Support for the Rapid City Catholic Schools

BY THE NUMBERS
805
TOTAL ENROLLMENT
108
TOTAL PERSONNEL
73
PRESCHOOL
286
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
208
MIDDLE SCHOOL
238
HIGH SCHOOL
St. Elizabeth Seton Elementary Principal:
Colleen Lecy
[email protected]
St. Thomas More High School Principal:
Wayne Sullivan [email protected]
St. Thomas More Middle School Principal:
Keiz Shultz
[email protected]
Rapid City Catholic School System Superintendent:
Barb Honeycutt [email protected]
Dear Friends,
I am pleased to provide you with this 2013-14 Annual Report of the
Rapid City Catholic School System (RCCSS). The RCCSS maintains a
system of internal controls and an external audit over financial
reporting to provide reasonable assurance that assets are safeguarded
and transactions are executed in accordance with school policy.
God continues to bless our students and schools beyond measure. As
you review this report, I’m sure you will agree that 2013-14 was an
exceptional year for the RCCSS. It is our desire to be accessible to all
who desire a Catholic education. One way to achieve this goal is
through increased tuition assistance. Your continued support has
made it possible for us to increase this assistance. Due to the
generosity of so many individuals, the RCCSS was able to offer over
$169,000 in tuition assistance during the 2013-14 school year. The
amount reflects a 44% increase in assistance over this time period.
The RCCSS saw an increase in enrollment by nine percent. St.
Elizabeth Seton Elementary School at Terra Sancta is attracting many
new families, and the number of families seeking a strong Catholic
preschool program is on the rise. STM Middle School enrollment was
at an all-time high and is becoming a strong feeder program for our
high school. Highlights of the year included the announcement that
STM had three National Merit Scholars and one Presidential Scholar
named from the senior class of 2014. In addition, the RCCSS Board of
Directors was one of six boards across the nation to receive the
Outstanding Board Award from the National Catholic Educational
Association.
We look to the beginning of our new school year with great joy and
gratitude. I hope this publication is informative and that you are
pleased with the many great things taking place at the RCCSS. On
behalf of our school
community, thank you for
Be it known to all who enter…
your commitment to
Catholic education. May
CHRIST
God bless you in all things.
is the reason for this school.
Thanks be to God!
Barb Honeycutt
He is the unseen but ever present
teacher in its classes. He is the
model of its faculty and the inspiration
of its students.
Rapid City Catholic School System
Board Honored at Educators Convention
The Rapid City Catholic School System Board received the 2014
Outstanding Board Award from the National Catholic Educational
Association (NCEA) for their dedication and commitment to
excellence.
The board was recognized during a ceremony at the NCEA annual
convention on April 23, 2014 in Pittsburgh, PA. The award honors
NCEA Board Members present the award to Kevin Maher, school boards that have made the challenging strategic moves
necessary for their respective schools to continue to have a positive
Barb Honeycutt, Dionne Eastmo, and Lynn Eckrich
effect on their students’ formation and education. Boards not only set
the direction for the school, they also use the varied skills of the members to support and advance the school.
“Each of these boards and councils has proven itself to be a steadfast asset and champion to its school,” said Regina
Haney, Ph.D., executive director of the NCEA Boards and Councils department. “They have helped their schools to
provide top-notch Catholic education and, in some cases, have forged entirely new paths for their community and
schools to thrive.”
The Rapid City Catholic School System Board recently purchased and renovated a former monastery, converting the
building into a brand new elementary school. The creation of this school helped to establish more space at the middle
and high schools where the elementary school students had
previously been using classrooms. Additionally, the school’s new
kitchen made participation in the National School Lunch Program
a reality.
About the NCEA Convention
NCEA's convention, held last year in collaboration with the
Diocese of Pittsburgh, is the largest private education association
gathering in the country. It drew participants from all facets of
Catholic education, including elementary and secondary schools,
education boards, religious education programs, and colleges
and universities. The event featured professional development
From left to right back row: Mr. Scott O’Meara, Mr. Brad
sessions, liturgies and an exhibition of educational products and
Ehresmann, Mr. John Gomez, Mr. Burke Eilers, Mr. Dennis Wagner,
services.
Mrs. Lynn Eckrich, Fr. Steve Biegler
From left to right front row: Mr. Tony Berendse, Secretary, Mr.
The year's keynote speakers included Cardinal Donald Wuerl,
Kevin Maher, President, Dr. Dionne Eastmo, Vice-President, Mrs.
archbishop of Washington, D.C., and author of the best-selling
Barb Honeycutt, Superintendent
catechisms, The Teaching of Christ and The Catholic Way, who
Not pictured: Mrs. Suzie Lambert, Fr. David Matzko
discussed the New Evangelization; and Robert Marzano, Ph.D.,
cofounder and CEO of Marzano Research Laboratory in Colorado, who explored the art and science of teaching.
