Chatting at the C

Dan Daly taught English at Omaha Central from 1962-1999 and served as Department Chair from 1976-99. Dan discussed his approach to English teaching, his success in the AP program, and other thoughts about changes at CHS during his tenure.Dan was a 1989 Alice Buffett Award winner and was Central's Teacher of the Year for 1972. He was inducted into the ⁠Central Hall of Fame in 2011.⁠This interview was conducted in November of 2012 by:Barry Combs (1950) HOFDr. Orville Menard (1951) HOFDr. Jim Wigton (1966)(2:15) hired at CHS in 1962(9:35) English Department Chair(13:38) Central's "Mini Magnet"(19:00) teaching AP English(24:28) Central's writing tradition(37:32) 'Future of Central' Committee(39:15) Central journalism(43:25) Dan's advice to future superintendents(46:10) Dan and technology(50:42) Dan's unsung colleaguesThis interview was also edited from the original.Host: Scott Wilson (introduction only)Art: Beth WilsonMusic: Drew RuchtiThanks for listening to the show! "Chatting at the C" is supported by the Omaha Central High School Foundation. Consider supporting the CHSF by joining ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠"Generation C" ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

We chatted with the wonderful Jean Whitten who taught science at Omaha Central High from 1996 until her retirement in 2015. Jean was at Lewis and Clark MS for 5 years before that, but her story starts in the state of Texas and winds around the United States until landing in The Nest.As a Central parent to two Eagles, Science department chair, wilderness expedition leader, and fantastic colleague, Jean elevated all around her. Alice Buffett Award winner - 1999Central HS Teacher of the Year - 2014(2:00) Texas youth *note that accent*(8:00) North Carolina, Boston, and South Carolina stops(33:30) hired in OPS(39:12) the move to CHS from Lewis and Clark MS(48:10) taking students on science trips to Wyoming(54:40) award-winning teacher(1:03:26) Jean's love for Omaha CentralHost: Scott WilsonArt: Beth WilsonMusic: Drew RuchtiThanks for listening to the show! "Chatting at the C" is supported by the Omaha Central High School Foundation. Consider supporting the CHSF by joining ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠"Generation C" ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Virginia Lee Pratt (CHS 1937) taught at her alma mater, Omaha Central High School, from 1941-1982. She was a math teacher and Math Department Chair. Ms. Pratt is in the Central Hall of Fame.Ms. Pratt was 88 at the time of this interview. She passed in 2015 at 96 in Omaha.This interview was conducted in August of 2007 by:Barry Combs (1950) HOFDr. Orville Menard (1951) HOFDr. Jim Wigton (1966)Special thanks to Drew Ruchti for helping to salvage this audio. There are some parts that are still harder to understand, but Drew did great work to bring it back to this level. Also thanks to Josh Bucy at the CHSF for helping Dr. Wigton with the file transfer.This interview was also edited from the original.Host: Scott Wilson (introduction only)Art: Beth WilsonMusic: Drew RuchtiThanks for listening to the show! "Chatting at the C" is supported by the Omaha Central High School Foundation. Consider supporting the CHSF by joining ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠"Generation C" ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Matt Shafer taught business and coached at Omaha Central from 1997-2004. Matt's son and daughter both later attended CHS, and his son Jackson returned as a Math teacher in 2019, another one of Central's faculty members from the alumni ranks.(1:10) Matt's youth and influential teachers(11:35) hired at Lewis and Clark MS(19:40) moving to Central HS(27:30) moving to Alice Buffett MS(36:00) kids picking Central over other OPS schools(41:50) Jackson's CHS student experience(45:20) Jackson deciding on a teaching career(50:00) Jackson hired at CHS(1:00:45) Central pride in the Shafer familyPlease share the pod far and wide! Thanks for listening!Host: Scott WilsonArt: Beth WilsonMusic: Drew RuchtiThanks for listening to the show! "Chatting at the C" is supported by the Omaha Central High School Foundation. Consider supporting the CHSF by joining ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠"Generation C" ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

