Olberding to receive Catholic School Administrator Award

Sept. 21, 2006

The Tenth Annual Bishop's Dinner for Catholic Education will recognize the contributions of a long-time school administrator in the Diocese of Sioux City. Ronald Olberding, Principal of Sacred Heart School in Spencer and St. Mary Grade School in Storm Lake, will be the recipient of the "Called to Service" award - an honor reserved for administrators of Catholic schools in the diocese. Olberding will receive the award at the Oct. 22 dinner that will feature EWTN journalist and award-winning author Raymond Arroyo.

Olberding has had a long and distinguished career in service to Catholic schools. Most Reverend R. Walker Nickless, Bishop of the Diocese of Sioux City, called Olberding a wonderful example of the dedicated group of men and women who have chosen to work in Catholic education. "Ron Olberding fully understands and promotes the value of a Christ-centered education," noted Bishop Nickless. "His love of the classroom and total commitment to children have had a positive impact on scores of children and we are blessed to have someone like Ron play such a vital role in our Catholic schools."

The honoree is a graduate of Varina Catholic Grade School and Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic High School in Fonda. Olberding attended Drake University where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education, and a Master of Arts and EdS Degree in Educational Administration.

Olberding was surprised and humbled with his selection as the recipient of the "Called to Service Award". "I am blessed to be able to work with such a gifted and talented staff," said Olberding. "I am grateful to my family and wife who have allowed me to give myself in service as the administrator of a Catholic school."

Ron and his wife Carol are the parents of three children - Andrea, Matt and Jay, all of who graduated from Sacred Heart School in Spencer.

The Bishop's Dinner supports more than 6,000 students who attend Catholic schools throughout the Diocese of Sioux City. Tickets are priced at $125 each and are available by calling the Central Catholic office at (712) 233-7524. As an added incentive, $85 of every ticket sold is returned to the Catholic school that is designated by the purchaser.