Our Annual Scholarship Luncheon is the largest fundraiser for Phoenix Academy, with all funds directed towards scholarships for struggling students. Scholarship Luncheons feature exciting speakers and award ceremonies honoring literacy champions of our community.
SCHOLARSHIP LUNCHEON
March 31, 2026
11:30 to 1:00
CHI Health Center
Announcing our 2026 Luncheon Speaker, Andrea Davis Pinkney
ANDREA DAVIS PINKNEY— Author, editor, publisher and opera librettist, Andrea Davis Pinkney is the New York Times bestselling and award-winning author of nearly 50 books. One of “The 25 Most Influential People in Our Children’s Lives” (Children’s Health) and “The 25 Most Influential Black Women in Business” (The Network Journal), she is a seasoned publishing executive and board director with over 30 years of leadership experience and dedication to furthering literacy, empowering women, and working with some of the country’s most artistic storytellers at campuses, nonprofits, corporate events and literacy organizations around the world. Her award-winning titles include A Poem for Peter: The Story of Ezra Jack Keats and the Creation of The Snowy Day, Duke Ellington, Hand in Hand, Martin Rising, among numerous others. Her latest, And She Was Loved: Toni Morrison’s Life in Stories, honors her mentor Toni Morrison in a new children’s picture book, educating the younger generation about the literary legend’s life. An inductee of the New York State Writers Hall of Fame and the subject of the Emmy-nominated short film, Andrea Davis Pinkney: National Author Engagement, Davis Pinkney is a four-time NAACP Image Award nominee and a recipient of both the Regina Medal and the Arbuthnot Honor Award, for her singular body of work and distinguished contribution to the field of literature. Her commentary and writing have been featured on NPR, The Today Show, and Good Morning America, and in The New York Times, Huffington Post, The Guardian, Essence, and Bustle.
Your Luncheon Support Changes Lives
For Brigg, every school day was a struggle. He was exhausted, had poor self-esteem and struggled with school anxiety. That is, until he started attending the Phoenix Academy. At the Phoenix Academy, things were different. His teachers took a personalized approach to his needs, and his confidence started to grow exponentially. Now, he often tells his mom that he loves Phoenix Academy because his teachers understand him and don’t judge him, and he no longer worries about being “different” because his peers are just like him! That wouldn’t have been possible without the help of donors and supporters like YOU!
Missed the 2025 luncheon but still want to support Phoenix Academy?
Previous Luncheon Photo Galleries
A Huge Thank You for Your Support at our 2025 Luncheon
Our work at the Phoenix Academy wouldn’t be possible without YOUR unfailing support. Thank you so much for everything you do to help children in our community succeed academically and personally!
Presenting Sponsors
Lozier Foundation • Ponca Hills Farm, LLC
Platinum Sponsors
Debby Durham Foundation • The Hawks Foundation • Methodist Hospital Systems • Methodist Hospital Foundation • George Lozier • Diane Seeman Lozier
Gold Sponsors
American National Bank • Collette Lozier • Nancy & Bill Liebermann • Robert Storz Foundation
Silver Sponsors
Bridges Trust • Burlington Capital • Shari Grimes • Grimes & Wilwerding Real Estate Group/BHHS Ambassador Real Estate Group • Jack & Stephanie Koraleski • Mike and Nancy McCarthy • Promedcare Health • Lisa Roskens • Constance Ryan Foundation • Steve Seline • University of Nebraska Omaha • Bob & Polina Schlott • Mike and Gail Yanney
Bronze Sponsors
Alpaca • Clark Creative • Clay Family • Dr. Jennifer Ducie (Michaud) • Neil and Lisa Hansen • Emily & Tom Lischer • McGrath North Law • McGill, Gotsdiner, Workman & Lepp • Nelson Mandela Elementary • Northstar Foundation • Omaha Pediatric Therapy • Dr. Susan Toohey • Union Bank & Trust • Union Pacific
Supporters
Steve & Sharyl Baca • Jeff Brueneteau • Von Cloy • John & Linda Downey • FNBO • Sarah Kramolisch • Tracy Lawrence • Nancy Lischer • Melissa Manzer • Mike and Joann Meyer • Power Your Paertnership • Linda Burt Rebrovic • Linda Lienemann Rock • Rose Roeder • Street Media Group • Ronal Strong • Eileen Vautravers • Sarah Vogel