The Prep Pulse

I find myself contemplating all the uncertainty, chaos and negativity going on in our world. It is difficult not to become overwhelmed and feel consumed by feeling helpless. What could we possibly do when every problem seems so much larger than we feel capable of having even the slightest positive impact?

During this Lenten season, I find myself coming back and reading again and again Pope Leo XIV’s invitation when he said, "I would like to invite you to a very practical and frequently unappreciated form of abstinence: that of refraining from words that offend and hurt our neighbor. Let us begin by disarming our language, avoiding harsh words and rash judgment, refraining from slander and speaking ill of those who are not present and cannot defend themselves. Instead, let us strive to measure our words and cultivate kindness and respect in our families, among our friends, at work, on social media, in political debates, in the media and in Christian communities. In this way, words of hatred will give way to words of hope and peace."

We need hope and kindness more than ever. How can we practice Pope Leo’s words? We could strive to be positive, kind and hopeful in our words and deeds with friends, family, neighbors and even strangers. We can set a positive example for those around us. Positivity and kindness can become contagious, and by following Pope Leo’s invitation, maybe we can find hope and peace not only in our own lives, but so that others may be able to find it in theirs as well. 

Bridget Cannon-Hale
Creighton Prep

Dear Creighton Prep Community,

I am thrilled to announce Mrs. Jackie Schulte as Prep’s permanent Head of School. Jackie has served in this role in an interim capacity since June. Based on her exemplary performance this year, and after a thoughtful process run by our search committee, Jackie emerged as the strongest choice to lead Prep’s academic mission.

Jackie is not a new face to our community, which is exactly why this appointment is so meaningful. With 23 years in education, including 19 years of dedicated service to Creighton Prep, she has been a critical voice in shaping the institution that we are proud of today.

Jackie came to Prep as a classroom teacher, most recently teaching World History, and quickly earned the deep respect of students, families and colleagues for her rigor, warmth and unwavering commitment to our Ignatian mission.

As Dean of Faculty Formation, she has been the driving force behind the professional and spiritual development of our faculty and staff — overseeing everything from new hire onboarding and mentoring to our three-year Ignatian formation program for new employees. She has also led Prep through reaccreditation with Cognia and our most recent sponsorship review through the Midwest Province, two demanding processes that speak to her operational excellence and steady leadership.

Beyond our walls, Jackie is a recognized thought leader in the nationwide Jesuit Schools Network, recruited by the Midwest Province to lead regional retreats that connect educators from across the country to the depth of our shared Ignatian mission.

In her own words, Jackie shared: ”I am excited and grateful for the opportunity to serve a community I know and love. We have a strong foundation and a clear mission, and I look forward to continuing the work of academic excellence and whole person formation that defines Creighton Prep.”

This past year, Jackie has served as our interim Head of School with clarity, discernment and grace. She was the unanimous recommendation of our search committee following a competitive national search that included candidates from across Nebraska, the Jesuit Schools Network and beyond.

Creighton Prep’s academic mission is in extraordinary hands. Please join me in welcoming Jackie into this new chapter of leadership and in celebrating the bright future ahead for our community.

AMDG,

Fr. Matt Spotts, SJ
President
Creighton Prep

You won’t want to miss this spectacular event! BASH 2026 The Bluejay Speakeasy "Opening Doors to Opportunity" is set for Saturday, April 25.

Every dollar we raise through BASH directly supports financial assistance for our students, so we need everyone's help in the Prep community to make it a success! 

Here are six ways you can contribute to that success right now:

1. ATTEND ON SATURDAY, APRIL 25

A key goal for this year’s BASH is to have 800 people at the event, ready to bid and/or raise-the-paddle in support of our students. You can help us reach that mark by purchasing a corporate table, an individual ticket or a table for family. 

• Corporate table of 10 guests: $2,500 ($1,750 tax-deductible)
• Corporate table of 8 guests: $2,000 ($1,400 tax-deductible)
• Individual ticket: $175 ($100 tax-deductible)
• Young alumni ticket (class of 2005 and later): $100 ($25 tax-deductible)
• Individual / Family table of 10 guests: $1,750 ($1,000 tax-deductible)

Click HERE to make your reservation to attend!

2. HELP SPONSOR OR UNDERWRITE THE EVENT

Putting on an event like BASH involves many costs, and your gift or one from your organization can help defray those costs. 

Premier Partner sponsorship opportunities include:

• Founder - $15,000
• Patron - $10,000
• Trustee - $5,000

To learn more about the Premier Partner sponsorships, click HERE.

To become a sponsor of this year's BASH, click HERE.

To donate to the general BASH underwriting fund, click HERE.

3. PURCHASE AN AD IN THE BASH BOOK

BASH 2026 is partnering with Iridian Group to create a vibrant and professional book. This partnership will ensure that your advertisement will be showcased in a quality publication. 

The BASH book is full of important event information and will be made available in printed form at the event. In addition, the digital book including advertisers, donors and auction items will be available for browsing on our website prior to the event day. 

Advertising opportunities include:

• $2,000 inside front cover (SOLD)
• $1,500 outside back cover (SOLD)
• $1,000 tab page (five available)
• $750 full page
• $300 half page

To view a PDF of the advertising opportunities, click HERE.

To purchase an ad now, click HERE. 

4. DONATE AN AUCTION ITEM

We are looking for great items to add to the auction, including gift cards, gift baskets and much more. To donate to the online and/or live auction today, please fill out the form HERE.

If you are looking for donation ideas, check out our AUCTION WISHLIST or our AMAZON WISHLIST.