NCEA, founded in 1904, is a professional membership organization that provides leadership, direction and service to
fulfill the evangelizing, catechizing, and teaching mission of the church. NCEA's members include elementary schools,
high schools, boards, parish religious education programs, and seminaries. For more information,
visit: www.ncea.org/convention.
Developing Personal & Academic Excellence in the Catholic Tradition
Annual Report 2013-2014
2
Office of RCCSS
STAFF DEMOGRAPHICS
Female
Male
Clergy
Total
29
9
Full-Time Elementary
28
1
1/3
Full-Time Middle School
6
3
1/3
Full-Time High School
11
6
1/3
Part-Time Elementary
2
0
0
2
Part-Time Middle School
6
5
0
11
Part-Time High School
3
4
0
7
26
7
Total
82
26
33
1
Superintendent
Mr. Wayne Sullivan
St. Thomas More High School Principal
18
(total includes
Clergy)
District & Support Staff
Mrs. Barb Honeycutt
109
Ms. Keiz Shultz
St. Thomas More Middle School Principal
Ms. Colleen Lecy
St. Elizabeth Seton Elementary School Principal
Ms. Marcia Werner
Assistant to the Superintendent/ Admissions Director
Mrs. Tami Dewes
Network Administrator
Mrs. Mary Casey
STAFF AWARDS
Director of Campus Ministry
Rev. Marcin Garbacz
Chaplain
The average employee has been with us for 8.67 years. Many of our
dedicated staff members have been with the school for over 15 years.
The RCCSS would like to recognize the following staff who celebrated a
special anniversary with us.
5 years:
Julie Halvorson
Cathy Hanson
Megan O’Daniel
10 Years:
Rebecca Cronin
Tracy Freidel
Jenny Schweppe
Marcia Werner
15 Years:
Julie Carreiro
Deb Janes
Val King
Theresa Palmer
Shelly Porvasnik
20 Years:
Jay Colgan
Barb Honeycutt
Colleen Lecy
Mrs. Lisa Kinyon
Campus Ministry Assistant
Mr. Dave Hollenbeck
Director of Facilities
Mr. Robert Satter (‘87)
Development Director
Mrs. Carol Matt
Development Assistant
Mrs. Elizabeth Myscofski (‘99)
Development Assistant/ STM MS Office Assistant
Mrs. Tracy Barnes
STM HS Office Assistant
Mrs. Shelly Porvasnik
Miss Marie Broz
SES Office Assistants
25 Years:
Mary Helen Olsen
Shelby Vickers
Mr. Craig Nowotny
Activities Director
Mrs. Carol Cooper
Activities Director Assistant
Outstanding Employees of 2013-2014
Nominated by their peers, recipients of this award are chosen annually.
A committee is established to review the nominations.
Mrs. Rebecca Cronin
Director of Finances
Ms. Shannon Quinn (‘00)
Accounting Clerk
Ginny Reinicke
“...a phenomenal teacher, an immense support to her fellow
teachers, an advocate for her students, and, most importantly, a
model of strong Christian living both in the school and in the
community.”
Elizabeth Myscofski
Mrs. Barb Fritz
Director of Food Service
Mr. Robert Aberle
School Counselor
Mrs. Stephanie Strand (‘98)
School Counselor
“a caring, hardworking, glowing force... a true ‘Magnetic
Christian,’ and the type of person you hope you will get to see
sometime during each day.”
3
Developing Personal & Academic Excellence in the Catholic Tradition
Annual Report 2013-2014
FACULTY/STAFF CONTINUING EDUCATION
All staff are involved in the AdvancEd Accreditation Process and are required to
obtain continuing education hours through various workshops, classes, and
opportunities to continue to grow as educators.
FAST FACTS
 First non-public school system in SD to
receive the AdvancED district
accreditation.
 AdvancEd Accreditation Process and

Kaycee Baye, Anthony Flores, Leanne Hurdel, Ann Trucano, Shelby Vickers,
Patricia Weisman, and Kathryn Wetzel attended professional development
supplied by the Learning & Thinking Institute of the National Math &
Science Initiative for ELA and Mathematics. This training will allow
participants free access to materials and resources from the Math &
Science Institute for two years.

Anthony Flores attended a Speech Curriculum workshop in Aberdeen, SD,
which will assist the school in our all-school speech contests.
 98% of graduates attend a four-year
institution of higher education.

