CAROLE SAFLEY

Class of 1976
​Inducted in 2024

Carole was inducted into the SHSAA Hall of Fame in 2024.

Carole Safley graduated from South in 1976.  While at South, she was a member of the Pomperettes pom-pom squad for three years. She was also a member of 2nd Choir and 1st Choir, participating in two of the school’s musicals.  Her mother advised her to take college-prep courses, but also take business classes so she would have skills to “fall back on.”  Carole has always loved literature and English.  Her two favorite classes were with Mr James Faiman’s English class and her journalism class with Mr. Mike Rice.  In these classes, she learned how to think outside the lines, write creatively and enjoy some classic books.  Her fondest memory of South was the pride of being a South High student, and the mashed potatoes and ice cream served at lunch (lol).   

Carole continued her education sporadically, attending MCC, UNO and the College of St Mary for a paralegal degree.  She worked with law enforcement for 39 years; 14 years at the Omaha Police Department, and 25 years with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.  At the DCSO, Carole was Sheriff Dunning’s Administrative Coordinator.  In that role, along with her office duties, she coordinated and “hosted” the annual children’s Christmas Party and the annual awards ceremony/dinner.  Carole retired from the DCSO in 2021.  Upon retirement, she became a “full time” President for the SHS Alumni Association. 
Carole became involved with the South High Alumni Association in 2012.  Once a member, she volunteered to chair the annual golf tournament and has overseen the event for the past 12 years.  During that time, she has seen the event participation go from 18 teams to over 40 teams. 

In 2014, Carole was elected as a Vice-President of the association.  In that capacity, she shared in the management of the board and their events.  She continued to be involved in all the fundraising events, helping monetarily and physically wherever and whenever possible.  She was one of the MCs and organizers for the dedication of Marlin Briscoe Way.  In 2016, Carole was elected as President of the association.  She holds that title to this day.   Under her direction, the association has evolved into the 21st century.   She supported the need for the association to connect with alumni on social media, and to lower costs of mailing the bi-annual Tooters; she was fully behind offering alum the option to receive the Tooter via email. 

During her tenure, her mantra has been, “Work Smarter, Not Harder”.  In that endeavor, the association has created new avenues for raising funds through the Packer 500 Club and annual Packer Gives campaigns.  Although the much-loved spaghetti feed is no longer being held, Carole and her board have tried other events including a car show, casino night, and just last year, a Halloween party – all of which she was the event chair!  Carole was instrumental in the Bull Project, which honors Carol and Dave Van Metre at South’s front entrance.  She also whole-heartedly supported digitizing South’s yearbooks, which now allows online access to yearbooks dating back to 1906. 
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Carole’s biggest honor is providing yearly scholarships. Thirty-plus students each year are awarded scholarships that are earned through yearly fundraising events as well as funded by our most generous donors.  This is ALWAYS a highlight of the year.   Providing financial support to South’s staff and teachers for special projects and by “hosting” an annual pancake breakfast, Valentine’s Day popcorn party, and a coffee/smoothie catered event for Teacher Appreciation Week also brings her joy.  
Carole hopes that through her efforts, the South High Alumni Association will continue to be known as one of the best alumni associations in the area.