Boys Town National Alumni Association
Graduating Senior Scholarships
The Al Witcofski Vocational Scholarship
Awarded to a graduating senior planning to pursue vocational training after graduation.
Al Witcofski, '28, was a former student and longtime employee at Boys Town. He arrived in 1919 and stayed until he passed in 2000. One of his major accomplishments was helping Father Flanagan open the Boys Town Post Office in 1934. The original Post Office was named after Mr. Witcofski in 2000, and dedicated in 2001 at the Alumni Convention. This scholarship is named for the man who dedicated his whole life to Boys Town, so that we can honor him by helping other deserving Boys Town graduates.
The Edwin Novotny Vocational Scholarship
Awarded to a graduating senior planning to pursue vocational training after graduation.
After graduating from Boys Town in 1943, Mr. Novotny enlisted in the Navy, serving until 1946. After being discharged, he visited Fr. Flanagan who offered him a job…and so he dedicated forty years to Boys Town. His first job at the home was a dormitory counselor. Later he became a security officer, a landscaper, print shop teacher for 23 years, and finally, in 1972, principal of the Boys Town Trade School. After serving as Principal of the trade school for 17 years, Ed retired. Even in his retirement, he continued to serve the home, by giving many more years of service as the Director of Alumni. Mr. Novotny was very active in all of the various alumni groups until his passing in 2008. After he died, his wife Jerri and their children helped form the Edwin Novotny Vocational Scholarship to be given to a graduate attending vocational school.
The Monsignor Francis Schmitt Fine Arts Scholarship
Awarded to a graduating senior planning on continuing their education in the area of fine arts.
Monsignor Schmitt was instrumental in putting the Boys Town Concert Choir on the international map. He became the choir director in 1941 and remained until 1974. His determination made it possible for the choir to travel all over the United States, as well as to Canada, The Orient, and Cuba. The choir was also on many television shows. Monsignor Schmitt was a very influential person to many Boys Town youth over the years. His legacy continues to live on today because of the scholarship given in his name.
The George Pfeifer/Skip Palrang Scholar Athlete
Awarded to a graduating senior whose academic/athletic performance is worthy of this honor.
The Pfeifer/Palrang scholarship is named for two of Boys Town’s finest teachers, coaches, and mentors. Skip Palrang and George Pfeifer were both very successful, long time coaches and teachers at the home. Mr. Pfeifer continues to this day to give back by remaining very involved with the alumni. This scholarship was started by a man named Dr. Leo McCarthy. Dr. McCarthy knew Skip Palrang well, and is still friends with George Pfeifer. He attended Creighton Prep High School in Omaha, and later the University of Nebraska. Throughout Dr. McCarthy’s track careers in high school and college, Mr. Palrang and Mr. Pfeifer helped coach and mentor him. Dr. McCarthy wanted to say thank you to these two great men by honoring them with a scholarship in their names.