Kaycee Baye, Joanne Achbach, Ann Walther, and Amy Tweed attended the
SD State Math and Science Conference.

Barb Honeycutt, Joanne Achbach,
Katherine Wetzel, Cathy Matthesen,
Mary Helen Olsen and Robert Aberle
attended the AdvancEd Accreditation
Convention, and Angela Weber served
on an AdvancEd accreditation team.
 92% of all Middle School and 94% of
Elementary students were proficient or
advanced in Reading Comprehension.


Middle School ELA and computer
teachers participated in ReadingPlus
training with Dr. Bob Arnio of Learning
Solutions.
 As part of the 7th grade Service
Requirement, all 7th graders initiated and
maintained a school-wide recycling
program for paper, plastics and
aluminum cans.
Incorporating international events
into the curriculum, the forth grade
class at SES used the Winter Olympics
to learn more about countries.
Barb Honeycutt, Colleen Lecy, Mary
Casey, Lisa Kinyon, Robert Aberle, Dave Elkjer, Jean Grode, Carol Cooper,
and Fr. Marcin all attended the Pastoral Ministry days hosted by the
Diocese of Western South Dakota.
Of all public and available private school data, St. Thomas More
High School graduates had the highest composite eight-year
average ACT scores from 2006-2014 in the state of South Dakota.
ACT Scores
0=36
30
29
28
27
26
25
24
23
22
21
20
 The 6th grade Service Project was the Cav
Cart, a school supply store. Proceeds
from this project were designated to the
Make a Wish Foundation—$300!
 The 2013-2014 school year was the
largest enrollment at the Middle School
with 207 students.
 STM Middle School raised money and/or
goods for the following community
entities: Pennies for Patients, Veterans
Homeless Fund, Thanksgiving Baskets for
8 Local Families, Christmas gifts for local
senior citizens , and donated to churches
and social service agencies for families in
need at Christmas
 92% of students are involved in
extracurricular activities and receive
state and national recognition.
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
stm
24.3 23.4 25.3 25.9 24.7 25.2 25.1 24.1 25.7
state
21.8 21.9
22
22
national 21.1 21.2 21.1 21.1
rc area
Continuous Improvement Plans are
showing wonderful results in character
and academic development in our
students and a strong development of
faith formation.
21.8 21.8 21.8 21.9 21.9
21
21.1 21.1 20.9
21
21.9 22.2 22.4 22.2 22.1 22.1 22.2 22.2 22.2
Developing Personal & Academic Excellence in the Catholic Tradition
 Differentiated math instruction at the
Middle School level allowed advanced
placement for high school Algebra I
credit with 100% pass rate on the South
Dakota End of Course Exam.
 The National Honor Society at STM
ended the 2014 school year with 61
members.
Annual Report 2013-2014
4
FINANCIAL REPORT
TUITION RATES FOR 2013-2014
Elementary
Middle School
High School
Active Catholic
$3,256
$3,822
$5,362
Inactive/Non-Catholic
$4,890
$5,696
$6,751
RCCSS is a non-profit organization that relies on tuition, grants, donations, and fundraising to meet its yearly expenses.
The school's endowment ended the year with $4.3M in assets. Income from the endowment was released for tuition assistance,
faculty/ staff benefits, and facility upgrades.
Income
Tuition
Endowment
Parish Support
Fundraising
Diocesan Support
Registration Fees
Other Income
Total
Expenses
74%
4%
9%
5%
4%
3%
2%
100%
Salaries
Facilities Expenses
Employee Benefits
Depreciation
Athletics
Teaching/Office Expenses
Administrative
Tuition Assistance
Total
56%
14%
10%
9%
1%
4%
3%
3%
100%
Support for the Rapid City Catholic Schools
Endowment - Give to the Endowment for Excellence in Education that provides funding for
faculty/staff salaries, tuition assistance, or capital improvement projects.
Annual Appeal - Give to the RCCSS Annual Appeal each year to help support the actual cost
of educating a student.
Will - A bequest is a method of making a charitable gift from your estate by naming the
Rapid City Catholic Schools as a beneficiary in your will.
Life Insurance - Name the Rapid City Catholic Schools as the beneficiary of an existing life
insurance policy or choose to purchase a charitable life insurance policy.
Scrip - A very popular fundraiser, Scrip has brought in over $60,000 for tuition assistance
and tuition compensation for the families who purchase the gift cards. Gift cards are
purchased at the school system. Orders placed on Monday by 9 a.m. will be available to pick STM HS raised over $2,000 and STM
up on Friday afternoon.
MS donated 750 lbs of food for the
KOTA Care & Share Food Drive.
