MAGAZINE FALL 2021 - Gross Catholic High School
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FALL 2021
MAGAZINE
AUTHENTICALLY PURPOSEFULLY LEGACY
FAITHFUL COMPASSIONATE GRADUATES
PAGE 5 PAGE 8 PAGE 16
UPCOMING EVENTS
Open House Christmas with the Cougars:
Sunday, November 14th Elf the Musical Jr.
11 AM - 2 PM Sunday, December 5th
2 PM
Sip and Sing
(formally known as Wine Tasting) Trivia Night
Friday, November 19th Saturday, February 19th
6:30 PM; Music Bingo begins at 7:30 PM
CeleBration38
Giving Tuesday Saturday, April 30th
Tuesday, November 30th
For more information or to register, visit grosscatholic.org/give-support/events/
Dux Esto Magazine Writing/Editing
for Dux Esto Magazine
Dux Esto Magazine is a
Molly Nolte
publication written and
Salvador Robles
distributed by Gross Catholic
Stephen Driscoll
High School, copyright 2021,
Kara Wesely
all rights reserved. Material in
Dux Esto may be reproduced,
Photography
provided prior permission is
for Dux Esto Magazine Check out year-round
obtained from the editor. Dux
Molly Nolte news and stories
Esto does not publish items
Dale Schwalm about the Gross
announcing or reporting on
Stephen Driscoll Catholic community.
activities contrary to Catholic
Arnold Clark Photography
social teachings.
The Gross Catholic
Advancement Office made
every effort to ensure the
Front Cover: (left to right) junior Shawn Pelchat and seniors Mary Miller, accuracy of the information
contained in this magazine.
Keegan Shanahan and Jeff Treu at the Innovation Center Dedication and Please accept our apology for
Blessing Ceremony on Friday, August 27th. any errors or omissions.
2
DEAR COUGAR FAMILY
Greetings from South “O”! It is a thrill to be here and an honor to serve
you as president of Gross Catholic High School. Thank you for making
me and my family feel right at home. This early in my ministry at Gross
Catholic, I can still give the perspective of an outsider. Having taught
or administered at several Catholic high schools and having had the
chance to visit dozens across the country, I can tell you that what you
have here at Gross Catholic is unparalleled. There’s an authenticity to the
culture that I’ve not experienced at any school. Which leads me to ask,
where did this come from? What’s that something that’s been present,
evolving, and nourishing the community for more than five decades?
“Ours is a work, a In January 1968, nine months before Daniel J. Gross Catholic High
magnificent work. If it is School’s opening day, the Omaha Catholic paper, The True Voice, ran
an article entitled, “Brother Leo Seeks Family Spirit.” The lead read, “A
universal, it is because brand new, up-to-date American high school with a family spirit diffused
we are missionaries of through teachers and student body,” would be the goal of the founding
Mary, who has said to principal. From its inception, Gross Catholic manifested a “family spirit in
helping students as much as we can.” Br. Leo Willett would later reflect,
us, ‘Do whatever he tells
“Our ideal was and is that we see Jesus in those with whom we have
you.’ Each one of us has contact, especially our students.”
received from the Blessed Family spirit. Seeing Christ in our students. Over its 53-year history,
Virgin a commission to Gross Catholic has meant many things to many people. Yet these two
work at the salvation of our fundamental values — championed by the school’s first Marianist leaders
— are what unite all others. Three months into my new role, I continue to
brothers and sisters in the
marvel at the loyalty that our teachers and students, families and alumni,
world.” have for one another. The goodwill, intelligence, and drive intrinsic to
Gross Catholic’s supportive network reflects the “Dux Esto” motto and the
- Blessed Fr. William style of servant leadership that most aligns with my own administrative
Joseph Chaminade philosophy. Building for the future in continuity with our heritage and
ensuring that the Marianist spirituality breathes throughout all school
initiatives is priority one in our efforts to advance Gross Catholic.
To continue to make our school vibrant into the future, we need
everyone to get the good word out about Gross Catholic. Help us
expand our family. Talk us up in your neighborhoods and workspaces,
online and through social media. Encourage folks to attend Open House
on November 14 and visit the campus frequently to experience the
irresistible Cougar spirit!
