RCHS President, Jeff Dempsey, and new RCHS

Transcription

A PUBLICATION OF RONCALLI CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
Volume 11, Number 1 • August 2013
RCHS President, Jeff Dempsey, and new RCHS
Principal, Paul Hans, at Swing with Pride
golf outing
Meet Principal Paul Hans pages 6-7
Swing with Pride Golf Outing page 12-13
24th Annual Festa del Leone
Raises $175,000 for students Kate & Leonard Sommer honored pages 14-15
FATHER MCMAHON CHAPEL DEDICATED
Archbishop Emeritus Elden Curtiss presided at August 20 blessing
page 5
sophomores lend a hand
Spring retreats include time giving back to the community
page 19
RCHS first home game Televised
September 5 game live on KXVO and KXVOHD
page 26
2
RONCALLI CATHOLIC PRIDE | AUGUST 2013
Inside August 2013
A Message from our President
3
Fr. McMahon Chapel Dedication 5
13th Annual High Tea
5
RCHS Welcomes New Principal Graduation 2013
The Pride Continues Jim Schneider - Alumnus of the Year
6-7
8
8-9
9
Steve Grosse-Rhode - Honorary Alumnus of the Year 10
Arlene and Dan Zach - Volunteers of the Year 11
Swing with Pride Raises $34,000
12-13
Fest del Leone Raises $175,000
14-15
New Faculty 16-17
Around the School
RCHS Welcomes Record Number of Students
17
Students Break Records at Music Competition
17
Hal Daub Visits RCHS 18
Culinary Team Win Awards
18
Sophomore Retreat
19
Spring Play
20
Students Accepted into Art Show 20
Fireworks Sales
21
All About Alums
Sand Volleyball Tournament
22
We Heard From 22
Sr. Joyce Ann Rezac, ND Jubilee
22
Class of 1983 30th Reunion
23
Yearbooks for Sale
23
Athletics
Students Sign at Colleges
25
Football Schedule
26
River Cities All Conference Awards
27
All State Awards
27
Advertisers in this magazine have made it
possible for the 2013 August issue
of Pride to be online.
Choose them FIRST for products and services.
Click on any ad throughout this issue and learn
more about these supporter of Pride and
Roncalli Catholic High School.
3
A Message f r o m o u r P r e s i d e n t
Friends of Roncalli Catholic:
Jeff Dempsey, President
Roncalli Catholic High
School
A real sense of optimism and enthusiasm welcomed us here on August 19, as students,
faculty and staff returned for our first day of classes. With more than 350 students, we begin the
year with our largest enrollment in more than 20 years! This enrollment growth is an increasing
reflection of the many great opportunities students and families enjoy here at Roncalli Catholic.
It is also a testament to our great faculty and staff, and of our alumni and friends who support us
so generously.
Mr. Paul Hans, joined the Roncalli Catholic family on July 12, as our new principal and his
energy and professionalism are palpable. Paul is settling in well and understands our potential
as well as the increasingly high expectations with which we are holding ourselves. He has more
than 20 years of educational experience, with a strong curriculum and professional development
background. Learn more about our new principal on page 6.
Along these lines, and in our continued effort to provide our students with the very best
academic support, we have created a new position – resource teacher. Mrs. Barb Renkenberger
joins us following a 40-year teaching career and will coordinate our new Resource Center,
equipped with computers, books, study space and other education materials. Students in need
of extra help can get one-on-one assistance and develop study skills in the Resource Center.
See page 16 for more on our new Resource Center and Barb.
Along with Paul and Barb, we also welcomed three new faculty members this fall. Please
see pages 16 and 17 to read more about Susan Altman; Tom Kassing; and, J. J. Stoffel, ’02.
This issue of Pride Magazine also features many of our fundraising efforts over the past
several months. Volunteers – students, parents, alumni and friends – are vital to the success
of these events. We are so grateful for all of the generosity and support we receive from our
Roncalli Catholic family. Read more about these events, including the 24th Annual Festa del
Leone on page 14, our A. Len Leavitt Memorial Golf Outing on page 12 and our 3rd annual
Fireworks fundraiser on page 21.
50th Anniversary of Rummel/Roncalli Catholic
In future issues of the Pride magazine and elsewhere, you will begin to hear of our plans
to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Rummel/Roncalli Catholic. Archbishop Rummel High
School opened in the fall of 1964 – in the fall of 2014 we will begin a year-long celebration
of Catholic education from here on our campus. A “50th Anniversary Committee” will be
formed to help with planning – for more information on becoming involved, please feel free
to contact me.
I look forward to our continued work together as we build an even better Roncalli Catholic.
God bless,
Jeff Dempsey
President, Roncalli Catholic High School
4
Commercial and Industrial • Serving Omaha Since 1984
FREE ESTIMATES
402.496.3400
• Asphalt Installation
• Asphalt Overlays
• Asphalt Repair
• Crack Sealing
• Seal Coating
• Line Stripping
Leonard (Rummel 1972)
& Kate Sommer
Lisa (LeBron - RCHS
1981) & Ben Norris
www.parkingmaintenanceomaha.com
Father McMahon Chapel at RCHS Dedicated
On August 20, the Most Rev. Elden Francis Curtiss, Archbishop Emeritus of Omaha Archdiocese dedicated
and blessed the Roncalli Catholic chapel in the name of Father Aloysius “Al” McMahon. Father McMahon
died two years ago at the age of 89, leaving behind a legacy of a life of service, from his time as a missionary in
South Africa as well as his assignments at Boys Town and various parishes throughout Nebraska to his year as
the chaplain at Rummel High School.*.
*All-boys Rummel High School merged with all-girls Notre Dame Academy in 1974 to become the co-educational Roncalli
Catholic High School.
ABOVE: (l to r) Fr. Marc Lim, Associate Pastor of St. Wenceslaus Parish Omaha; Fr. Tom Weisbecker (Rummel
1971), Pastor of St. James Parish, Omaha; Patrick Slattery, Superintendent of Catholic Schools; Fr. Chi Igboanui,
Chaplain of Roncalli Catholic; Most Rev. Elden Francis Curtiss, Archbishop Emeritus of Omaha Archdiocese; Jeff
