Dianne Sizemore Memorial Scholarship

Dear Jesus, Sometimes I am afraid of letting you have complete control of my life. Show me how to be a “yes” kind of girl, like Mary was, and use me to bring you to others. Amen

Dianne Marie Sizemore celebrated life on earth from October 13, 1958 until December 31st 2015. She was born in Berlin, Wis., and grew up in Grand Island, Neb., where she graduated from Grand Island Central Catholic. Dianne attended the University of Nebraska where she met her future husband, Jim. They have two daughters, Julie Marie and Annie Leigh. Both were born in Lincoln, attended Catholic grade schools, and graduated from Pius X High School.

Dianne dedicated her life to helping others find Christ’s love. She was quick to volunteer when asked and always said yes. Dianne believed Christ guided her to be a servant for others without fanfare.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation was a great example of her infinite kindness. Dianne shared many years at the Foundation granting wishes. She loved bringing kids great happiness with a “wish” and she mourned with the family when a child passed away.

GodTeens is an example of how her enduring love provided an inspiration to embrace our God-given talents. She proudly celebrated her “kids” achievements, always being their biggest cheerleader. Dianne’s life provided a blueprint for a life of happiness by always sharing love for others.

Dianne shared her many talents at Blessed Sacrament by leading the Home and School Association, many fund raisers, and weekly bingo. At Pius X, she loved working on BOLT, leading the auction team for several years. Her other favorite pastime was being in the bleachers cheering for the Thunderbolts, especially her nephew Tyler Hooper, niece Morgan Hooper, or any student she was privileged to meet.

She loved helping children and young adults. Her favorite random acts of kindness included volunteering at Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach and the People’s City Mission, as well as collecting for the needy. She always shied away from recognition, preferring to focus on people in need.

Dianne’s extraordinary journey of an ordinary Catholic was especially inspirational during the last seven years. She set an example for all who knew her, as through her own pain and suffering she still was able to show generosity, display her Catholic faith, and support the people and causes important to her. Her cancer journey inspired many who witnessed her resolve to celebrate each day as a miracle.

Dianne changed sadness to joy by reminding others of their faith and Christ’s love. She encouraged others to share joy and happiness, not sympathy and grief. Dianne loved life. Her family and friends feel the loss of Dianne’s presence on earth.

Her family hopes that memories of Dianne will remind each of us of the need to serve others, not to be served. They pray this scholarship will inspire young adults to embrace Dianne’s angelic journey, always sharing how Christ loves us and wants us to share kindness, hope, joy and happiness.

Excerpts from student thank you letters

“I am extremely grateful to be chosen for the Dianne Sizemore Scholarship. I have gone to a Catholic school my whole life thanks to my parents. Even if money was tight, they knew that a Catholic education was crucial. It is because of your generosity that I will be able to focus on my studies and enjoy my last year as a Thunderbolt.

Attending Pius X High School since freshman year has helped shape who I am as a student and person. I found Christ-filled friends and, through joining the Yearbook team, found out that I love taking pictures of my peers, where it be at a basketball game or a speech competition. I have always enjoyed singing and made the top a cappela choir at Pius, Sotto Voce, my sophomore year. Since then, I have found confidence in myself and openly share my God-given talents with the Lincoln community. One of my favorite parts of choir is when we go to Catholic grade schools across Lincoln to perform. Seeing the kids’ faces light up with joy when they realize that they can become a part of a family is always a poignant moment. I hope to sing in college while I study for a bachelor’s in business at UNL.

God has truly blessed my family by giving us the gift of my little sister…who has Down syndrome. For two summers I have been a counselor at Villa Marie Camp, which is for children with special needs. I am always amazed at how joyful the kids are despite all of their unique challenges. They remind me that God does not give a cross too heavy to carry. I have also been preparing kids for the sacraments through CCD at North American Martyrs. Being able to spread my faith with others has guided me to love God even more fiercely.

Thank you again for your generous gift towards my education. One day I hope to inspire others just as Dianne did so beautifully.”

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“Thank you so much for selecting me to be the recipient of the Diane Sizemore Memorial Scholarship. I am a sophomore at Pius X High School, and it has been such an amazing experience there….

In my essay I mentioned I work at church. I help decorate the church as well as being an active member of Altar Society where I help with funeral dinners, weddings, and more. Being an active member in my church as well as being in a Catholic environment every day at Pius X has really helped me grow stronger in my faith, and with this scholarship I’ll be able to continue my academic career at Pius X.

At Pius X I have continued a growth in my faith and have taken more action in the school community of showing my faith. Having the opportunity to go to Mass and confession every day is a true privilege that I am so grateful for every day. In my past year at Pius X I also found true friends that believe in our faith and follow God’s law. Through my friends, my activeness at church, and the plentiful opportunities at Pius X I have been able to grow deeply in my faith and become a better person.”