I am excited to build relationships with all in this wonderful family and
fortify the well-established root line of excellence that Gross Catholic is
known for nationwide. Together, we will propel Daniel J. Gross Catholic
High School to new, unimaginable heights!
Thomas J. Curry, Ph.D.
President
3
We invite you to honor
your loved ones by MEMORIALS APRIL 1, 2021 - SEPTEMBER 30, 2021
enrolling them in Our
IN HONOR OF
Lady of Perpetual Help
Dr. Dorothy Ostrowski Kathy Schafer
(OLPH) Memorial Society.
This special memorial,
IN MEMORY OF
created in 1983, serves two
Agnes (Sandy) Schneiderwind Joan Maeder
important purposes: Charles Janousek John Bogema
Christine Chase ‘93 Judith Ann Brown
• It is a meaningful way to
Christine Roth Heft ‘74 Kevin Keegan ‘88
remember loved ones Daniel R. Brudny Laura Smith
daily in the Masses and David Garcia De la Cruz Laurie L. (Moffitt) Oseka ‘80
Dennis Connolly Lawrence Knott
prayers of the students
Donald G. “Gary” Kathol Lena Pattavina
and faculty of Gross Donald Johnson Margaret Ann Broderick
Catholic High School. Edith Tysor Mark Kaipust ‘98
Gary Mills Marty Piotrowski
• It affirms your belief in Genevieve Friend Mary Jo Chlupacek
Catholic education by Georgann Parr Mary Jo McNamara
George Kubat Mary Moffitt
supporting the students
George Pearson Matthew VanMoorleghem
of Gross Catholic. Gifts to Helen Herman Patrick Flynn ‘86
the Our Lady of Perpetual Dr. James Edney Phyllis Lueninghoener
Help Memorial Society James “Jim” J. Sobczyk Phyllis Thomas
James McNamara Ronald Zuehlke ‘74
are accepted throughout James Pospichal Russell A. “Russ” Oseka
the year as we support Jamie Hochwender ‘94 Stanley Benis Jr. ‘75
your prayer intentions. Jamie Wilson ‘98 Taylor Kaipust
Jan “John” Jachym Veronica Hayduska
Jeffrey Lewis ‘04 William Ryan
Jerry Ryan
The Cougar Family prays
for the enrolled member of
the OLPH Memorial Society Please pray for our recently deceased members of the Cougar Family. May
the souls of the faithfully departed through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
daily. Please join with us as
we prayerfully remember
our loved ones, especially
those who have preceded us
and live in God’s presence.
If you would like
Christine Ronald Zuehlke Stanley Benis Laurie Patrick Flynn
to receive OLPH Roth Heft Class of ‘74 Class of ‘75 Moffitt Oseka Class of ‘86
Memorial envelopes Class of ‘74 Class of ‘80
to enroll a loved one,
please contact the
Advancement
Office at
402.734.2000.
Christine Chase Jamie Mark Kaipust Jamie Wilson Jeffrey Lewis
Class of ‘93 Hochwender Class of ‘98 Class of ‘98 Class of ‘04
Class of ‘94
The Gross Catholic High School Advancement Office made every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information
contained in this report. Please accept our apology if we have misspelled a name or omitted anyone. If you notice
such an error, please notify our office so we may correct our records.
4
Authentically Faithful
This July, students, faculty and staff welcomed our being assigned as pastor of St. Mary’s in Wayne,
new chaplain, Fr. Jeff Mollner. Fr. Jeff jumped right Nebraska and chaplain of the Newman Center at
into his chaplain duties assisting as a moderator for Wayne State College. After five years in Wayne, Fr.
the Marianist LIFE summer program. The week-long Jeff was appointed pastor of St. Bernadette and
national program is designed to develop the LIFE chaplain of Gross Catholic High School.
Core Team members by creating opportunities to
share faith, learn from each other, and to become
instruments of peace. Students and moderators
connect with LIFE teams across the United States
to share faith and ideas to assist in creating
community. Other activities included prayer
services, reflection, sacraments and service work.