5
Developing Personal & Academic Excellence in the Catholic Tradition
Annual Report 2013-2014
DEVELOPMENT OFFICE
Dear Friends,
On behalf of the RCCSS Development Office, I thank each of you for your continued support of our Catholic
Schools. Also, the warm welcome I’ve received as the new Development Director is truly appreciated – It has
been a pleasure to meet many of you.
A few fundraising highlights include:
Winefest—$28,549.00
Mayfest—$73,769.92
Annual Appeal—$30,925.75
Scrip—$16,600.78
Catholic United Raffle - $37,752.09
Magazine Sales— $19,997.94
With all of this critical support through the years, our principals and their staff have done remarkable work in establishing a culture
of excellence in our schools. St. Thomas More High School, St. Thomas More Middle School, and St. Elizabeth Seton Elementary
School are extraordinary schools, of which all of us can be proud. Once again, heartfelt thanks for your continued support of the
Rapid City Catholic School System.
Kind Regards,
Robert Satter
Annual Appeal Donors
The Annual Appeal is a fundraiser for the Rapid City Catholic School System that benefits teacher compensation, benefits, and
special needs for the district. The campaign runs from December through May.
A-1 Steam Brothers
Ms. Evelyn Anderson
Anonymous
Eleanor & John Bertrand
Bloom Ranch, LLC
Mr. & Mrs. Roy & Marilyn Brumbaugh
Mr. & Mrs. Patrick & Lucy Burchill
Carlin Family Trust
Annabell Christensen
Rev. Brian P. Christensen
Mrs. Norma E. Clinton
Mr. Frank Commerford
Mr. & Mrs. James & Sondra Courtney
Rev. D. Craig Cower
Dana Dental Arts
Rev. Ray Deisch ()
Ms. Kathryn Dennis
Monte & Luanne Dirks
Don & Miriam Dunmire
Drs. Eric & Dionne Eastmo
Laverne & Myrtle Eich
Keith & Lucille Emerson
Mr. & Mrs. Jim & Elaine Emery
Dr. & Mrs. Tim & Deb Frost
David & Beverly Gehman
Madeline Giacoletto
Albert P. Gillies, Jr.
Mr. Mike Goggin
Michele Goodwin
Mr. & Mrs. Christopher & Teresa Grant
Connie Haselhorst
Mary H. Hellekson
Joseph & Bonnie Hilt
Mr. & Mrs. Michae & Jane Holeton
Mr. & Mrs. Charles & Maxine Holm
Mr. & Mrs. Bill & Barb Honeycutt
Mr. & Mrs. Henry & Kathleen Houston
Mr. & Mrs. Edwin & Janet Hubbeling
Mr. & Mrs. Dirk Jablonski
Mr. & Mrs. George H. Jackson
Mr. & Mrs. Alfred & Debbie Jennings
Ronald Johnsen
Ms. Dora Ann Jones
Adele Josten
Rev. Dan Juelfs
Dr. & Mrs. Mike & Pat Keegan
George A. Kick
Carol King
Mr. Francis Kolb
Mary Ann Kopp
Richard & Marge Kovarik
Dr. Stephen Kovarik & Dr. Virginia Frei
Ms. Marie Lamm
Ms. Bonnie Lawrence
Dorothea Lewis
Helen Louison
Mr. & Mrs. James & Cora Lunan
Mr. & Mrs. Kevin & Denise Maher
Mr. & Mrs. Edward & Delores Martinmaas
Clarence & Crystal Mashak
Frank & Ruby Matejcik
Kandy McLeod
Joan McNally
Mr. & Mrs. Todd & Erin Menkhaus
Mr. & Mrs. William Mitchell
Msgr William O'Connell
Ms. Antoinette Pelkey
Mike & Kathy Pelly
Lois Rank
Drs. Louis & Julie Raymond
Rita Recker
Dr. & Mrs. Ron Reed
Mr. & Mrs. Howard & Mary Rice
Daniel & Darlene Richer
Mr. & Mrs. Robert & Jean Ricketts
Mr. & Mrs. John Schlim
Mr. & Mrs. Robert J. Schurger
Greg & Melissa Schweiss
Donal & Catherine Sieger
Drs. Matthew & Lynn Simmons
Mr. and Dr. William & Mary Snyder
Mr. & Mrs. James & Bette Somers
Madalyn & Warren Stone
Rita K. Strand
Mr. John Swaby
Frank Taggart
Harley Taylor
Dr. & Mrs. Hubert Theissen
Mrs. Irene Trione
Mr. John R. Waldron
Mr. & Mrs. John & Alberta Welch
Fred & Paula Welsch
Mr. & Mrs. Robert J. White
Mike Whiting & Brenda Degen-Whiting
Larry & Joyce Williamson
Dr. & Mrs. Roger Wilson
Dr. & Mrs. Greg Wittenberg
Mr. & Mrs. John & Judy Wolf
() deceased
Developing Personal & Academic Excellence in the Catholic Tradition
Annual Report 2013-2014
6
Campus Ministry
It is always wonderful to see how God makes it possible for us to take care of all levels of
students and staff. The Campus Ministry office serves to incorporate our Catholic Identity
into the daily lives of the students.