Dempsey, President of Roncalli Catholic; Fr. Vincent Segunti, Associate Pastor of St. Mary Magdalene, Downtown
and Chaplain, Our Lady of Africa Catholic Community at St Gerald, Ralston; Fr. Vitalis Anyanike, Pastor of
Holy Name and St. Benedict the Moor Parishes, Omaha; and Paul Hans, Principal of Roncalli Catholic.
Save the Date!
13th Annual High Tea - Sunday, November 3
Brother Armand
Alcazar,
accompanied by
Sylvia Black, will
perform at this
year’s High Tea.
Save the date for Roncalli Catholic’s 13th Annual
High Tea set for Sunday, November 3.
This event is a Roncalli Catholic tradition that encourages
creativity and fun while raising funds for scholarship
and tuition grant programs for our students.
Each year, Rummel Gymnasium is converted into a
large tea room, with Hostesses decorating each table
in their own unique theme. From fine china to paper
plates, from garden party hats to Husker caps, this event
appeals to women of all ages.
For more information about High Tea, contact Julie
402-571-7670 • [email protected]
5
6
RONCALLI CATHOLIC
WELCOMES NEW
PRINCIPAL PAUL HANS
“I am confident that I can help us achieve
our goals by supporting, coaching,
inspiring and championing the teachers
and staff of Roncalli Catholic, who have
already dedicated their lives to their
students.” - Paul Hans, Principal -
FROM OUR COVER:
President Jeff Dempsey (right) and
Principal Paul Hans
participate in the
2013 Swing with Pride golf outing.
Roncalli Catholic has selected Paul Hans to be the
“I am confident that Paul possesses the qualities to
school’s new principal. The 12-person search committee
help us usher in the next 50 years in our school’s great
reached a consensus and Hans was offered and accepted
history,” continued Dempsey.
the position which he began on July 12.
Hans previously served as the Career Education
According to Hans his main goal as the principal
Coordinator and Career Academy Principal for the
of the more than 350 Roncalli Catholic students is to
Papillion-La Vista school district for the past four years. ensure that each student is provided a personalized,
His experience also includes teaching roles at All Saints
faith-based learning experience to prepare them to be
and St. Columbkille Catholic Schools in Omaha, and
compassionate contributors to their community.
within the public school system. “I am confident that I can help us achieve our goals
He grew up on a farm outside of Wynot, NE, one
by supporting, coaching,
of six children. Hans attended
inspiring and championing
Wynot Public Schools before
“Paul is joining the Roncalli Catholic family at
the teachers and staff of
earning his Bachelor’s in
an exciting time. We will soon be celebrating
Roncalli Catholic, who have
Education from University of
our school’s 50th anniversary and have enjoyed
already dedicated their lives
Nebraska - Lincoln and his
significant growth and improvements to our
to their students,” said Hans.
Master’s from University of
facilities . . .” - Jeff Dempsey, President He went on to say that he
Nebraska – Omaha. Hans’
was impressed with the great
wife, Jill, is a second grade
sense of community at the school, emphasizing parent
teacher at Rue Elementary School in the Council Bluffs
involvement and the number of alumni that continue
Community School District. They have two children
to be a part of the school as faculty, staff and supporters.
and attend Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in the
According to RCHS president Jeff Dempsey, Hans
Field Club area.
is an excellent fit for Roncalli Catholic because he
The search committee included: RCHS President
brings great faith, experience and enthusiasm to the
Jeff Dempsey, full-time RCHS Chaplain Fr. Chibuzor
position. Igboanusi, Dr. Barb Schweiger, Steve Grosse-Rhode,
“Paul is joining the Roncalli Catholic family at an
Tom Worthington and Gus and Kristy Gustafson,
exciting time,” said Dempsey. “We will soon be celebrating
teachers Bill Schlueter and Tim Mueting, RCHS
our school’s 50th anniversary and have enjoyed significant
Activities Director Jim Meister, RCHS Recruitment
growth and improvements to our facilities in recent years
Director T. J. Orr, and RCHS School Counselor Douglas
as well.”
Dworak.
7
Getting to Know our New Principal: Q&A with Paul Hans
Where are you from? I grew up on a farm near Wynot, Nebraska,
population 200, and oddly has remained 200 since 1935.
I have six brothers and sisters, scattered near and far,
with one thankfully still on the family farm in Wynot.
Where did you go to school? I finished K-12 at Wynot Public Schools, completed
my Bachelors in Education at UNL, and earned my
Masters Degree at UNO.
Tell us about your family.
My wife, Jill, and I have two children, Tyler who is
16, and Haley who is 14. Jill is a second grade teacher
at Rue Elementary in Council Bluffs. I hope to be able
tell stories similar to the ones she brings home about her
second graders.
Why did you go into education?
My interest in history is what got me interested in
teaching. A bunch of college classmates and I studied
together quite a bit for one particular history course.
They hated history as much as I loved it. Eventually the
study sessions morphed into tutoring sessions. It was a
very rewarding feeling to help someone understand, and
also grow to appreciate the significance of our past.
My first teaching job was at All Saints Catholic
School, which was in its first year of consolidation.
Tom Kros was the man who gave me my first teaching
opportunity, and for that I will forever be grateful. After
various professional roles in Red Cloud, Nebraska, St.
Columbkille, Council Bluffs and Papillion, I was offered
and accepted the opportunity to become the RCHS
principal.
What do you like to do in your free time?
Music is and always has been a very important part of
my life. I've spent 15 years behind a drum set in various
cover bands playing classic rock and blues. Currently,
I am having the most fun I've ever had playing drums
with the George Heaston Experience, which consists of