Fr. Jeff with the Marianist LIFE Core team and moderators.
Fr. Jeff said, “I am very excited to
be back in South Omaha and back
in high school ministry.”
In addition to offering a weekly Wednesday
morning Mass for all Gross Catholic students and
families, Fr. Jeff has created opportunities for
students and families to grow in their faith. He
presided over our annual Grandparents Day Mass
LIFE Core team
in September as well as several other Masses members with
this year. Every Friday, Fr. Jeff spends time in our Fr. Jeff doing
building and is available to meet with students. He service work at
also enjoys praying with various teams and clubs the Open Door
and being able to cheer on the Cougars. Mission this past
summer.
Fr. Jeff was ordained in 2008 and assigned to St.
Margaret Mary Parish in Omaha before moving
to Skutt Catholic High School as chaplain in
2011. He spent five years at Skutt Catholic before
5
Academically Driven
Walking into the academic wing of Gross Catholic, most alumni remember the four traditional hallways
set with various classrooms which for the most part have remained unchanged since its doors opened
in 1968. Fast forward to 2021, a newly remodeled section in the upper academic wing is being named:
The Innovation Center. The nearly 10,000 square foot open-concept space serves as a collaborative
workspace for students.
The Innovation Center was
funded entirely through the
generosity of donors. The
$1.95 million project is the
first of a series of upgrades to
the school’s academic wing.
The “Mission: Innovation”
campaign was started by
President Emerita Dr. Dorothy
Ostrowski.
6
The Innovation Center will enhance resources Catholic students apart from other highschoolers
and learning opportunities for all subject areas who are also competing in our Find the Way
and extra curriculars,” said Vice President of program is their ability to care for others and
Advancement Stephen Driscoll. produce ideas to better their community. This new
Innovation Center is just another tool to help them
achieve success.”
“The space, designed for a
Besides providing progressive community
team atmosphere with moveable
partnerships, the Innovation Center will continue
furniture and advanced with Gross Catholic’s push into Academic
technology, will set the tone for Academies. This new academic curriculum will
offer dual enrollment opportunities in health
future projects and programs at
science, technology, religion, engineering, and
Gross Catholic,” Driscoll said. much more.
Gross Catholic’s new president, Dr. Tom Curry,
The Innovation Center supports Gross Catholic’s sees the Innovation Center as a new forefront for
academic vision, expanding partnerships with students. “The idea is to have a curriculum that
local universities and organizations. Partnerships cuts across all the disciplines and is not confined
include the University of Nebraska at Omaha, to specific academic departments.”
Creighton University, Bellevue University, Metro
Community College, CHI Health and Symphony
Workforce’s Find the Why.
The Innovation Center will also house two
new dual-credit academies which started in
September. The Health Science Academy
and STREAM (Science, Technology, Religion,
Engineering, Art and Math) which will allow
students to connect with other high schoolers
across the country via online. Gross Catholic
students are given structured challenges to
solve real-world problems put forward by local
businesses and dynamic organizations.
Todd Smith, CEO of Symphony Workforce, has
worked in conjunction with Principal Paulette
Neuhalfen, in helping diversify new modern-day
The Innovation Center is dedicated
programming for students at Gross Catholic.
in honor of Steve Hamersky, who
Through Symphony Workforce’s Find the Way
has been on faculty at Gross
program, Gross Catholic students use a gamified
Catholic for more than 40 years.
mobile platform to gain virtual internships, work
Hamersky has served as a model
on digital resumes and can earn thousands of
to countless students and made an
scholarship opportunities all while competing for
impact like no other.
the STREAM cup. “These challenges help students
learn to work with others while using a modern-
day technological approach; it’s what companies
are now using and it helps highschoolers prepare
for future careers,” Smith said. “What sets Gross
7
Purposefully Compassionate
“It feels normal to support each other,” said Barb they needed to come together to support the
Brennan ‘01 describing how she felt about giving Omaha South community. It started with an email,
to the Geiger family and helping to keep Drake from Mardell Nacarelli, mother of current student
Geiger’s memory alive. Sal Nacarelli ‘23, to the Gross Catholic football
parents. The response was immediate from the
This past summer Omaha South High School
Cougar family as they came together to collect
Junior Drake Geiger, died suddenly during one
money to support the Geiger family. Brennan
of his first football practices of the season. The
then had the idea to create a sticker to be placed
Cougar family heard of the tragic news and knew
on Gross Catholic’s football helmets. This would
be a symbolic way to show their support and
keep Drake in everyone’s memory and reminder
that this could be one of our own Gross Catholic
students.