On this “Hall of Fame Week” episode we talk about Omaha Central Hall of Fame Distinguished Educator Paul Semrad. Paul was at CHS from 1973-2005. He taught Social Studies, was Central's very first Girls Basketball coach (where he won back-to-back titles and a Class A record 58 straight wins in 1983 and 1984), and then finished his career as an Asst. Principal.Paul passed away in 2020, but we sat down with his two daughters, Kerri Murtaugh and Cindi Brown, both of whom are OPS elementary principals. All 3 of us coached Central softball together…with Paul! (1:35) Paul's youth in Prague, NE(4:15) Paul the priest?(6:00) Central High 1973(8:00) Paul the coach(13:58) stepping away from coaching(20:05) Paul the dad(22:30) Kerri and Cindi coach softball at CHS with Paul(26:35) retirement(30:00) Paul's legacy as a mentor(33:22) Paul Semrad: Hall of FamerHost: Scott WilsonArt: Beth WilsonMusic: Drew RuchtiThanks for listening to the show! "Chatting at the C" is supported by the Omaha Central High School Foundation. Consider supporting the CHSF by joining ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠"Generation C" ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Another special "Central High history" episode! This episode focuses on Omaha Central Hall of Famer Marion G. Crandell from the Omaha High School Class of 1889. Marion, who was a French language teacher, volunteered to go to France during The Great War in 1918 to help soldiers behind the lines recuperate from combat. Marion was killed during the German offensive in March of 1918 and is believed to be the first American woman killed at the front during WWI. "Time will not dim the glory of their deeds."-US General John J. Pershing, Nov. 1921We have two great guests on this episode:Peter Bock (CHS 2010) he researched Marion's life for his AP US History project during his senior year. Peter's work brought her story to our community...and beyond.andMarie Caron is an outstanding interpretive guide for the American Battle Monuments Commission at the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery in eastern France, where Marion is interred. Marie has welcomed visits from Central High multiple times, and she will tell us more about Marion and also what it is like working at the cemetery.(2:37) Peter talks about "the project" from 2009-10(7:07) researching Marion in Davenport, IA(13:47) Marion and the CHS Hall of Fame(16:30) Marion's legacy today at CHS(23:45) mission and history of the ABMC(25:40) Marion Crandell and the Meuse-Argonne Cemetery(29:58) history of the cemetery(32:00) Why does Marion have 'California' on her marker?(32:54) daily efforts of Marie and the ABMC staff overseasSpecial thanks also to the ABMC Public Affairs staff for helping greenlight our interview with Marie, notably to Anna Morelock and her office in Arlington, VA. Anna is an Omaha Northwest HS graduate! OPS!Host: Scott WilsonArt: Beth WilsonMusic: Drew RuchtiThanks for listening to the show! "Chatting at the C" is supported by the Omaha Central High School Foundation. Consider supporting the CHSF by joining ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠"Generation C" ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