Through weekly prayer experience, we involve all grade levels to minister for services like
Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, reconciliation, recitation of the rosary, Taize, classroom
prayer services or guest speakers. Students respond positively when asked to help with
the duties of prayer. It’s a wonderful way to get them to understand what is happening
and be active in their faith.
Eucharistic Procession
at STM Middle School
Eucharistic Exposition & Adoration was held every Monday from 8:30 -12:30 in the Chapel
at the High School. With the availability of the St. John Fisher Chapel at the Middle School
Chapel, we held Mass and Adoration there the first Monday of every month.
The senior retreat team was created to provide leadership for retreats for grades 6-12. We started the year by taking the seniors
for a weekend retreat in the Hills to help them prepare for the upcoming phase in their life. An overnight retreat experience was
also provided for both the sophomore boys and girls. We found that by taking them overnight, the participants are more willing to
delve deeper into the Theology of the Body concept, which is the topic of the retreat for this age group. The remainder of the
grade levels experience a one-day retreat each with a different age-appropriate theme.
The Campus Ministry Office organized the 2014 staff retreat and invited presenter, Fr. Justin Waltz, from Bismarck, ND. He led the
RCCSS staff in a day of reflection on what it means to be a Catholic educator and how their personal prayer life feeds into their
professional life.
Our Adopted Priest/Deacon and Seminarian Programs continue to be strong, with these men
being paired with different grade levels. Connecting with the students in a variety of ways, the
students get to know these men on a more personal level and understand the call to Vocation
on a personal level.
The Society of Savio is a group of students who have large hearts of giving and go above and
beyond what is required for a class to serve others. They met twice a month and hosted a very
successful coat drive and cookie sale in December. The students used the proceeds from the
sale to adopt a local family in need and supplied them with food through the spring months
and gifts for Christmas.
Society of Savio dropping off
donations.
National Catholic Schools Week was celebrated the last week in January. Campus Ministry joined together with the Diocesan
Vocations Office for our fifth annual Men-in-Black Basketball game. We also helped the Office
of Vocations with their annual presentation on Vocation Awareness.
The sophomore class hosted its annual spring service day for the local parishes. They helped
with gardening, cleaning and painting. It was nice to be able to give back to the parishes who
give so much to support the RCCSS.
For the fourth year, 28 STM juniors, seniors, staff, and parents participated in our mission
program. This year we worked thru the Mustard Seed
Communities and traveled to the country of Jamaica to
work in two orphanages, which care for physically and mentally handicapped children. While
we were there, we helped build a water system, worked on the paving of a path to a grotto
so the residents in wheelchairs could access the prayer space, gardened and cleaned up the
grounds, painted new dorms, and most importantly, helped with the daily care of the
residents. Since we were there during Holy Week, we were able to see the beautiful
traditions of our church celebrated in a different culture. It was an amazing trip, and we are
on their schedule to return in April of 2015.
7
Developing Personal & Academic Excellence in the Catholic Tradition
Annual Report 2013-2014
Facility Updates
The Facilities Division of the RCCSS School Board was busy with continued improvements to all three buildings. Updated included
additional cameras installed inside the buildings.
The Middle School updates consisted of the following:
 Pew style seating for the St. John Fisher Chapel
 The gym was repainted and a new state-of-the-art hardwood floor was installed
 Due to increased enrollment, new lockers were painted and installed
 The first phase of installing new energy-efficient windows was implemented on
the second floor
 The library underwent renovation to enable more technology use and a friendly
welcoming atmosphere
 Phase 2 of the Playground Renovation included a new shade structure, sprinkler
system updates for the new landscaping and sod for the soccer field
The High School updates consisted of the following:
Honoring our Veterans on Vet’s Day.