“It’s not about what school you go to,
it’s about community and taking care
of each other,” Brennan said. “It means
something to show our children how to
support each other, no matter what.”
Miranda Engelkamp ‘02 started a screenprinting
business, Leni and Lou, a little over a year ago.
When the global pandemic caused a lot of people
to lose their jobs, she wanted to do something
to help. Engelkamp started a website to sell her
Miranda Engelkamp ‘02 and Barb Brennan ‘01 in the
apparel and other novelty items, and donates a
Leni and Lou printing shop.
DUX ESTO MAGAZINE IS GOING DIGITAL!
In an effort to be good stewards of our resources, our spring
magazine is going digital. Contact us at nolte@gcgmail.org
to share your updated contact information and email to ensure
you continue receiving Dux Esto.
8
portion of the proceeds to several local charities
including Completely Kids, Inclusive Communities,
Lydia House and Habitat for Humanity. Brennan
knew Engelkamp could assist with making her
idea come to fruition. She saw this philanthropy
from Engelkamp and how she jumps in to help
out in any situation. And of course, when Brennan
reached out to her, she did just that.
Engelkamp immediately started working on
designing sticker decals for the football helmets. Drake stickers on Gross Catholic Football Helmets
Only eight days after Brennan first contacted
her, Engelkamp donated and delivered stickers
for both the Gross Catholic football team as
well as the Omaha South team. She also made
additional stickers and t-shirts that are for sale on
her website, with proceeds going to the National
Center for Sport Safety.
Gross Catholic football players personally
delivered their financial donation for the Geiger
family and Drake stickers for the football team to
the Omaha South High School Athletic Director.
The helmet stickers are a small piece that will keep
the memory of Geiger alive on the football field.
Brennan said, “It is a small gesture that may not
feel like much, but definitely shows how Gross Jake Garcia, Sal Nacarelli, Sam Canova and Owen
Catholic supports our community. When people Brennan delivering their financial donation and
show up for each other when they are not asked Drake helmet stickers to Omaha South AD, Michael
to, I think it is moving and shows that community Greene-Walsh.
is what is most important.”
Faculty Hall of Fame Teresa Dorwart began her teaching career at Gross Catholic in the fall of
1981, having previously taught in the Omaha Public Schools system. In her
more than 40 years at Gross Catholic, she has taught English, Academic
Decathlon, and French. Currently, she teaches all senior English classes
and Academic Decathlon.
Co-curricular activities have included coaching debate and being
responsible for our highly successful Academic Decathlon team. She has
enjoyed taking the Academic Decathlon team on travels to New York and
other cities and taking freshmen on education trips to our nation’s capital.
Dorwart has enjoyed her many years at Gross Catholic, believing that our
students and their families and our faculty and staff make Gross Catholic
such a great place to be. She cherishes her association with the alumni
and families who continue to support Gross Catholic.
9
ORTMAN SCHOLARS
The Ortman Scholar Award, named for one of Gross Catholic’s founding donors,
Mrs. Louise Ortman Gross, is the highest academic honor awarded to graduating seniors
who have earned a cumulative grade point average of 4.0 or higher.
We are proud to share that the Class of 2021 boasted 15 Ortman Scholars –
representing nearly one-third of the 2021 graduating class!
McKenzie Balis Emma McCoy Luke Rice
Amy Connor Noah Miller Grace Rowe
John Paul Jansen Alexis Nothelfer Arianna Serow
Andrew Jesus Bridget Nothelfer Elena Simpson
Theodosia Mba Nadia Podkovich Camille Streit
10
10ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
Mark Kaipust ‘98
The Cougar Community was heartbroken after team. He loved his players and encouraged them
beloved alumnus Mark Kaipust ‘98 and his son to work hard and be well-rounded individuals.
