2024 Here’s To The Heroes Awards Presented by Roper & Sons
When we asked Lincoln, Nebraska, residents to nominate their heroes for our 2024 Here’s To The Heroes award, they answered the call with heartwarming stories of incredible individuals who consistently think of how they can help others, every day. For Roper & Sons Funeral Home, it is always an honor for us to recognize those deserving heroes.
Here are the names of the 2024 winner and honorees and why they were recognized this year.
Jennifer Meints, 2024 Here’s To The Heroes Winner
Jennifer Meints is a hero. From her experience as a parent of a child with a disability, she works constantly to support other families with a child with a disability. She uses her experiences and unique viewpoint to assist and support other families of children with special needs. Her strong voice and tireless advocacy within the disability community is immeasurable. Jennifer is the Community Outreach and Supported Employment Director for Hands of the Heartland, and she serves on The Arc of Lincoln Board, the Nebraska Developmental Disabilities Council, and other organizations in Lincoln.
Jennifer has worked to find ways to bring together stakeholders in response to numerous complex issues, from children aging out of the Medicaid Aged and Disabled Waiver to her leadership on the Special Education Crisis. She has made a real difference for families.
Tim Sherwood, Honoree
Tim Sherwood served with the Lincoln Fire Department for 20 years, but retirement didn’t slow him down. He continued to devote his life of service to those who need him, taking a job at a long-term care facility. Even after long days of work, Tim makes rounds to his neighbors in Campfire Circle, most of them at various stages of retirement themselves, and helps with mowing, scooping, or anything needed at a moment’s notice. He even plans parties for the whole neighborhood and always makes sure everyone is included. Tim is an outstanding citizen, an incredible neighbor, and a one-of-a-kind human.
Jo Sheets, Honoree
Jo Sheets has spent her life as a career executive. When a lucrative promotion would move her away from Lincoln, she opted to stay in her community and work as the Director of Adult Ministry at Southwood Lutheran Church. Jo’s passion for promoting inclusivity and justice became her top priority. Her involvement in the community was evident through her deeply committed heart with TeamMates, establishing a friendship that carried through graduation day. She also gives of herself working with Mourning Hope, The Food Bank, and Leadership Lincoln. She serves as a board member of Linked2Literacy, an organization that promotes literacy in children and families, and works to get books into the hands of as many children as possible at no cost to them. She also leads book clubs for adults, creating an opportunity for adult interaction that is sorely needed in today’s society.
David Hilligoss, Honoree
David Hilligoss has had a successful career highlighting Lincoln’s community heroes, charities, and events over the past 32 years. When life threw a curveball at him (leaving radio), Lincoln citizens responded with love and accolades, letting him know how deeply he’d be missed on air. Davide knew the importance of his impactful personality and took a job working with some of the most challenged students in LPS. Working with many students on the autism spectrum, verbal AND non-verbal, he approaches each student with patience and love, providing a safe environment for them and creating an atmosphere for success for all. Fellow staff don’t hesitate to credit him with creating a safe and enjoyable environment, and his amazing sense of humor doesn’t hurt, either.
Joanne Louise Owens-Nauslar, Honoree
Joanne Louise Owens-Nauslar spent over 55 years promoting the benefits of healthy, active living. She is sought as a speaker across the country and is considered one of the most vocal personalities on the issues of physical activity today. Joanne served as past president of the National Association for Sport and Physical Education and The Husker Athletic Fund, and was the State Director for Comprehensive Health and Physical Education at the Nebraska Department of Education for 19 years. She was one of the original organizers of the Cornhusker State Games and still helps to raise money for this great cause. Joanne was also the very first female winner of the Lincoln Marathon and is still volunteering today anywhere she is needed.
Roper & Sons Funeral Home congratulates these amazing individuals and thank them for the impact they make in the Lincoln community!