We are joined by retired Central Social Studies teacher and head football coach, Jay Ball. Jay is a 1980 CHS graduate, who taught and coached in OPS for 30 years, including from 2006-2017 at Omaha Central High School.Jay was heavily influenced by his father Jerry, but Jay also notes the numerous great teachers, coaches, and colleagues who helped him along the way. Jay won a State football title with the Eagles, and he was also an award-winning classroom teacher. We think you will enjoy hearing his story.(1:21) growing up as Coach Ball's kid in Omaha(4:57) Central High Class of 1980(8:55) Kearney State and 2nd chances(11:30) hired at OPS(16:15) Head Coach at Omaha South(20:38) remembering Cpl. Shane Kielion (SHS 1999)(25:25) classroom philosophy(26:36) Alice Buffett Award for teaching 2006(28:55) back to Omaha Central as Head Coach(31:26) 2007 State Champs!(41:04) 2010 Rosenblatt Stadium football game(44:49) teaching at CHS(47:54) retiring and re-retiring(51:24) What CHS means to JayPlease share the pod far and wide! Thanks for listening!Host: Scott WilsonArt: Beth WilsonMusic: Drew RuchtiThanks for listening to the show! "Chatting at the C" is supported by the Omaha Central High School Foundation. Consider supporting the CHSF by joining ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠"Generation C" ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Special "Central history" episode.We normally talk about Omaha Central teachers, but we had such a great opportunity to talk about CHS Hall of Famer John Pehle (CHS 1926) with historian Rebecca Erbelding. John attended Creighton and Yale Law School before starting at the Treasury Department under Secretary Henry Morgenthau, Jr. . During WWII, John advocated for, and then ran, the War Refugee Board to try and rescue as many people from Nazi-occupied Europe as possible. This was the only official effort of its kind among the allied nations in WWII."I consider myself fortunate to have been asked to serve our Government in conducting an emergency program of relief and rescue of the persecuted minorities of Europe. It has been a rewarding experience. It has given me a chance to reduce a shocking injustice, if only by a minute amount. I wish I could do more."-John Pehle in a letter to his former Creighton professor, 1944Dr. Erbelding is a historian and curator at the US Holocaust Memorial Museum in DC and the author of Rescue Board, a story of how the War Refugee Board (under the direction John Pehle) helped save tens of thousands of human lives in WWII Europe. She regularly speaks to Central students about the Holocaust and about her work as a historian. She consulted and was interviewed on Ken Burns' 2022 film "The US and the Holocaust".(2:18) researching the WRB(5:33) John Pehle's backstory(7:41) Treasury Department: Pehle and Secretary Morgenthau(14:41) 1944: Pehle convinces FDR to act(17:39) WRB gets to work saving lives(28:32) Pehle after WWII(36:40) Dr. Erbelding's next projectHost: Scott WilsonArt: Beth WilsonMusic and audio tech assist: Drew RuchtiThanks for listening to the show! "Chatting at the C" is supported by the Omaha Central High School Foundation. Consider supporting the CHSF by joining ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠"Generation C" ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

What happens when two long-time teacher friends sit down for a chat? You get a mega-pod.We are joined by veteran Omaha Central High teacher, Social Studies Department chair, and former CHS wrestling coach Jimmie Foster to talk about his 28+ years at Central and much more...(1:42) growing up in Oklahoma(6:00) Shannon/ Coach Denney at UNO/ OOOSSS! orgins(12:50) OPS' Minority Interns program(23:40) Hired at CHS/ head wrestling coach(37:25) coaching elite athletes(46:50) Eagle dad x 3(53:09) advent of girls wrestling in NE(59:12) deciding to step away from coaching after 25 years(1:03:10) Department Chair in 2020(1:07:15) Alice Buffett Award 2018(1:15:18) Minority Scholars program at CHS(1:24:00) Old '97s reminisce about old stuff(1:40:15) the joy of being in the Central communityPlease share the pod far and wide! Thanks for listening!Host: Scott WilsonArt: Beth WilsonMusic: Drew RuchtiThanks for listening to the show! "Chatting at the C" is supported by the Omaha Central High School Foundation. Consider supporting the CHSF by joining ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠"Generation C" ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