a bunch of guys from the Our Lady of Lourdes and St.
Thomas More parishes. The genesis of the group will
make a great “Behind the Music” episode one day.
What impressed you most about RCHS?
What struck me immediately was the feeling of
community, and not just within the high school itself. It’s
very similar to my hometown of Wynot. There are many
teachers, board members, and parents who are alumni, so
it’s clear that they are still attached to their school, and
are committed to its future success. It was also great to see
a small school embrace the diversity of its students. For a
small school, it’s about as “real world” as you can get.
There are many opportunities for college and career
courses, athletics, and activities. Anybody who says that a
smaller school cannot offer rigorous college-ready courses
and school/community involvement that prepares
students for success beyond high school has not been to
Roncalli Catholic. I have a feeling that within the next
five years, our greatest challenge will be deciding whether
or not to keep that “smaller school” label.
Is there anything else we should know about you?
I grew up on a farm, and credit my strong faith in
God, work ethic, and passion for helping others to my
parents. My mother passed on about 20 years ago, but my
93-year old father, Louis Hans, remains my greatest source
of pride and honor. He tells all of his kids "I may not be
able to do much anymore, but I can still pray." If I ever
approach becoming half the man he is today, I’ll be happy.
CLICK ON THE ADS THROUGHOUT THIS ISSUE
TO VISIT THESE RCHS SUPPORTERS’ WEBSITES
8
GRADUATION 2013 . . .
Graduating Seniors Rachael Kudlacek
and Haley Suddick perform at their
May 19 Graduation Mass.
Class of 2013 Salutatorian Samantha Lonergan
and Valedictorian Anthony Kitt
prior to the May 19 Graduation Mass.
56 students received their diplomas on May 19.
Nine of the 2013
graduates were
pre-destined to
join the Roncalli
Catholic family.
These students
had at least one
parent who is a
Roncalli Catholic
alumni.
Emilie Rae
Barnes Colleen (Nalty)
Barnes, RCHS
Class of 1979
Kali Nicole
Bryant Kimberly (Bryant)
Hobbie, RCHS
Class of 1993
THE PRIDE CONTINUES
Nicholas James
Dotzler
Janis (Clark)
Dotzler, RCHS
Class of 1987
Grant Patrick
Goertzen Theresa (Coyle)
Goertzen, RCHS
Class of 1977
Pat Dotzler,
RCHS Class
of 1987
. . . 2013 graduates with RCHS alumni parents
9
Jim Schneider Named Alumnus of the Year
ABOVE: 2013 Alumnus of the
Year, Jim Schneider, with his
family at the Senior Breakfast on
May 15: Andy Schneider ’08,
Helen Schneider ’11, wife Mary
Schneider, Jim Schneider ’80,
Emily Schneider ’11, and Richard
Schneider ’06.
LEFT: Jim receives award from
President Jeff Dempsey.
Holly Ann
Hansen Ann (Huser)
Hansen, RCHS
Class of 1984
Morgan Christine
Holzapfel Jeanne (Casey)
Holzapfel, RCHS
Class of 1994
Molly Ann
Milbrandt Ann (Delisi)
Milbrandt, RCHS
Class of 1982
THE PRIDE CONTINUES
Jim Schneider was honored as the
2013 Alumnus of the year and spoke at
Roncalli Catholic’s Senior Breakfast on
May 15.
Schneider is a long-standing member
of the Roncalli Catholic family – as a
student, an alumnus and a parent. He
graduated from Roncalli Catholic in 1980
and all of his four children – Richard
(2006), Andrew (2008), Emily (2011)
and Helen (2011) – are also alumni.
He is a member of the Roncalli
Catholic School Board and has been a
booster club member for 11 years, serving
as either vice president or president for
the past six years. He started the Roncalli
Catholic Trapshooting team 10 years ago
and continues to serve as the coach.
Schneider graduated from ITT
Technical Institute in Phoenix, AZ,
and the University of Nebraska School
of Agriculture. He has been working at
First Data for the last 24 years. Jim and
his wife, Mary, a 1980 graduate of Lincoln
Pius X High School, have been married
for 28 years.
Logan Kurtis
Reinders
Kurt Reinders,
RCHS Class
of 1979 Kelsey Riane Ryan
Brenda (Krier)
Ryan, RCHS
Class of 1989
Richard Ryan,
RCHS Class
of 1986
. . . 2013 graduates with RCHS alumni parents
10
Alumni Parent Steve Grosse-Rhode
Honored with His Own RCHS Diploma
“ . . . I believe in the mission that Roncalli Catholic serves in the
Archdiocese of Omaha and strive to do everything in my power to
ensure the school remains capable of fulfilling that mission.”
- Steve Grosse-Rhode -
Steve Grosse-Rhode joined the Roncalli Catholic family when his
children were students at the school - Nick in the Class of 2007 and Emily
in the Class of 2009. This year, Grosse-Rhode earned his own Roncalli
Catholic diploma – he was recognized at the May 19 Graduation Mass as the
Honorary Alumnus of the Year, receiving a diploma and giving the keynote
address.
Of course, Grosse-Rhode rolled up his sleeves and helped out during
his years as a parent. Perhaps, most notable, however, is the work he has
continued to do and the new tasks he has taken on as an alumni parent.
According to Grosse-Rhode he continues to be involved with Roncalli
Catholic for several reasons.
“Roncalli Catholic is a true family in every sense of the word and when
your family needs help, you are compelled to pitch in,” said Grosse-Rhode.
“Also, I believe in the mission that Roncalli Catholic serves in the
Archdiocese of Omaha and strive to do everything in my
power to ensure the school remains capable of fulfilling
that mission,” he continued.
For example, he has served on the Board of
Education for the past three years. He has had supporting
roles with the RCHS football, basketball and volleyball
programs and has been involved in one way or another
with most of the Roncalli Catholic sponsored events.
Grosse-Rhode has also been involved with the
various campus improvement projects seen in recent
years. These projects include the construction of the new
stadium, concessions stand and activities center, as well
as the auditorium renovation and practice field irrigation
system, to name a few.
He graduated from Cathedral High School in 1974
and married his wife, Julie in 1986. Clearly, supporting
the Crimson Pride is something that runs in the GrosseRhode family, as Julie joined the school as the fulltime events coordinator in August 2012. Thus, Steve
