St. John the Apostle principal to receive St. Thomas Aquinas Award
Southern Nebraska Register
For Tony Arens, leading St. John the Apostle School in Lincoln is not simply a job. It is a vocation rooted in relationships, faith, and a shared mission to help students grow into disciples of Christ.
Arens, principal of St. John the Apostle School, will receive the Diocese of Lincoln’s 2026 St. Thomas Aquinas Award for Administrator of the Year at the Oct. 11 Saints & Scholars banquet.
“One thing I really like about my job is that no two days are the same,” Arens said. “Every day is different, and I enjoy the many opportunities I have to interact with teachers, students and parents.”
Whether assisting a teacher, meeting with a family, or greeting students in the hallway, Arens appreciates not knowing exactly what each day will bring.
“Every day is filled with joy, and it’s such a blessing to be part of the St. John’s community,” he said.
Arens began his teaching career at St. John in 2012. In 2015, he also became the Catholic Diocese of Lincoln athletic director for junior high sports. While pursuing his administrative degree, he taught for one year at Cathedral of the Risen Christ School before returning to St. John as principal in 2019.
Arens attended public schools while growing up and had little experience with Catholic education before applying for his first teaching position at St. John.
“When I first saw the opening at St. John’s, I wasn’t sure about taking it,” he said. “But after I accepted the position, I immediately fell in love with Catholic schools.”
The opportunity also strengthened his personal faith.
“It reignited my faith,” Arens said. “I was able to talk about Christ and interact with some incredible people who shared my faith.”
As a new teacher, Arens was welcomed by colleagues who helped him navigate the first years of his career. When he later returned as principal, those relationships continued to shape his approach to leadership.
“St. John’s is such a special place,” he said. “There are so many great teachers, amazing families, and supportive people here – and the kids are incredible.”
The daily interactions with students are among the most meaningful parts of Arens’ work: from high-fives with kindergartners to conversations with junior high students eager to share news about their latest soccer game.
“If I can bring joy to a student or remove an obstacle for a teacher so they can do what they do best – teach, love, and care for these kids – then I know I’ve done my job,” Arens said.
Arens said the teachers at St. John and throughout the diocese view their work as more than an occupation.
“It’s not simply a job for them. It’s their vocation,” he said. “They’re able to share their passion, gifts, and talents with so many people.”
He also credits St. John’s parishioners and school families with creating a community grounded in prayer and mutual support.
“Our parishioners attend school Mass in the morning, and they pray for us,” Arens said. “They’re always telling us, ‘We’re praying for you. We’re praying for the school.’ They truly believe in our school.”
That partnership helps the school remain focused on its central mission.
“Our calling is to guide these children toward heaven,” Arens said. “When we have such an amazing team and school family working together, it’s not a job; it’s a vocation – and it’s something we get to live each day.”
Arens credits his parents with establishing the foundation for his faith. His family lived in a small town without a Catholic church, but that did not prevent them from attending Mass together each week.
“Every Sunday, we piled into the car and drove 25 miles to the nearest Catholic church for Mass – even through the Nebraska winters,” he recalled.
His faith deepened significantly after he began teaching at St. John.
“It wasn’t until I started teaching at St. John’s that my faith was completely reignited,” Arens said. “I truly felt at home, surrounded by people who shared my beliefs and with whom I could openly discuss my faith.”
His time at St. John also led him to meet his wife when she joined the school as a fellow teacher in 2014.
“It was the Holy Spirit leading the way,” he said. “God’s plan unfolded exactly as He intended.”
Arens said his wife remains an essential source of faith, encouragement, and support.
“She is one of the most faithful people I know, and she’s always praying for me and our school community,” he said. “We share our faith and our passion for education.”
“She is my biggest fan and is always so supportive,” he added. “She helps put me back in the right mindset and inspires me each day.”
Arens said he believes Catholic education is especially important in a world where children encounter conflicting messages through television, social media, and other influences.
“Catholic education is Truth,” he said. “It brings families, parents, students, teachers, and the community together to teach that Truth and form young men and women into disciples of Christ.”
While Catholic schools provide a strong academic foundation, Arens said their mission extends far beyond academics.
“It’s the Gospel the priest shares with students each morning. It’s the example set by our teachers. It’s seeing them forgive and teaching students that it’s OK to make mistakes,” he said. “It’s the love and care they give. Catholic education is so much more than academics.”
One of the most meaningful examples occurred during Lent several years ago, when a junior high religion teacher organized an optional opportunity for students to receive the sacrament of reconciliation after school. Arens volunteered to supervise, unsure how many students would participate.
“The students started walking through the church doors, and they kept coming,” he said. “They lined up from the confessional, down the aisle, and all the way to the school doors.”
Arens was moved by the students’ desire to receive God’s forgiveness, particularly because participation was voluntary.
“Seeing them choose to do this on their own gave me goosebumps,” he said. “It was a testament to the teachers who model the faith and show these children that they are valued, loved, and deeply cared for by the Good Shepherd.”
To educators beginning their careers in Catholic schools, Arens encourages them to embrace the vocation fully.
“You’ve said yes, and now you get to live it,” he said. “You’ve answered the call, and you are going to love every minute of it.”
He reminds new teachers that their relationships with students will extend well beyond a single school year.
“When you say yes and open your heart, the fruits will come,” Arens said. “The graces you receive by being open to Catholic education are truly remarkable.”
For parents considering a Catholic education, Arens describes faith as the missing piece in educating the whole child.
“Faith-based education is more than a 35-minute theology class,” he said. “It begins the moment students walk through the doors and continues until they leave.”
Arens said receiving the St. Thomas Aquinas Award reflects the commitment of the entire St. John’s community.
“I’m incredibly honored and humbled to receive this award, but it truly belongs to the St. John’s community,” he said. “It belongs to the amazing teachers and staff I work with each day, our students who bring smiles to our faces, the families who believe in St. John’s and Catholic education, and the parishioners who pray for us.”
He expressed particular gratitude for his wife, whom he described as his “number one fan,” along with the pastors, administrators, teachers, staff members, families, and colleagues who have guided and supported him.
Arens also thanked the benefactors whose generosity helps make Catholic education accessible.
“It’s incredible to witness the love and support of our community and the generosity of benefactors who fund scholarships and help ensure every child has access to a Catholic education,” he said. “We never want finances to be the barrier that prevents a family from choosing a Catholic school.”
For Arens, the honor ultimately belongs to the community he calls home.
“This award is for the St. John’s community,” he said. “It’s for everyone who has dedicated themselves to Catholic education.”
“The community at St. John’s is unlike any other,” he added. “It’s my home and my family, and I’m incredibly blessed to be part of such a close-knit community.”