 A state-of-the-art new gym floor was installed
The HS assembly included saying thank
 The library improvements consisted of a new paint job, new computers, new
you to current active military parents.
tables and chairs and incorporation of reading areas
 The Superintendent’s office was painted
 The Athletic Director’s office was relocated to the main office area and a storage closet was repurposed
St. Elizabeth Seton School updates consisted of the following:
 Repairs to the gym roof and a new heater
 New stage curtains (purchased by High School Fine Arts Club)
 Additional lighting in the office area
 Surfacing of the additional road for pick-up after school
Child Development at Terra Sancta
The Pre-Kindergarten class, in its third year, was specifically designed for children who have
completed the four-year-old preschool curriculum but are not ready or old enough to enter
Kindergarten. This class transitions students into a more formal learning style than preschool and
continues to prepare them for the Kindergarten placement exam.
The Child Development Program also participated in Starting Strong, a local initiative to provide
early educational opportunities to families in Rapid City who may not otherwise be able to
provide learning opportunities to their young children. Families who are enrolled are able to pick
the participating preschool program to enroll their child. The program enrolls eight students in
preschool at St. Elizabeth Seton.
The interior courtyard
play area for Preschool is
a safe and fun
environment that fosters
learning, sharing, and
physical motor skills in
the preschool-aged child.
A fun, laid-back program, the Summer Child Care had its second year. With weekly themes, the
program is unique because working parents can choose a schedule that fits their unique needs.
Unlike many summer programs, parents have the option to enroll for just morning sessions,
afternoon sessions, 3-day-a-week program, 5-day-a-week program or 2-day-a-week program. The
flexibility to work with summer vacation schedules and various camps has proved to be a great
way to introduce the RCCSS to new families and families with preschool-aged children who want
to introduce the school to their child early.
Developing Personal & Academic Excellence in the Catholic Tradition
Annual Report 2013-2014
8
ATHLETIC ACHIEVEMENTS 2013-2014
FALL SEASON
FOOTBALL
Black Hills Conference Champions (8th time in school's history)
All State Players – Lincoln Feist, Jacob Henderson, Riley Scherr
VOLLEYBALL
Black Hills Conference Champions (4th time in school's history)
CROSS COUNTRY Boys & Girls CC Team – State Qualifier
BOYS GOLF
State Qualifier - Jeron Laurenti - All State - 6th Place
GIRLS SOCCER State Soccer Tournament – 4th Place Team
All State Players – Avery White, Jennifer Hyde
Honorable Mention All State - Kiley Medler, Ashley Peterson
BOYS SOCCER
All State Players - 2nd Team - Tommy Patton, Jacob Henderson, Griffin Schroeder
Honorable Mention All State - Dan Duffy
GIRLS TENNIS
4TH Place – One Class System
WINTER SEASON
RAPID CITY
MALE
ATHLETE OF
THE YEAR
Jacob Henderson
BOYS BASKETBALL Black Hills Conference Champions ( 13th time in school’s history)
All Tournament Team - Jeron Laurenti
GIRLS BASKETBALL State A Basketball - State Champions (2nd time in school’s history)
WRESTLING
State Qualifier – Ryan Krump
SPRING SEASON
Girls State Track & Field Meet Second Place
Boys State Track & Field Meet Fourth Place
GIRLS GOLF
Black Hills Conference Champion (1st time in school's history)
Alex Kandolin - BHC Individual Champion
BASEBALL
State Baseball Tournament – State Champions
Fine Arts
The Fine Arts program at RCCSS continues to grow and develop. The introduction of the
Cavalier Coffee House was a successful showcase of the musical, vocal, and visual arts the
High School students at STM possess. Many Best of the West art pieces were on display as
well as works from the STM Middle School students. Parents, supporters, and visitors enjoyed
coffee donated by Dunn Bros. and music by South Dakota Senior Honors Choir member,
Audree Blankartz.
The continuation of the Fall and Spring plays is an integral part
of the RCCSS community involvement with the Arts. Open to the
public and sponsored by various businesses and individuals, Mrs.
Advanced Art students work
together on a collaborative project. Angela Weber, Mrs. Susan Oleson, and Mr. Lloyd Potter direct,
conduct, and build the sets for the plays, create the costumes,
and rehearse for many long hours. The Fine Arts department produces a
musical in the Spring every other year. The 2013-2014 school year included
the productions of “Rehearsal for Murder” and “Leaving Iowa.”
Blankartz pictured
with Choir Director,
Angela Weber
9
Lloyd Potter continues to push the band and jazz band to new levels.
Rehearsals for the Ska Band bring the musical talents of the students to the
ears of anyone walking the halls of the Middle School. The Ska Band
performed many times in public including at Main Street Square. Mr. Potter
encourages students at St. Elizabeth Seton to pick an instrument and start
practicing as young as fifth grade.
Developing Personal & Academic Excellence in the Catholic Tradition
Class of 2014 Graduate,
Whitney Barnes was awarded a
scholarship from the Northern
Plains Watercolor Society.