found yet another role in the Roncalli Catholic family,
providing support for all of the school’s special events.
Arlene and Dan Zack
Honored as RCHS Volunteers
of the Year
Roncalli Catholic has always felt like a “home
away from home” for their whole family . . .
- Arlene and Dan Zach -
Roncalli Catholic honored Arlene and Dan Zack with the
school’s Volunteers of the Year Award at an all-school Mass on
Thursday, May 9. The Zacks joined the Roncalli Catholic family
when their children, Michael (1999) and Brittany (2006) went to
school here.
According to the Zacks, Roncalli Catholic has always felt like
a “home away from home” for their whole family and they continue
to be active volunteers because they simply want to see the school
succeed.
While their kids were in school, of course, the Zacks were
involved in all of their kids’ school activities and were active
volunteers around the school. They remain members of the
500 Club, continue to attend High Tea and Festa del Leone and
volunteer to work concessions and our annual firework sales
fundraiser.
Most notable, however, has been their commitment
and efforts for annual Festa del Leone fundraiser. In
2002, they rolled up their sleeves to help with the event,
soliciting businesses for auction donations, and have
continued to do so to this day. In fact, this year, the
Zacks were responsible for bringing in more than $3,000
in donations for the annual event. Both retired in 2011 – Dan from a 38-year career at
Union Pacific and Arlene following 25 years in medical
records at Methodist Hospital. They are parishioners at
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, where they
are also active volunteers, helping with fish fries, the
annual picnic and funeral luncheons.
Advertisers in this magazine have made it possible for the 2013 August issue of Pride to be online.
Choose them FIRST for products and services.
Click on any ad throughout this issue and learn
more about these supporter of Pride and
Roncalli Catholic High School.
11
12
2013 Golf Event Raises More than $34,000
for RCHS Students
An unexpected rain as the carts pulled out for the
start of the Roncalli Catholic’s Swing with Pride, A.
Len Leavitt Memorial Golf Open, gave way to blue
skies and ultimately a great day for the event that
raised more than $34K for the school’s more than 350
students. Held on August 5 at The Players Club at Deer
Creek, the 24th annual event united 200+ alumni,
current and past parents, staff, and friends of the school
for a day of fun on the greens.
Save the date and plan to attend Roncalli Catholic’s
25th Annual A. Len Leavitt Swing with Pride Golf
Open, set for Monday, August 4!
ABOVE: Matt Bowers (2004), Adam Hurt (1995),
Nick Sanger, and Ian Casey – the tournament’s
winning foursome – with Al Schmid, President
Emeritus, American National Bank.
Nick Sanger, friend of Matt Bowers (2004), landed
a hole-in-one on hole 16, a task that warranted a
mention in the Omaha World Herald and earned
his foursome the top prize of the day – most notably,
bragging rights for winning the open. The foursome
consisted of: Matt Bowers (2004), Adam Hurt (1995),
Nick Sanger and Ian Casey. Click here to see the full
results of the outing.
Participants had lunch prior to the noon shotgun start with a cocktail hour and dinner immediately
following golf. Live and silent auctions as well as raffle,
mulligan and pin prizes were announced during the
dinner. Golfers paid $125 for individuals or $500 for
foursomes to participate in the fundraiser.
13
LEFT: Student
volunteers Alex
Mausbach, Madison
Hubbard, Brianna
Crouch and her
father Chad Crouch
(1985) who
organized the student
volunteers.
RIGHT: Al Schmid,
President Emeritas,
American National
Bank, with Len
Leavitt at the 24th
Annual A. Len
Leavitt Memorial
Golf Outing, named
after his father.
ABOVE:
Jeffrey Bremer and Julie Grosse-Rhode.
Save the Dates!
• N
ovember 3 - Sunday
13th Annual High Tea
• A
pril 12 - Saturday
25th Annual Festa del Leone
• A
ugust 4 - Monday
25th Annual Swing with Pride
Golf Open
First Home Game Televised!
Thursday, September 5, 2013
Platteview at Roncalli Catholic
NP Dodge Pre-game Show 6:30 p.m.
Kick-off 7 p.m.
KXVO Cox Channel 11
KXVO Cox HD Channel 1011
Also streaming live at
NEPrepZone.com
14
Save the Date!
25th Annual
Festa del Leone,
April 12, 2014
Event Master of Ceremonies Dave Webber catches up with
RCHS President Emeritus Fr. Lloyd Gnirk and
RCHS School Board Member Chuck Line.
RONCALLI CATHOLIC’S 24th ANNUAL
FESTA DEL LEONE RAISES $175,000
Kate & Leonard Sommer honored with the school’s Pope John XXIII Award
Kate and Leonard Sommer were honored
at the 2013 Festa del Leone.
More than 400 people attended Roncalli Catholic’s Festa del
Leone on April 13. As a result, the event raised more than $175,000
to support the school through scholarship, tuition assistance and
technology programs.
Festa del Leone, translated “feast of the lion,” is the school’s
premier fundraising event, rich with traditions 24 years in the
making. As part of this long-standing tradition, the school’s Rummel
Gymnasium was transformed into a formal dining room, complete
with carpeting, golden lions and student servers. The night featured:
a signature dinner catered by Brandeis Catering; live and silent
auctions; and a raffle drawing with three Microsoft Surface prizes.
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Pope
John XXIII Award to Kate and Leonard Sommer. Leonard is a
Rummel* alumnus (Class of 1972). Over the years, Leonard has
served on several committees at Roncalli Catholic including: Board
of Education, Development Board, Finance Committee, Alumni
Committee, Phone-A-Thon Committee and the Swing with Pride
Committee.
* All-boy Rummel High School merged with the all-girl Notre Dame
Academy to form the co-educational Roncalli Catholic High School
in 1974.
A
B
15
C
D
A. Mark and Janet Bowers, event chairs, speak at the 24th Annual
Festa del Leone.
CHS President Jeff Dempsey visits with Kristy and Gus
B. R
