, Rosemary created an endowment in her parents’ names to support arts programs at Bishop Noll. In addition, Rosemary, herself an artist, donated most of her paintings to Bishop Noll. They are now displayed in the school’s Media Center.
“We talked about how we could honor her. She had honored her brother, she had honored her sister and she had honored her parents; but no one honored Rosemary,” O’Neill said. “So I am proud tonight that we can induct her into the Hall of Honor. She deserves it.”
Michael and Lori (Prahovich) Whelan, 1985 graduates, were honored in the “Outstanding Leadership” category. The high school sweethearts have made a lasting impact on the school, including keeping their 1985 classmates connected, volunteering on several committees, serving on the school board and leading several renovation projects throughout the school.
“The vision of Michael and Lori is to follow through and execute,” Bishop Noll President Paul Mullaney said at the induction ceremony. “Michael and Lori are dedicated family people, dedicated Catholics and loyal BNI Warriors. For their leadership over the years, which continues to this day, we are very grateful and we recognize that leadership tonight.”
With his knowledge of the construction industry and belief in Catholic education, Michael took a lead role in projects to make the building more functional and beautiful. He also served as Bishop Noll’s school board president for several years. Lori has assisted with several fundraisers and took the lead role as chairperson of the Centennial Gala, which celebrated the school’s 100th anniversary this September.
The Mary M. Whelan Memorial Golf Outing, organized by the couple the past several years, has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for Bishop Noll facility projects.
Their dedication to Catholic education can be seen in their daughters: Shannon, Bishop Noll Class of 2012, and Megan, BNI Class of 2017, who both attended Catholic universities and have chosen careers in Catholic education.
When accepting their plaque, Lori thanked their parents for their hard work and sacrifice, making their own Catholic education possible.
Said Michael: “We’re humbled, we’re honored, and go Noll.”
For more information on Bishop Noll, a Catholic college preparatory experience, visit bishopnoll.org.