We welcome former Omaha Central High principal Dr. Gary Thompson, who was principal of CHS from 1995-2002. Before that, he taught science and was Science Dept. Chair at Central (1973-1983), he was a junior high science teacher at Bancroft (1970-1973), and he made stops as an admin at South and Benson (1983-1991), was principal of Lewis and Clark Jr. High (1991-1995), before returning to The Nest in 1995. Following his retirement, Dr. T worked with student teachers for nearly 20 more years.Hear his journey as a terrific athlete from Sidney, NE to Kearney State to teaching in the Omaha Public Schools. Dr. Thompson believes deeply in the power and potential of public education, and remains immensely proud of the students and staff he worked with for over 50 years.(00:30) growing up in Sidney, NE/ football star(5:40) starting in OPS/ moving to CHS in 1973/ the fire!(16:42) moving into administration/ Lewis and Clark (21:28) replacing G.E. "Doc" Moller as CHS principal(26:50) Dr. T's goals as CHS principal(31:25) renonvations and hiring the best staff possible(36:06) 5 things Dr. T is particularly proud of in his time at CHS(41:36) deciding to retire in 2002 and then working with student teachersHost: Scott WilsonArt: Beth WilsonMusic: Drew RuchtiThanks for listening to the show! "Chatting at the C" is supported by the Omaha Central High School Foundation. Consider supporting the CHSF by joining ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠"Generation C" ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this special episode, we talk with John Schmidt about his CHS Hall of Fame grandfather, John "Pop" Schmidt. Pop taught science at Omaha Central High from 1918 until his death in 1949. Pop coached many legendary Eagle athletes and teams to championships and lifetimes of success. Listen to John discuss his love for CHS and for his grandfather."To some there is given the talent of being a teacher in the full meaning of the word. Such a man was John 'Pop' Schmidt. He was genuinely interested in the welfare and progress of his students and was ever willing to give a helping hand to those who needed it. He was a man of kindly counsel, and he stood firmly by that which is right. John Schmidt is a great part of that tradition which is Central, and the influence of the days that he taught here will live on." -Principal J. Arthur Nelson in The Register Nov. 21, 1949(2:20) Minnesota roots and Central High beginnings(4:35) coaching great athletes at CHS(12:51) embracing Central's diversity(16:20) the nickname "Pop" and losing former students in WWII(20:10) 1945 State Track Champs(21:45) the legacy of a great manPlease share the pod far and wide! Thanks for listening!Host: Scott WilsonArt: Beth WilsonMusic: Drew RuchtiThanks for listening to the show! "Chatting at the C" is supported by the Omaha Central High School Foundation. Consider supporting the CHSF by joining ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠"Generation C" ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

We chat with the amazing Jen Stastny, who has been teaching English at Omaha Central High since 1998. In this episode we explore what made her want to become a teacher, what sustains her in education over the years, and some of her favorite teacher people and moments in a great career.(1:13) Omaha kid(8:53) Peace Corps or a teaching career?(12:00) convincing CHS to hire her(19:10) advice from CHS colleagues(24:46) teaching Holocaust Literature(27:40) student travel stories(33:53) Jen's special projects(39:30) award winning educator(47:05) Nebraska Wildlife Rehab and other hobbies(50:54) love for the CHS experiencePlease share the pod far and wide! Thanks for listening!Host: Scott WilsonArt: Beth WilsonMusic: Drew RuchtiThanks for listening to the show! "Chatting at the C" is supported by the Omaha Central High School Foundation. Consider supporting the CHSF by joining ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠"Generation C" ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

We are joined by Paul Pennington to talk about his 34 years (1971-2005) at Omaha Central High. Paul was a Math teacher, coach, and Athletic Director. Paul never could have imagined working anywhere else.(1:00) growing up in Beatrice and his path to teaching(5:29) getting hired at CHS(8:16) coaching career(14:20) Athletic Director(21:00) retiring from CHS(25:00) great CHS community support(27:33) new athletic facilities(30:53) Paul's supportive family(35:55) what CHS means to Paul.Host: Scott WilsonArt: Beth WilsonMusic: Drew RuchtiThanks for listening to the show! "Chatting at the C" is supported by the Omaha Central High School Foundation. Consider supporting the CHSF by joining ⁠⁠⁠⁠"Generation C" ⁠⁠⁠⁠

We are joined by Tim Shipman, who taught at Omaha Central High School from 1988-2019. We follow Tim from Grand Island to Germany to Capitol Hill and around the world. Tim's influence at CHS is undeniable.(00:52) Grand Island, US Army, Holdrege Police Officer(10:00) going into education(19:00) Central HS and a philosophy of teaching(26:27) Central dad(30:23) a good colleague and retiring(33:00) a model retirement plan(38:10) Tim's favorite CHS moments(41:15) what CHS means to TimHost: Scott WilsonArt: Beth WilsonMusic: Drew RuchtiThanks for listening to the show! "Chatting at the C" is supported by the Omaha Central High School Foundation. Consider supporting the CHSF by joining ⁠⁠⁠"Generation C" ⁠⁠⁠

Meet Central High's new Dean Rob List! Mr. List has been all over Omaha and coached several sports in his career. We welcome him to The Nest and suggest every Eagle meet him! 