Gustafson. The Gustafsons were event co-chairs and will be the
chairs of the 25th Annual Festa del Leone next year.
C. B
rother Armand Alcazar sang “You Raise Me Up” as part of the
Pope John XXIII Award presentation to the Sommers.
D. M
adonna School students Michaela Schwartz and Sarah Wiedner
sell coffee at the April 13 Festa del Leone at Roncalli Catholic.
Kate graduated from Mercy High School in 1974.
She has served on several non-profit boards and has been
recognized for her community service efforts with various
awards, including the Governor’s Point of Light Award,
First Lady’s Outstanding Community Service Award and
the United Way Leota G. Norton Community Service
Award. Kate has 25 years of teaching experience in
secondary high school education, most recently at
Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart. The Sommers
also served as honorary co-chairs for the 2012 Festa del
Leone.
The Pope John XXIII Award, named after Angelo
Guiseppe Roncalli, is bestowed upon those individuals
who exhibit extraordinary devotion and commitment
to Roncalli Catholic and “serving the children and
friends of God.” RCHS President Jeff Dempsey and
President Emeritus Father Lloyd Gnirk presented the
award following a solo performance of “You Raise Me
Up” by Brother Armand Alcazar, a De LaSalle Christian
Brother and former RCHS teacher.
The Madonna School students also raised $700 at
the event selling the Madonna Coffee they produce
in collaboration with Roncalli Catholic students as
a community service project. LaRue Coffee beans
are used for the production of their Madonna School
branded coffee. LaRue Coffee was also the official coffee
of Festa del Leone, with donated coffees featured in both
the silent auction and with the evening meal.
Festa del Leone event chairs were Janet and Mark
Bowers; event co-chairs were Kristy and Gus Gustafson,
who will serve as chairs for the 25th Annual Festa del
Leone in 2014.
Dave Webber served as the Master of Ceremonies for
the festivities and Brother Armand gave the invocation.
The evening menu featured Casablanca salad, sliced
beef tenderloin with red wine reduction and chicken
basiline drizzled with sauce veloute, fresh steamed green
beans and rosemary and garlic roasted baby red potatoes.
The meal was finished with a dessert mini trio of a mini
cream puff filled with hazelnut mousse, a chocolate cup
with amaretto cream and a lemon tart.
Major corporate sponsors for the event included
Alegent Creighton Health - Immanuel Medical Center
and Parking Area Maintenance (Leonard Sommer,
Rummel 1972).
16
J. J. Stoffel
Tom Kassing
Susan Altman
Barb Renkenberger
Roncalli Catholic Alumni J.J.
Stoffel Joins the Faculty
Since his 2002 graduation from
Roncalli Catholic, J.J. Stoffel has
remained a fixture at the school, coaching
football, basketball and track as well as
serving as a substitute teacher. This year,
he will be taking on a new role – teacher. With his own classroom, this marks
J.J.’s first full-time teaching job and the
fulfillment of his life-long ambition to be
an educator. More specifically, he will be
teaching U.S. History.
According to Stoffel, Roncalli
Catholic has always had a special place in
his heart and he looks forward to joining
the faculty and working with the students.
“I enjoy helping students set and
then reach their goals,” he said. “I enjoy
coaching and working with kids when I
am outside the classroom as well.”
J.J. will not be the only Stoffel walking
the halls of Roncalli Catholic this year. His brother, Joey, will be a Senior. Roncalli Catholic Welcomes Barb Renkenberger
and the Addition of a Resource Center
This year, Roncalli Catholic is offering students a new Resource
Center. With computers and study space and staffed with a teacher,
students in need of extra help can get one-on-one assistance and develop
study skills in the Resource Center.
Barb Renkenberger was set to retire from 40 years of teaching, most
recently spending 27 years with the Millard Public Schools. Her plans
changed. A natural-born teacher, she said she simply couldn’t pass up
this opportunity to help the students of Roncalli Catholic.
Renkenberger said that this type of center is the future of teaching,
providing struggling students with extra guidance on subjects that can
be difficult, in a readily accessible spot. She will also be assisting RCHS
teachers with accommodations that allow these students to learn better
in their classrooms.
The Resource Center is located in spacious room 107, complete
with desks, books, computers, and most important, Mrs. Renkenberger. The room was previously housed by our school counselor, Doug Dworak,
who has moved to a space near the main office.
Originally from Eastern Iowa, Renkenberger moved to the Omaha
area in 1985 when her husband, Ken, took a job with the packing
plant. Most recently, the couple owned and Ken operated the Blimpies
Restaurant at the Brass Armadillo antique mall near Gretna, a franchise
that they sold when Ken decided to retire earlier this year. The couple
has one son, Aaron, who teaches at Wright Career College as a Personal
Training Instructor, and a 6-year-old granddaughter, Emily. RONCALLI CATHOLIC PRIDE | AUGUST 2013
17
Around the School
Roncalli Catholic Welcomes Back
Tom Kassing
According to Tom Kassing he wanted to be a teacher
because it would give him the best opportunity to make a
difference on a daily basis. Teaching AP Government, Government, Economics,
Justice and Law and Psychology at Roncalli Catholic this
year will give him plenty of opportunity to do just that.
Mr. Kassing is no stranger to the students of Roncalli
Catholic since he completed his Student Teaching assignment
at the school last Spring. He said that he was attracted to the
full-time position by the school’s great family atmosphere and
diverse student body.
Kassing graduated from the University of Nebraska at
Omaha in May with a B.S. in Education with a Social Studies
endorsement. Originally from Clive, Iowa, a suburb of Des
Moines, he is a fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Notre
Dame Fighting Irish. Roncalli Catholic Welcomes
