Sixteen high school scholars from throughout Nebraska that have already shown themselves to be community leaders were joined by six hero award alumni at this annual event sponsored for the last 25 years by local philanthropists and community pillars David and Peggy Sokol.

It’s difficult not to be both optimistic and admittedly biased when The Salvation Army, my “heart charity”, gathers more than 1,100 community members to recognize outstanding students who have lived well through adversity and are charting new directions for their future. Each of the sixteen students selected were recognized for outstanding leadership and community engagement, and were given $1,200 scholarships.

This year, to mark the 25th anniversary of the event which is held in memory of D.J. Sokol, six alumni scholarship panelists returned to share their stories on video and answer questions by moderator David Sokol. 

David and Lori Scott served as the D.J.’s Hero Honorary  Awards Luncheon Chairs. A video shared on large screens with the crowd of the Scott’s thanking the Sokol’s said “David and Peggy, this marks the 25th year that you have been underwriting scholarships for more than 150 high school seniors from throughout the great state of Nebraska. On behalf of all scholarship recipients and The Salvation Army, Lori and I want to thank you for investing in the lives of our future leaders.”  This warm, personal message summarizes the impact this luncheon has had over the years.

In keeping with their community service commitment for many years, Rob McCartney and Julie Cornell, KETV News Watch 7 served as the emcees.  Major Dan Sawka led the Salvation Army Youth Band and Abbot Michael Liebl, O.S.B. from Mount Michael Benedictine School, (who knew D.J. well) led an opening prayer.

In 1999, the first year event was originally called “Be A Hero.”  Since the founding of this tradition, 222 students have received college scholarships.  More than $4.4 million dollars have been raised through this fundraiser to support metro-area youth programming developed by The Salvation Army.  A new series of heroes will be recognized on May 13, 2025, at the CHI Health Center.

Celebrating With New Twists

Commissioner Kenneth Hodder,  National Commander and the top ranking official of the Salvation Army - USA, was on hand to recognize the heroes and to surprise many with the announcement that the Sokol’s were being recognized with the Evangeline Booth Award.  This is the top award given by The Salvation Army to individuals and organizations.  A sampling of past recipients include nationally known figures including Joan Kroc, Senator Charles Grassley of Iowa, the Kroger Family of Companies and Dr. Billy Graham.

Evangeline was the daughter of William and Catherine Booth, founders of The Salvation Army. She served as the fourth General for this international social services organization based in London, England. An evangelist, she commanded American forces for 30 years and was elected as the International Commander In Chief, a post she held for five years.  This trailblazing nature seems to represent a quality demonstrated in many of the students, community donors and leadership that participated on May 7th in this event.

In presenting the award, Hodder said “You (the Sokol’s) have taken your personal experience, and your own loss, and you can now stand with solemn pride for the way in which your son is remembered and honored. “

Hodder added “You have made a permanent impression upon (us).  You have transformed futures, you have changed communities, you have strengthened families. What you have done will always live on.  And we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”

In a break from tradition, the event included a panel discussion of alumni hero scholarship recipients rather than hosting a national keynote speaker which included: former Secretary of Housing  Dr. Ben Carson, singer Jewel and former NBA All-Star and mental health advocates Michael and Achea Redd.

During the event, videos of the alumni heroes were shown, expressing their achievements and gratitude for the experience of receiving a D.J.'s Hero Award.  Mr. Sokol led a panel discussion with the alums about democracy and American values following the scholarship awards presentations. Biographies of each of the alumni participants clearly show achievement and great personal character.

From Scholarships To Youth Programming

D.J. Sokol was known for leadership skills, being an outstanding student at Mount Michael Benedictine School in Elkhorn, Nebraska, and his courageous battle with cancer. His parents remember their son through this luncheon, working in partnership with the organization that lives up to its motto of  “Doing The Most Good.”

While many people recognize that scholarships are awarded, it’s important to note that funds are raised every year to support youth programming.  An anonymous benefactor pledged to match up to $25,000  for funds raised at the luncheon from donations received via a QR code.  At the end of the luncheon, the familiar red kettles with bells rung by Salvation Army officers seemed a fitting presence.

High school students from 16 local schools in our community were invited to the event and attended the luncheon.  Individuals and companies sponsored the high school tables.

Proceeds from this well designed event, complete with a luncheon of salad greens, chicken, cold beverages and a sampling of desserts, support youth programs benefiting metro-area kids.  The key funded areas include after school safety, academics and fun activities along with a school of music and bands described by The Salvation Army as developing growth, movement and learning.  Weekly character building programs focus on leadership and communication skills rooted in Scripture, a dinner and time to spend being mentored by officers and staff from the Kroc Center, North and Citadel Corps worship community.  Overnight summer camps and day camps during school breaks extend the reach to activities for local youths that live in the city to experience the outdoors.

Clearly, this 25th annual D.J. 's Hero  Awards Luncheon celebrated youth, the inherent value of leadership and 16 high school students whose dreams of college are now more attainable.  Gratitude was evident from the hero alumni. Special touches throughout the luncheon and the Sokol’s award served as a capstone for this year’s event, gracefully executed by my ”heart charity.”