When you teach at the same high school for 32 to years, you have a few stories. Tim Herbert, a Special Education teacher, is leaving The Nest to continue to support students in need at the Integrated Learning Program. Our interview ranges from Central's illustrious sports teams to Tim meeting his wife at a Blood drive, and finally about how teaching at Central makes you an Eagle for life. Enjoy! Support research for Cystic Fibrosis in the Herbert Family name at: https://give.cff.org/give-today/Donate 

We are joined by Central HS Hall of Famer Rod Mullen, who taught Social Studies at CHS from 1998-2022. Rod talks about his Omaha origins, his influences, and his award-winning teaching career. Then, Rod and Scott discuss the Top 5 CHS sports moments during their 24 years together at CHS. (00:45) Omaha born and raised, OPS school days, and playing sports.(9:15) Rod gets his teaching career started in OPS.(21:00) Rod's award winning moments(23:35) retiring after 24 years(25:30) Rod and Scott's Top 5 Central sports moments(51:39) What Central means to Rod.Host: Scott WilsonArt: Beth WilsonMusic: Drew RuchtiThanks for listening to the show! "Chatting at the C" is supported by the Omaha Central High School Foundation. Consider supporting the CHSF by joining ⁠⁠"Generation C" ⁠⁠

From Plattsmouth to Omaha Central and back. Vicki Wiles taught Marketing and DECA at CHS from 1989-2020. Vicki was the ultimate colleague and a world-class teacher, too.(1:00) formative years in Plattsmouth(4:30) career begins at CHS(7:07) being a great co-worker(12:30) coaching track and VB, and taking the squad to The Steve Miller Band at Red Rocks(19:00) award winning Wiles!(23:08) DECA cookies origin story(28:20) DECA Nationals(33:00) retiring in 2020(38:37) life after CHS on the farm(44:30) What CHS means to VickiHost: Scott WilsonArt: Beth WilsonMusic: Drew RuchtiThanks for listening to the show! "Chatting at the C" is supported by the Omaha Central High School Foundation. Consider supporting the CHSF by joining ⁠"Generation C" ⁠

Thanks for listening to the show! Chatting at the C is supported by the Omaha Central High School Foundation. Consider supporting the CHSF by joining "Generation C" In this episode, we talk to retired award winning CHS history teacher Vicki Deniston Reed about her outstanding 24-year career at Central.(00:55) Growing up(3:45) OPS and Lewis and Clark Middle School(6:45) coming to Central HS in 1996(14:05) being a Central parent(18:05) Jeopardy!(22:13) student travel(28:15) writing history papers(35:49) retiring(39:00) post-retirement(42:45) What Central means to VDRMusic: Drew RuchtiGraphic: Beth Wilson

Thanks so much for tuning into Chatting at the C. While you're here hit that subscribe button on your app and then find us on any social media platform you prefer. We couldn't do this show without the support of the Central High Foundation. Visit the CHSF website to find information about reunions, archives, yearbooks, and opportunities to support current Central High students! The name Cisco should be relatively familiar to those long term listeners. We interviewed Mr. Jeremy Cisco at Hardy Coffee shop for our first mobile episode. Lindsay Cisco is the new art department head at Central High, while she may be new to this role her experience in the art world is extremely long! We got a chance to sneak in a quick podcast before the first day of school. Lindsay just started a studio with a friend called: Three23 Design Studio. If you'd like to see her work outside of the classroom visit the site below and support her passion for all things art! Three23Design This episode includes: -What makes Central Special -Husbands arrival at Central -Moving from Central from Private Schools -Art in her personal life -Growing artists who need support -Offering gentle criticism -Plans as art department head -Message to Central High