New Math Teacher Susan Altman
Susan Altman says there are three reasons she became
a teacher –she enjoys Math; she loves working with young
people; and she enjoys the excitement of the school
atmosphere. Altman is no stranger to Roncalli Catholic as she did her
student P.E. teaching here in 1982 with Mrs. Beth Feldhaus.
Her brother, Dan Altman, is also a Class of 1983 graduate of
the school.
For the past 14 years Altman has driven past the Roncalli
Catholic on her way to work each day and said she often
wondered what it would be like teaching at a school where
faith matters. This year she will find out - she will be teaching
Geometry, Honors Geometry and Pre-Calculus at RCHS,
where faith is at the forefront of the school’s mission.
“Having attended Catholic schools my entire life, it was
simply how I wanted to finish my career,” said Altman.
In her 30-year teaching career, Susan spent 16 years
teaching 7th and 8th grade Math and P.E. at Lewis & Clark
Middle School. She then spent 14 years at Central High
School, teaching Geometry, Algebra 1-6, Pre-Algebra,
Trigonometry and Pre-Calculus.
Susan has three children, Wes (graduated from Midland
Lutheran University), Lyndsay (graduated from Peru State
College), and John (will be attending UNO this Fall). With
two of her own, she is now serving as a rescue home for
beagles. RCHS welcomes record
number of students
RCHS welcome 355 students back to
classes on August 19. This is the largest
student body in 20 years!
Students earn recordbreaking ratings at
2013 District Music
Competition
On April 19 Roncalli Catholic Music
students earned the highest ratings on
record for our Music Department at the
District Music Competition. In particular, five of our students
received superior ratings, the highest
bracket of scores offered. Two achieved
perfect scores and received outstanding
performance awards (Senior Mary Jo
Carney's vocal solo as well as her vocal
duet with her sister, Sophomore Mary
Grace Carney). Haley Suddick received
an honorable mention for her vocal
solo with a superior rating. Senior Joey
Stoffel and Mary Jo Carney also received
superior ratings for their piano solos.
Nearly 60 RCHS students competed
against other Class A and B students at the
competition held at Blair High School.
More specifically, solos, small groups, and
ensembles competed for high scores given
by judges. Our concert chorus, women's
chorus, PRIDE A Cappella, and concert
band participated as well as students
performing piano solos, vocal solos or
ensembles, and instrumental solos.
18
A r o und the School
Hal Daub visits Roncalli
Catholic AP Government Class
According to past Omaha Mayor and Nebraska
Regent Hal Daub, no one is a born leader. He said
it is a skill that can be learned and
honed with the help of mentors,
teachers and supportive family
members. This was the crux of his
message to the Roncalli Catholic
AP Government students on May
1. Daub was invited to speak with
the class by two of the students,
Derek Oden and Jacob Wolff.
Daub happily obliged their request, sharing his
own journey to leadership positions as well as the
sentiment that there is no “I” in achieving goals
or leading any given endeavor. He noted that true
leadership means learning from and working with
others, focusing on what “we” can get done when
people work together.
He shared how this ideal and focus came in to
play in many of his experiences in public service,
including two elected terms as Mayor of Omaha, four
terms in the U.S. House of Representatives, and a sixyear appointed term on the Social Security Advisory
Board, four of which he served as the Chair, to name
a few. Daub has been a partner with Husch and
Blackwell LLP since 2001 and joined the Nebraska
Board of Regents in 2012.
The 25 students in attendance were invited to
ask questions during the hour and a half visit in the
Notre Dame Auditorium.
ABOVE: “Whisking Wizards” Mitch Lovely,
Kierstyn Reif, Kylie Tetzlaff and Nyasia Easterly
pose with their state prizes.
Culinary Team Enjoys Sweet
Success at State Competition
“The Whisking Wizards” took home Top Prize
in Dessert
The RCHS Culinary Team was named the
champions of the Dessert category at the State
ProStart Culinary Competition in Lincoln on March
16. With their Ghiradelli Chocolate Hazelnut Pate
with toasted hazelnuts, Chantilly cream and sugar
glass, they couldn’t lose!
The team received 2nd Place in the Salad
category with a mixed green salad featuring candied
pecans and a strawberry vinegarette. Their main
course was pan seared sirloin steak with smashed
potatoes and mixed roasted vegetables, earning them
2nd Place in the Best of Beef award and 1st Place in
the Best of Dried Bean award. The team also earned
3rd in Professionalism, 5th in Knife Skills, and 5th in
the overall competition. The team was mentored by Kimbler Harrold
(class of ‘99) who is Chef d’ Cuisine at the Hilton
Hotel and Jason Volkmer from Metro Community
College and Marriot Hotel. CLICK ON THE ADS THROUGHOUT THIS ISSUE
19
Around the School
LEFT: Ryan Niederle,
Sam Nelson and
Keara Rankin
clean the chapel at
the Notre Dame
Sisters’ Seven Oaks
of Florence senior
living facility.
RIGHT: Kimberly
Nguyen and
Madonna student
Lewis Hasebroock.
Roncalli Catholic Sophomores Lend a Hand
Each Spring, Roncalli Catholic sophomores roll up their sleeves
and give back to their community, spending a day volunteering at
seven different locations. This annual effort, organized and led by fulltime chaplain Father Chi Igboanusi, is part of the school’s Sophomore
Retreat.
Held on April 18, the event kicked off with Mass at St. Leo’s
Catholic Church. Following Mass, two yellow buses transported the
students to their assigned locations, including the Omaha Food Bank,
Bethlehem House, Madonna School, Sacred Heart Ministries, Seven
Oaks at Notre Dame Senior Living, Precious Memories, QLI (Quality
Living Inc.), and Together, Inc. According to Igboanusi, the retreat is a long-standing Roncalli
Catholic tradition and helps instill the value of service in our students.
“The retreat is important because we want to teach the students
