NORFOLK, Neb. -- After 43 years in education, 39 of those at Norfolk Catholic, Jeff Bellar has announced his retirement as the school's activities director effective at the end of the 2024-25 year. Bellar will remain as the school’s football coach.

Bellar made the announcement earlier this week during a staff retreat.

“I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have contributed to the Catholic education of our students and to have worked alongside such a dedicated faculty and administration team,” Bellar said.

A graduate of Walthill High School, Bellar began his educational career at Beaver Valley, now part of Southwest Public Schools located in Bartley. He moved to Norfolk Catholic before the 1985-86 school year as a PE teacher and head football coach. Bellar became the high school principal in 1990. He served one year, 1995-96, at Norfolk Public Schools, but returned to Norfolk Catholic following that school year. Bellar remained the Norfolk Catholic high school principal until 2018-19, when he shifted into the activities director position.

During his tenure, Norfolk Catholic grew physically with two additions to its high school in the 1990s and the construction of its elementary school and activities center which opened in 2004.

“I am proud of all the accomplishments we have achieved together,” Bellar said. “We have outstanding facilities, great staff, great students, and great parental support. I am confident that Norfolk Catholic will continue to thrive under the leadership of the administration and faculty and remain a strong pillar of faith in our community.”

Bellar said the culture of Norfolk Catholic has played a factor in his longevity.

“This was a very good work place for me,” Bellar said. “Thank you for your unwavering support throughout my tenure at Norfolk Catholic. I have truly been blessed to be able to work here. I wish the entire school community and parish continued success in the years ahead.”