In 2004, the late Phil Sokolof left a bequest to create the Phil & Ruth Sokolof Honor Roll Fund and the Karen Sokolof Javitch Music Appreciation Fund. These funds provide for the Phil & Ruth Sokolof Honor Roll Merit Scholarships and the Karen Sokolof Javitch Music Fund Scholarships to honor exceptional students and teachers. Recipients of these awards epitomize the scholarship criteria of achievement, scholastic performance, community service, and overall good character. Each year, the applicants are stellar.
It is with great pleasure that the Sokolof Committee announces the 2026 Sokolof Scholarship Awards. Graduating high school seniors for their college freshman year, the recipients are Joshua Shapiro and Ruby Stoller; for health care recipients, Julia Patterson and Benjamin Wilczewski. Benjamin Brodkey and Jonah Payne are the recipients of the music award. Eileen Clignett is this year’s Outstanding Jewish Teacher, and Hazzan Michael Krausman was awarded the Award of Special Merit. Each recipient will receive a $10,000 award.
Joshua Shapiro
Joshua Shapiro graduated from Central High School in May 2026, ranked second in a class of 547 and earning summa cum laude honors. He now attends Yale University.
A National Merit Finalist, AP Scholar with Honor, IB Perfect Score honoree, and American Chemical Society Outstanding High School Chemistry Student, Joshua has paired academic excellence with exceptional leadership. He served in national and local leadership roles within Mu Alpha Theta, participated in student government and community organizations, and volunteered as a tutor and mentor. He also worked as a member services associate at the JCC until leaving for college.
Joshua is the son of Melissa and Matthew Shapiro.
Ruby Stoller
Ruby Stoller graduated summa cum laude from Westside High School in May 2026 and plans to study entrepreneurship, marketing, or management.
A dedicated student leader, Ruby served as Vice President of Community Service and Fundraising for WHS DECA and held leadership roles with Dance Marathon and Memories for Kids. She was active in student government, peer mentoring, and inclusive programming, while also volunteering with community organizations. In addition, Ruby participated in BBYO, club and varsity athletics, and cheerleading.
Ruby is the daughter of Sara and Asher Stoller.
Julia Patterson
Julia Patterson is currently conducting cancer biology research in Granada, Spain, while gaining additional clinical experience and serving as a mentor. A magna cum laude graduate of Dartmouth College with degrees in Biological Chemistry and Music, she will begin medical school at Emory University this fall.
Inspired by Jewish values of service, compassion, and healing, Julia plans to pursue a career in oncology, combining research and patient care to advance cancer treatment and improve lives.
Julia is the daughter of Jenny and Andrew Patterson.
Benjamin Wilczewski
Benjamin Wilczewski is a medical student at the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Medicine and is expected to graduate in 2030. He previously earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology, summa cum laude, from the University of Arizona, with a minor in Biochemistry.
Committed to serving his community, Benjamin volunteers with COPE, has pursued clinical shadowing opportunities, and has worked as an operating room assistant at OrthoNebraska. He is passionate about giving back to the community that helped shape him.
Benjamin is the son of Allyson Bradin Wilczewski and Christopher Wilczewski.
Benjamin Brodkey
Benjamin Brodkey is pursuing a Master of Sacred Music and Cantorial Ordination at Hebrew Union College, with studies in Jerusalem and New York. He is expected to complete his degree in 2029 and receive cantorial ordination in 2030.
A graduate of Drake University with a degree in music, Benjamin has dedicated his life to Jewish music and worship. He leads prayer services, volunteers in the communities he serves, and seeks to connect people to Jewish tradition through music and spiritual leadership.
Benjamin is the son of Stacie Metz and Marc Brodkey.
Jonah Payne
Jonah Payne is pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts in Percussion Performance with a related field in Ethnomusicology at the University of North Texas.
An accomplished performer, educator, and scholar, Jonah has earned recognition through international workshops, competitions, solo performances, and conference presentations. Alongside his studies, he teaches and presents clinics throughout the region, sharing his passion for music and cross-cultural collaboration.
Jonah is the son of Jodie Stein and Jeffrey Payne.
Eileen Clignett, Outstanding Jewish Teacher
For decades, Eileen Clignett has been a dedicated educator within the Omaha Jewish community, serving as the Jewish Federation of Omaha’s special needs educator. She teaches Hebrew and Judaic studies to students with diverse learning needs and leads the Federation’s summer Keep In Touch program.
Within the classroom, Ali is committed to nurturing both the creative and personal growth of her students. She designs inclusive and engaging lessons that reflect a wide range of interests and abilities, encouraging each student to discover and develop their artistic voice. She is also a strong advocate for student well-being, creating a calm and supportive classroom environment, mediating peer conflicts, and helping students build confidence in themselves and their work. Many former students credit her with inspiring their paths into teaching and the arts.
A certified special education teacher, Eileen is known for her individualized approach, helping students build confidence, strengthen their Hebrew skills, and deepen their connection to Jewish life. Her lasting impact can be seen in generations of students she has guided and inspired.
Hazzan Michael Krausman, Award of Special Merit
The Sokolof Awards Committee created a special Award of Merit to recognize Hazzan Michael Krausman’s extraordinary contributions to Jewish education in Omaha.
Over the course of his career, Hazzan Krausman has taught countless children and adults through Beth El’s educational programs, preparing generations of students for B’nai Mitzvah and fostering a lifelong connection to Jewish learning. He has also developed innovative worship and adult education programs, led choirs and musical services, and inspired community members of all ages to deepen their Jewish engagement.
Beyond the Jewish community, Hazzan shares the story of his father, a Holocaust survivor, through presentations at schools and community programs. His dedication, creativity, and compassion have profoundly enriched Jewish life in Omaha.