the value of service just as our Lord Jesus Christ taught us to serve and
not to be served,” said Igboanusi.
“We hope that by their graduation, each student will have formed
the habit of giving their life in service of others especially those in
need,” he continued.
Duties ranged from deep Spring cleaning and calling Bingo to
assisting younger students and hanging wallpaper at a women’s shelter. The event concluded with lunch and reflections back at the church. Participating student reflections revealed that they felt good about
their efforts and spending time helping others.
Each year, Roncalli Catholic has a retreat for each class of students. The freshmen have the Respect Retreat to help build a positive school
environment; juniors have the Responsibility Retreat to examine the
impact of their daily choices; and seniors
have the Wisdom Retreat to encourage
good career choices. All retreats are
coordinated by RCHS Chaplain Fr. Chi
Igboanusi and Campus Ministry. The
freshman, junior and senior retreats are
led by a team from Youth Frontiers Inc. Anthony Qualls calls BINGO
for the residents at Notre Dame
Sisters’ Seven Oaks of Florence
senior living facility.
20
A r o und the School
ABOVE: SPRING PLAY CAST
Back row: Mike Yacup , Caleb Nigrin, Joey
Stoffel, Kolbe McNulty, Adam Vejmelek, Jared
Nigrin,
Matt Roth, and Kevin McCarville
Front row: Megan Niederle, Hanna Barnes,
Kassie Hodgen, Kellen Gustafson,
Rachael Kudlacek, Haley Suddick, Mary Jo
Carney, Hannah Ramsgard, and Anne Wilken
RCHS Students Accepted into
Metro Seniors Art Show
Congratulations to Nancy Yu (above) who won first
place in Mixed Media at the 27th Annual Metro
Seniors Art Show hosted by Bellevue University.
Students who had two pieces of artwork accepted
into the art show: Kali Bryant (colored pencil, mixed
media), Riva Chen (colored pencil, mixed media),
Laura Hall (clay, mixed media), Nancy Yu (mixed
media, colored pencil). A reception was held April 3
and the art was displayed through April 27.
RCHS Spring Play
Directed by Rummel Alumnus
Michael McCandless
Roncalli Catholic presented its Spring Play, “The
Musical Comedy Murders of 1940,” March 21-24.
The production was directed by Rummel High School
class of 1974 alumnus, Michael McCandless, who
directed the play in 1999 at Creighton University,
where he is an assistant professor in Theater.
CLICK ON THE ADS THROUGHOUT THIS ISSUE
A r ound the School
Fireworks Sales Raise Funds for
Students of Roncalli Catholic
With the help of countless student and parent
volunteers, Roncalli Catholic’s third annual fireworks
fundraiser brought in more than the projected earnings
for the ten-day event. According to RCHS President Jeff Dempsey, the
fundraiser once again exceeded expectations and will
do a lot of good for the more than 350 students of
Roncalli Catholic.
“As always, our parent and student volunteers were
absolutely instrumental to the success of this event,”
said Dempsey. “Our school is blessed with unparalleled
support from our community.”
The event ran June 25 through July 4 and was
set up in the parking lot of Dave’s Auto Body off of
I-680 and the Irvington Exit. Special thanks to Mark
Schumacher (‘82) for allowing us to use his lot for the
fundraiser. (See ad below)
Freshman parent Chris Miller and Senior
Ki’Airre Smith help a customer at the Roncalli
Catholic fireworks sale.
21
22
ALUMS
All About
Alumni Sand Volleyball
Tournament
Nikki (Gargano) Snow (1998), Angie
(Gargano) Steinbach (2000), Christa
Herber (2005), Sarah Zink (2005),
Matt Miller, and Tony Gargano (2005)
posed following their win at the 2013
Roncalli Catholic Alumni Sand Volleyball
Tournament. Gabe Gargano (1994),
not pictured, also played on the winning
team. Eight teams competed in the annual
tournament held on June 15 at O’Leaver’s
Pub and Sand Volleyball Court.
We Heard from . . .
After three years as 6-12 Principal and Athletic Director
for the Marion School District, Chad Allison (1993)
will be starting a new position as Middle School Principal
for the Lennox School District. His wife, Amanda,
continues to work as a Clinical Nurse Educator on the
Pediatrics Unit for Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux
Falls, SD. Their daughter, Emma, will be in 4th grade.
Alexandria (Bell) Barlowe (2006) has started her
career as a writer, publishing her second book this year.
Visit her website by clicking here.
Fr. Matt Gutowski (1979) is celebrating 25 years of
priesthood this year. Nick McMahon (2004) got married on May 11.
Don Sullivan (1993) has been named the Director of
Global Reservation Sales and Customer Care Operations
Support for Marriott.
Jennifer (Finn) Sutton (2005) got married in May and
is attending the Metropolitan Community College’s
Interior Design Program.
Former RCHS Teacher Celebrates
40th Jubilee as Notre Dame
Sister
Sr. Joyce Ann Rezac, ND celebrated her 40th Jubilee
with a Mass and reception at St. Wenceslaus in Waterloo
on Sunday, July 14. Her brother, Fr. Keith Rezac, was
the celebrant. You can learn more about the Notre
Dame Sisters at www.notredamesisters.org.
We Like Hearing from You!
Please share your good news with us. Drop us a photo
and information in the mail or send it online under the
drop menu item “Alumni” at www.roncallicatholic.org.
www.roncallicatholic.org
23
ALUMS
All About
Class of 1983
Celebrates 30th
Reunion
ABOVE: The Roncalli Catholic Class
of 1983 gathered at Sam and Louie’s
Pizza on June 29 to reminisce and
celebrate their 30th Class Reunion.
(Above Left) Cindy (Weskirchen)
Munchrath, Tim Herbert and
Maureen (Haggerty) Joerger at the
June 29 reunion.
(Above Right) Chantelle (Petersen)
Habell and Michelle (Tyler) Zaleski
catch up at the Class of 1983
Reunion on June 29.
Notre Dame, Rummel and Roncalli
Yearbooks Available for Purchase
Are you still wishing you’d bought your high school yearbook to
remember the “Good Old Days”? Here’s your chance!
The Roncalli Catholic yearbook club has many old yearbooks, dating
back to the 1960s, and they are selling the extras from the archives.
Yearbooks from 1960-2000 are $10