Barnes is pictured with 2014
Outstanding Staff Member of
the Year, Art Teacher, Ginny
Reinicke.
Annual Report 2013-2014
We The People
The We the People Program enhances student understanding of American
constitutional democracy. Discovering the contemporary relevance of the
Constitution and Bill of Rights, the culminating activity is a simulated
congressional hearing in which students "testify" before a panel of judges,
usually made up of state lawmakers, judges, lawyers, and other
professionals. Students demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of
constitutional principles and have opportunities to evaluate, take, and defend
positions on relevant historical and contemporary issues. The 2013-2014
students enrolled in AP U.S. Government and Politics who participated in this
competition won at the state level in Pierre, SD. For the first time in STM
history, the students represented STM and South Dakota at the national
competition in Washington, D.C. in April.
Congratulations to the students who brought in our highest-scoring
unit: Moira Duffy, Marianne Hofer, and Mason Grimshaw. Special
congratulations to Nicholas Sieger who was selected as Outstanding Speaker
from among all teams and students who participated in the competition.
AP U.S. Government Class of 2014: Brenden Amiotte, Jacob
Baumgartner, Julia Bodine, Chandler Casey, Daniel Duffy, Moira
Duffy, Mason Grimshaw, Michael Hanson, Sam Hanzlik, Lane
Haskell, Marianne Hofer, Kayla Johnson, Robert Kinyon, Alex
Montoya, Torin Peterson, Ellie Schlauger, Nicholas Sieger, Karin
Tenglin and Matt Wingert. Teacher Mrs. Jeanne Gibson.
Immaculée Ilibagiza; A powerful message of Faith, Hope and Forgiveness
“If you have to choose between being right and being kind, always choose kindness.”
Immaculée Ilibagiza’s life was transformed dramatically during the 1994 Rwandan genocide
where she and seven other women spent 91 days hiding silently in a cramped 3x4 foot
bathroom of a local pastor's house. Immaculée entered the bathroom a vibrant, 115-pound
university student with a loving family. After 91 days in hiding, she emerged from the
bathroom weighing just 65 pounds and finding her family had been brutally murdered. In
Left to Tell, Immaculée shares her story of courage, faith and the power of prayer. Her book
is a New York Times Best Seller and has been featured on 60 Minutes, The CBS Early Show,
CNN and USA Today. To date, Left to Tell has been translated into over 20 languages
worldwide and is under contract to become a major motion picture.
Immaculée visits St. Thomas More
St. Thomas More staff and students in grades 8 through 12 read Left to Tell and studied different aspects of Immaculee’s story
during English, religion and history classes. Other high school students from around the area were invited to participate, and in all,
over 700 students had the privilege of hearing Immaculée’s story. The visiting students came from
Rapid City Christian School, Red Cloud Indian School, American Horse School, STAR Academy, and the
Homeschool Association. Additionally, an STM family created a replica bathroom so that students
could experience the tight quarters Immaculée endured during her harrowing ordeal.
Immaculée impacts the Black Hills Community
In addition to speaking at STM, Immaculée spoke to nearly 4,000 Black Hills residents in Spearfish and
a sold-out Rapid City Civic Center. Due to the generosity of 40 sponsors, tickets were an affordable
$10. And in preparation for her visit, over 1000 Left to Tell books were sold. Due to the
overwhelming response to Immaculée’s visit, we more than covered our expenses and made a
$10,000 charitable donation to All Day Fore Africa, an organization supported by Immaculée, that is
building a medical center and school dormitories in Kibeho, Rwanda. Remaining proceeds are being
used to bring Immaculée back to Rapid City in November 2014.
Developing Personal & Academic Excellence in the Catholic Tradition
Annual Report 2013-2014
10
STUDENTS: ABOVE & BEYOND
ACT of the Cavaliers: Thirteen 2014 STM seniors scored 30+ composite on the ACT test bringing the total of STM seniors who have scored
30+ to 117. Congratulations: Brenden Amiotte, Chandler Casey, Daniel Duffy, Moira Duffy, Mason Grimshaw, Sam Hanzlik, Lane Haskell,
Marianne Hofer, Madison Kirsch, Torin Peterson, Nicholas Sieger, Karin Tenglin and Matt Wingert. The 2014 plaque can be
viewed on the main floor between the chapel and art display case at STM High School.
National Merit Scholar: An academic competition for recognition and scholarships that began in 1955, high school students
enter the National Merit Program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. The
test serves as an initial screen of approximately 1.5 million entrants each year. The student must also meet the
published program entry/participation requirements. Recipients of this award are Nicholas Sieger, Torin
T. Peterson
Peterson, and Daniel Duffy.