For questions or ideas on auction items to donate, email Events Coordinator Hannah Pray in the BASH office or call 402-548-3881.

5. BUY OR SELL RAFFLE TICKETS

Purchase one or more BASH raffle tickets today for a chance to win one of three cash prizes! 

Ticket pricing: 1 for $100, 3 for $250, 7 for $500 or 15 for $1,000.

You can purchase tickets online at CreightonPrep.org/BASHRaffle or via Venmo @CreightonPrep. 

Prizes include:

• 1st place: $10,000
• 2nd place: $5,000
• 3rd place: $2,500

Raffle tickets may be purchased with cash, check or a debit card. The drawing will take place on Saturday, April 25 at 8 p.m.

We need BASH raffle ticket sellers, too! If you would like to sell BASH raffle tickets, email Director of Events Amy Knight or call 402-548-3858. 

We apologize if you received an earlier email regarding our raffle process that was intended specifically for current Creighton Prep parents. Please disregard that message if it was not applicable to you, and thank you for your understanding.

6. VOLUNTEER

We rely on hundreds of adult and student volunteers to make BASH a success! If you don’t plan to attend as a guest on April 25th, please consider volunteering to help us in one of a number of important roles to assist in making the evening a great experience for all.

Adults can sign up HERE.

Students can sign up HERE.

The BASH 2026 Executive Committee chairs are:

• Megan and Sam Addy ‘94
• Seana and Jason Cosgrove
• Katie and Kevin Grosshans
• Dana and Steve Patterson ‘91
• Mindy and Tim Reed ‘89
• Michelle and Jason Smithberg
• Beth and Tim Wilson

Visit BASH website for more information regarding the event. 

Thank you! With your help over the next 45 days, we can make BASH 2026 a great one for our students!

Amy Knight
Director of Events
Creighton Preparatory School
7400 Western Avenue
Omaha, NE  68114-1878
(402) 548-3858 direct line
(402) 670-4774 cell
AKnight@CreightonPrep.org
CreightonPrep.org/BASH

Thanks to the generosity of Prep’s supporters, the school broke ground on a new tennis complex last week. The on-campus facility will provide a dedicated space for both practice and competition, bringing the tennis program fully home and giving Prep’s student-athletes a venue that matches the great tradition they represent.

Prep’s tennis program stands among the most decorated in school history, with a string of state titles that place it not only at the top of the school’s athletic record books but among the most successful programs in the state.

Thank you to all the friends and supporters of Prep who have made this project possible. If you haven’t yet done so, you can still contribute to its success by reaching out to Vice President of Advancement Sarah Schmitt at sschmitt@creightonprep.org or 402-548-6218, as additional gifts will support the construction and maintenance of the facility. You can also donate online at CreightonPrep.org/Tennis-Complex.  

Click the links below to get more details on the following outstanding recent achievements by Prep students:

Basketball Team Starts in the State Tournament Tonight - Wednesday, March 11

Robotics Teams Shine at State, Team 16010 Astra Machina Qualifies for World Championship

Academic Decathlon First in Regional, Third at State

Prep Students Excel in Harvard Model Congress

Hockey Team Wins State Crown

Swim & Dive Team Captures State Title

Wrestling Team is Back-to-Back State Champions

From kindergarten through 9th grade, (based on the grade your child will be entering in the fall of 2026), Creighton Prep Summer Camps are packed with opportunities for boys and girls to explore new interests, build skills and have fun. Check out our wide range of academic, enrichment and sports camps below then register here!

Explore Our Enrichment Camps

• Art Camp
• Battle Bots Camp
• Digital Media Camp
• Drone Camp
• Esports Camp
• Photography Camp
• Robotics Camp
• Science Fun Camp
• Summer Climb Program
• Woodworking Camp

Explore our Sports Camps

• Baseball Camp
• Basketball Camp
• Cross Country Camp
• Dodgeball Camp
• Football Camp
• Lacrosse Camp
• Ping Pong Camp
• Soccer Camp
• Speed & Agility Camp
• Track Camp
• Weight Lifting Program
• Wrestling Camp

Questions? New to Creighton Prep Summer Camps or just need a quick refresher? Visit our Frequently Asked Questions for helpful details. If you don’t see your question answered, please email us at CPCamps@CreightonPrep.org. 

Greater Houston area alumni, graduate parents and friends, mark your calendars now for a regional gathering of the Prep community on Wednesday, April 29. At the event, you will cheer on Creighton Prep robotics Team 16010 Astra Machina as they prepare to compete for a FIRST Robotics world championship at the George R. Brown Convention Center. Watch for more details coming to you soon!

Father Matthew Spotts, SJ, president of Creighton Prep, cordially invites you to a reception in Kansas City for Prep alumni and friends. Please join us for an evening of fellowship with the Prep family, and learn about the exciting things happening at our school.

• Monday, May 11, 2026
• 5:30-8:00pm
• Rock Island Bridge
  • 1799 American Royal Drive, Kansas City, MO 64106
• Hosted drinks and hors d’oeuvres
• Prep gear or business casual attire

Please register here by Monday, May 4. 

Questions? Please contact Hannah Pray at hpray@creightonprep.org or (402) 548-3881.

To follow us on social media, visit the sites listed just below:

• Facebook
• X (formerly known as Twitter)
• Instagram
• LinkedIn® - Creighton Prep Alumni
• LinkedIn® - Creighton Preparatory School

To get the latest information on athletic and student events, download the Go Prep app, which is available on Google Play and on the App Store.

Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google LLC.