Yearbooks from 2001-2010 are $20 If you are interested in purchasing a yearbook please contact
Brandie Simmons at [email protected]
Find a complete reunion schedule at
www.roncallicatholic.org under the
drop down menu item “Alumni”.
Check back often.
24
Magazine Ad Sizes and Prices
Choose appropriate:
Business Card (3.5”w x 2”)
___ 1 Issue $100 each
___ 2 Issues $90 each
Quarter Page (3.5”w x 4.5”)
Half Page (7.5”w x 4.5”)
Please note: all ads will be featured in color on the eMagazine version of Pride.
Choose which issue(s)
___ March
___ July/August
___ November
PLEASE TYPE OR PRINT INFORMATION BELOW
Company name
Representative name
Phone
Address
City
State
Email
Please choose one:
Zip+4
Website
___ Artwork provided
___ Pickup from ________________
___ Create new ad (no additional charge)
Describe what you want in your ad:
Authorized signature
Date
We appreciate your support.
Make checks payable to: Roncalli Catholic High School
(Please write “Pride ad” on memo line of check)
6401 Sorensen Pkwy, Omaha, NE 68152
Questions?Ron Goodrich • 402.592.0823 • [email protected]
25
A r o und the School . . . A t h l e t i c s
A. Kelsey Ryan
A. On April 25, RCHS Senior Kelsey
Ryan signed on to play Soccer for the
College of Saint Mary in Omaha, NE.
B. Adam Fleming
C.
Molly Millbrandt
Back row: RCHS coach Pat Stoffel and
College of St. Mary coach Shad Beam.
Front row: Brenda, Kelsey and Richard
Ryan.
B. RCHS Senior Adam Fleming
received a scholarship and signed on to
play baseball for Midland University in
Fremont, NE.
Back row: Tom Kupfer – Head Varsity
Coach, RCHS; Bill Olson – Pitching
Coach, RCHS. Front row: Adam
Fleming; Jordan Bischel – Head Coach
Midland University.
C. RCHS Senior Molly Millbrandt received a scholarship and signed on to play basketball for Midland
University in Fremont, NE.
Back row: RCHS Girls Basketball Coach Don Jensen, Midland University Assistant Coach, Chevelle Herring,
and Midland University Head Coach Matt Fritsch. Front row: Ann Milbrandt, Molly Milbrandt, and Todd
Milbrandt.
26
CRIMSON PRIDE
2013 Football Schedule
DATE
TIME
OPPONENT
LOCATION
Aug 30
7:00 p.m.
Mt. Michael
Elkhorn Middle School
Sept 5
7:00 p.m.
Platteview
Roncalli Catholic High School
Sept 13
7:00 p.m.
Nebraska City
Sept 20
7:00 p.m.
Elkhorn South
Elkhorn South High School
Sept 27
7:00 p.m.
South Sioux City High School South Sioux City
Oct 4
7:00 p.m.
Blair
Oct 11
7:00 p.m.
Skutt Catholic High School
Oct 17
7:00 p.m.
Gross Catholic High School
Bryan High School
Oct 24
7:00 p.m.
Ralston High School
You can also find a complete sports calendar online at
www.roncallicatholic.org under the “Athletics” drop down menu.
PRIDE
is published by the
Roncalli Catholic High School, Omaha, NE.
First Home Game
Televised!
©2013, All rights reserved.
Materials in PRIDE may be reproduced
provided prior permission is obtained from the editor and credit is given.
September 5, 2013
Platteview at
Roncalli Catholic
RONCALLI CATHOLIC PRESIDENT: Jeffrey M. Dempsey
RONCALLI CATHOLIC PRESIDENT EMERITUS: Rev. Lloyd A. Gnirk
RONCALLI CATHOLIC PRINCIPAL: Paul Hans
EDITOR: Kristi Berger
PHOTOGRAPHY: Roncalli Catholic Staff
FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION
Please contact Ron Goodrich • 402.592.0823 • [email protected]
All advertising dollars are sent directly to Roncalli Catholic High School
and help to underwrite the cost of this publication.
Find a sample ad agreement on page 24.
NP Dodge Pre-game Show
6:30 p.m.
Kick-off 7 p.m.
KXVO Cox Channel 11
KXVO Cox HD
Channel 1011
Also streaming live at
NEPrepZone.com
River Cities All-Conference Awards
The following Roncalli Catholic students earned athletic All-Conference Awards in the 2012-2013 school year.
BASEBALL
Connor Berg
Alec Bohm
Tyler Crawford
Adam Fleming
Jake Tyrakoski
Honorable Mention
Honorable Mention
Honorable Mention
1st Team
1st Team
GOLF - BOYS
Collin Griffith
1st Team
GOLF - GIRLS
Raluca Maiefski
1st Team
Soccer - Boys
David Mucha
Adam Vejmelek
BASKETBALL - BOYS
Jody Bryant
Nick Dotzler
Derek Lee
Honorable Mention
Honorable Mention
1st Team
Honorable Mention
Honorable Mention
SOCCER - GIRLS
Megan Dai
Emily Guinn
Hannah Knight
Rachael Kudlacek
Kelsey Ryan
Honorable Mention
Honorable Mention
Honorable Mention
Honorable Mention
1st Team
BASKETBALL - GIRLS
Maddie Dotzler
Hannah Knight
Molly Milbrandt
Cami Schott
Honorable Mention
Honorable Mention
Honorable Mention
Honorable Mention
SWIMMING
Timothy Bosn
CROSS COUNTRY
Hannah Ramsgard
1st Team
1st Team
TENNIS - BOYS
Adam Vejmelek
FOOTBALL
Kevin Carney
Nick Dotzler
Justin Dunn
Derek Lee
Matt Morrison
David Mucha
1st Team
Honorable Mention
1st Team
1st Team
1st Team
Honorable Mention
Honorable Mention
VOLLEYBALL
Emilie Barnes
Maddie Dotzler
Abby Goetz
Honorable Mention
Honorable Mention
Honorable Mention
All-State Awards
The following Roncalli Catholic students earned athletic All-State Awards in the 2012-2013 school year.
BASEBALL
Alec Bohm
Honorable Mention
Tyler Crawford Honorable Mention
Adam Fleming 1st Team
BASKETBALL - BOYS
Jody Bryant
Honorable Mention
Nick Dotzler
Honorable Mention
Derek Lee
Honorable Mention
BASKETBALL - GIRLS
Maddie Dotzler Honorable Mention
Hannah Knight Honorable Mention
Cami Schott
Honorable Mention
FOOTBALL
Nick Dotzler
Derek Lee
Honorable Mention
Honorable Mention
SOCCER - GIRLS
Hannah Knight Honorable Mention
Kelsey Ryan
Honorable Mention
TENNIS - BOYS
Adam Fleming Honorable Mention
Jackson MatuellaHonorable Mention
Adam Vejmelek Honorable Mention
VOLLEYBALL
Emilie Barnes
Maddie Dotzler
Abby Goetz
Bailey Preston
Honorable Mention
Honorable Mention
Honorable Mention
Honorable Mention
27

RCHS President, Jeff Dempsey, and new RCHS

Transcription

Similar documents

RONCALLI HIGH SCHOOL

St_Luke - EMC 2016 - St. Luke Catholic High School

Presenter: Frank Mercadante Executive Director of Cultivation

MOVIE DAY

Diary: “La Mia Vita in Oriente. Agende del Delegato Apostolico 1940

Jan 2015 - Magnificat Houses

Aberdeen Roncalli

Welcome to JSerra Online Catholic High School!

Constitutions, and Markets

of St. Isaac Jogues Catholic Elementary and Junior High School

March Newsletter - Good Shepherd Elementary