Presidential Scholarship Award: Established in 1964, this honor recognizes the Nation’s most distinguished
graduating high school seniors who score exceptionally well on the SAT or ACT and demonstrate exceptional
talent in the visual, creative and performing arts. STM High School graduating senior Nicholas Sieger, was the
recipient of this years award.
D. Duffy
Chadron State Academic Competition: Congratulations to the 2014 Chadron Scholastic Team on their 2nd Place finish at the N. Sieger
Chadron State College Academic Contest on April 4, 2014. The following students placed in the top 25% for their contest(s):
George Bernard-Rank 5-World History; Steven Carreiro-Rank 6-Wildlife Ecology and Management; Alexa Diehl-Rank 1 Gold MedalPsychology; Hanna Glissendorf-Rank 8-American History; Rank 16-Chemistry; Rank 12-Trigonometry; Dru Gylten-Rank 11-Algebra I;
Mason Grimshaw-Rank 10-Advanced Mathematics; Rank 15-Vocabulary; Lane Haskell-Rank 19-American Government; Rank 5-English
Usage; Marianne Hofer-Rank 8-American Government; Rank 2 Silver Medal-Human Development and Family Life; Rank 7-Information
Literacy; Coulson Jensen-Henry-Rank 12-Earth Science; Newt Johnson-Rank 4-Simulated News Reporting; Isaac Kortemeyer-Rank 3 Bronze
Medal-Plane Geometry; Ryan Krump-Rank 14-Algebra II; Andrew Montoya-Rank 2 Silver Medal-American History; Rank 13-Chemistry;
Parker Oleson-Rank 2 Silver Medal-World History; Sam Persinger-Rank 4-Equine Management; Micaela Raymond-Rank 2 Silver MedalEquine Management, Megan Ward-Rank 9-Algebra I
National Peace Essay Contest: St. Thomas More graduates Lane Haskell, Moira Duffy, and Nicholas Sieger placed in the 2013-14 National
Peace Essay Contest. Haskell won first place while Duffy and Sieger received honorable mention at the state level. Haskell will receive a
$1,000 college scholarship and will compete nationally for a chance at a grand prize of $10,000. The top three national winners will
attend a five-day awards week in Washington, D.C. in June. Sponsored by the U.S. Institute of Peace, this program fosters discussion
among students concerning the complexities of international peacemaking. This year students wrote about security sector reform,
political transition, and sustainable peace as their topic. This is the final year this contest will be funded.
Black Hills Reading Council Poetry Cabaret Winners: 2nd Grade Libby Schaack, 3rd Grade Paetyn Carlin, Abbi Wagner, Grace Schad, Gabby
Robbins, 4th Grade Jordan McArthur, Madelynn Holzer, Kristin Haskell, 5th Grade Jenna Casey, Brandon Boyum, 6th Grade Elizabeth
Carlisle, Liam Yantes, 12th Grade Janna Kerk, Breonna Flannery, Josh Van Buskirk
Black Hills Reading Council Young Authors’ Extravaganza: 2nd Grade Dominic Bradsky, Grace Albertson, Nicole Kruse, 3rd Grade Ben
Thompson, Scarlet Grimshaw, Karsen Kirsch, Gabby Robbins, 4 th Grade Genevieve Bernard, Kristin Haskell, 5th Grade Brandon Berzina,
Rowan Evans, Avery Boechler, 6th Grade Kaci Cooper, Alissa Stephens
Black Hills Reading Council Young Illustrators’ Art Escape: Kindergarten Marissa Bonsness, 1st Grade Kaelem Brooks, Dawson Wagner, 2nd
Grade Hailey Bruce, Addy Allgier 3rd Grade Grace Schad, Keigan Ballard, Jason Albertson, Gabby Robbins, 4 th Grade Aaron Nelson, 6th
Grade Aurora Venteicher, Quin Landguth
The Modern Woodmen of America National Speech Contest hosted by STM Middle School had six students who qualified for the
Regional Contest and one of those students qualified for the state competition and received 2 nd place.
As part of the Middle School Social Studies curriculum, 38 students visited Washington, D.C. for 10 days visiting national monuments,
museums, the White House, and national attractions. The students even met the State Legislative Representatives.
The F.I.R.S.T Lego League Robotics competition after-school team placed for the 2nd year in a row. The robot they built was to solve a
problem that is currently caused by a natural disaster. The team picks the disaster, created a solution, and presented the solution to a
panel of judges. The solution must be creative, unique, and withstand the pressures of the natural disaster.
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Developing Personal & Academic Excellence in the Catholic Tradition
Annual Report 2013-2014