Richard and Karen Noel each come from humble beginnings near Roseland, Nebraska.  Richard was born during the Great Depression and recalls winter rides to school on the back of a horse-drawn buggy.  Karen was a “city-girl” who lived in the middle of Roseland, but her father’s early death meant that her family had to make do with very little.  Both were raised in devout Catholic families, and both knew that education was a key to improving their lot in life.

When they settled in Lincoln with their six kids, there was no question they would send their kids to Cathedral school and ultimately to Pius X.  “A Catholic education was just non-negotiable for us. Because tuition was so low, we were able to give our kids a quality education with Catholic values, despite our humble means,” observed Karen.  Today, they are grateful to Pius X High School for the part it played in helping all six of their children become faithful, practicing Catholics who have enjoyed successful, satisfying professional careers.  “Not only did Pius do so much for our six kids, we are proud to have thirteen grandkids who have graduated from Pius as well,” said Richard.  They established the Noel Family Scholarship in order to help provide a Catholic, high-quality education to students for generations to come.