Sacred Heart Alumna Receives 2015 Harper Lee Prize for Legal Fiction

 Deborah Johnson, Author and Sacred Heart alumna
of Duchesne Omaha

Congratulations to Deborah Johnson, 1966 alumna of Duchesne Academy in Omaha who has been awarded the 2015 Harper Lee Prize for Legal Fiction.  Johnson's recently released novel The Secret of Magic depicts an African American attorney working for the Legal Defense Fund with Thurgood Marshall in the 1940's.  

Authorized by Ms. Harper Lee as a means to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the publication of her first novel, To Kill a Mockingbird and to honor the former Alabama law student and author, the University of Alabama School of Law and the ABA Journal partnered to annually award the Harper Lee Prize for Legal Fiction in 2010.  The Prize has been awarded annually four times previously.  Narrowed down to three finalists, Deborah Johnson is the first woman, the first African-American and the first Sacred Heart alumna to receive the coveted Prize. 

"The Secret of Magic is exactly the kind of book the Harper Lee Prize is intended to honor; and the quality of legal literature we hope to encourage.  The language is rich, the storytelling is gripping, and the subject fits squarely in today's discussions about race, courage and the rule of law," said Allen Pusey, editor and publisher of the ABA Journal.  Pusey also served on the selection committee for the Harper Lee Prize. 

The award criteria is to publish a book-length fictional work that "best exemplifies the role of lawyers in society, and their power to effect change." The prize was awarded in Washington D.C. on September 3, 2015 in conjunction with the Library of Congress National Book Festival.  Johnson received a signed copy of the book To Kill a Mockingbird. 

Additional books authored by Deborah Johnson and under her pen name of Deborah Johns are listed under "Books by Sacred Heart Alum Authors" on this blog.

Sacred Heart alums to be Honored at 2013 Archbishop's Dinner for Education

Laura McKee Hickman, DO'85
Principle at Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart

On September 12, 2013 the 36th Annual Archbishop's Dinner will be hosted at the Embassy Suites, La Vista.  The Archdiocese of Omaha holds its annual dinner recognizing outstanding teachers and administrators throughout the Catholic school system and each of the eight honorees will receive a $5,000 award.  Two of the eight awardees have ties to Sacred Heart.  Laura McKee Hickman, a 1985 graduate of Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart currently serves as Principal of her alma mater and Katie Barmettler, is a graduate of Maryville University.  

Click here to read further details about all eight awardees: Stacy Uttecht, Laura Hickman, Mary Bartak, The Rev. Steven Emanuel, Barbara Stansbury, Michael Hartigan, Katie Barmettler, and Nancy Gillpatrick. 

Johnny's Cafe ...Omaha's Original Steakhouse Since 1922

MER with Kari Kawa Harding A85

If you plan on attending the 39th AASH Biennial Conference in Omaha this week and your in the mood for some great food - I recommend Johnny's Cafe.  Johnny's Cafe has been around since 1922 and is known as Omaha's Original Steakhouse. Located at 4702 S. 27th Street - Call for reservations 402-731-4774.

Frank Kawa opened Johnny's Cafe in 1922 and his two sons took over the daily operation after he passed away  in the 1960's.  In the 1990's, Kari Kawa Harding and Sally Kawa both alumnae of Duchesne Academy in Omaha joined the restaurant as the third generation to run Johnny's Cafe. My dining experience was exceptional!  What I liked best was the delicious and complementary liver pate and cottage cheese spread; the classic cocktails and delicious steak with mushroom wine sauce.  And if you are in the mood for dessert try the Ice Cream Turtle Pie! 

Duchesne Academy Omaha...Host of the AASH 39th Biennial Conference

As seen on the exterior of the Main Building* - Duchesne Omaha, NE

The 80th Anniversary of AASH is soon to be celebrated in Omaha April, 10-14, 2013.  For more info click on this link.  We look forward to seeing you and welcoming all of our Sacred Heart Alums and Guests.



                                                                                                                            * Photo Credit: Mary R. Schumacher, RSCJ, LPC

Don't Forget Daylight Savings Time Ends at 2 AM

Sunday, November 4th at 2 am Daylight Saving time ends

Just a friendly reminder to set your clocks back one hour this Sunday. And, don't forget to change the batteries in your smoke detectors! Daylight Saving Time was born of necessity during World War I and II. Going to bed hours after sundown, people relied upon artificially generated light, depleting fuel reserves. Germany realized that this precious commodity could better be used to serve the war effort, and instituted the first daylight saving laws in 1915. England followed suit in 1916, and the United States, in 1918. We will spring forward on Sunday, March 10, 2013 at 2 AM. One month (April 10-14, 2013) later I hope to see you in Omaha at the 39th Biennial AASH Conference!  For more info click here.

To her sister Euphrosine, Madame Jean-Joseph Jouve

Photo taken by MER in the gymnasium of
Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart ~ Omaha, Nebraska
Site of the 39th AASH Biennial Conference ~ April 10-14, 2013

August 13, 1833 ~  Philippine writes to her sister Euphrosine, "I thank God for having disposed of all things by His adorable Providence so that you and your husband can spend your days in peace and happiness.  Adieu, dearest Sister.  My love to all your dear ones, especially to your husband. The love of my heart for you will never grow cold."

Taken from the book: "Through the Year with Philippine Duchesne"

New look to their Website.....Academy of Duchesne - Omaha, NE

Duchesne Academy - Omaha, Nebraska

Last Saturday, some of you will recall I did not post anything and that is because I was busying trying to add all of the Alumnae/i Association sites and more Sacred Heart Alum book authors to my blog.  As I did this I discovered that Duchesne Academy in Omaha, NE has a new look to their website.  Also, you will read news of their Capital Campaign Groundbreaking.  Check it out!  

While in Omaha last June, I had the pleasure of attending some of the Reunion weekend (June 3-5, 2011) events seeing many familiar faces from both Duchesne College and Duchesne Academy.  Photos taken at the Wine & Cheese reception on Friday, June 3rd have been posted to a flickr album.  To view them click on the photo to the right side of this blog and enjoy the sideshow!

Mark your calendars and plan on attending the 39th AASH Biennial Conference being hosted in Omaha April 10-14, 2013!  The campus will be completely transformed and all of the alumnae in the area are looking forward to hosting us!