Taylor were killed in a car crash on their way to
Varsity Boys Basketball coach Mr. Tim Powers
a Nebraska Husker football game on Saturday,
‘88 said “You could hear it in his voice when he
September 4th. Mark was a genuine and loyal
was talking about his teaching, he really loved
person who demonstrated great patience and
everything he did. He did everything with a
positive attitude. He lived out his mission as
passion.”
a Christian by serving others with his many
talents and abilities. Mark was an outstanding Coach Powers and the Cougar Family will be
coach and mentor and passionate about youth honoring Mark and Taylor at the varsity boys
formation through athletics. He coached freshmen basketball game on Saturday, December 11th.
basketball at Gross Catholic and recently helped An endowment fund has has been established
to re-establish the Junior Cougar Basketball in Mark and Taylor’s memory that will provide
program, where he coached his son Kayden’s scholarships for future Gross Catholic students.
You could hear it in his voice when he was talking about his teaching-
he really loved everything he did. He did everything with a passion.
Mr. Tim Powers
Gross Catholic
alumnus Matt Skradski
‘98 and Kaipust ‘98
coaching a Junior
Cougars Basketball
team last winter.
Junior Cougars
Baseball team coached
by Matt Skradski ‘98,
Mark Kaipust ‘98, Jeff
Povondra ‘94 and
Jason McIntosh ‘94.
Kaipust and his son Kayden.
11PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE
GIVING LEVELS
We invite you to join the
President’s Circle at the
DUX ESTO
following giving levels:
PLATINUM
$10,000 and above
GOLD
$7,500-$9,999
ANNUAL FUND
SILVER
$5,000-$7,499
BRONZE
$2,500-$4,999
ORANGE & BLUE
$1,000-$2,499
Go to grosscatholic.org to
make your contribution to
the Dux Esto Annual Fund.
Please contact the
Development Office
at 402.734.2000 or
advancement@gcgmail.org
for more information.
Caecilia Cronin ‘23
12Meet Caecilia Cronin. Caecilia is a junior at Gross As a Catholic school, we rely on generous
Catholic and is involved in student ambassadors, support from donors like you to help make
soccer, and musical theater. She attended a
up the difference between tuition revenue
different high school her freshman year before
making the decision to transfer to Gross Catholic. and the full cost of providing a superior
Caecilia had friends at Gross Catholic who had academic program. The Dux Esto Annual
all good things to say about the school. They Fund is our annual giving program that
had told her about the sense of family and that invites you to invest in our mission with a
welcoming feeling you get when you walk through
financial gift.
the doors.
Filling the tuition gap gives us the opportunity to
continue fostering growth. Especially for students
whose families may not be able to afford the
“You hear about Gross Catholic’s
cost of a quality education otherwise. All Gross
welcoming family spirit, but you never
Catholic students benefit from a $1,500 grant.
really understand what it means until
Additionally, approximately 80 percent of our
you experience it,” Caecilia said. “I felt
students receive grants and scholarships.
valuable. Like I was a piece of Gross’
puzzle that finally found where it belonged
after working long and hard trying to fit in
places that I did not belong.”
How can I support the
The supportive teachers at Gross Catholic foster Dux Esto Annual Fund?
spiritual, academic, athletic, and personal growth.
“My sophomore retreat was led by Mrs. Sweetmon. Make a one-time gift or pledge a monthly,
I remember going into it close minded,” Caecilia quarterly, or annual gift
said. “Mrs. Sweetmon went the extra mile so that
my classmates and I could connect, relate, and have Become a member of the President’s Circle
a deeper understanding of what Jesus really wants which recognizes leadership giving to the
from us. “That day, I had an encounter with God Dux Esto Annual Fund at the $1,000 level or
that was special to me. I felt connected and not like higher. Members of the President’s Circle are
Jesus was just a man that I read about in school. among Gross Catholic’s most faithful donors.
Rather, I felt like He was a friend,” she said.
Consider a Planned Gift
Your generosity creates countless opportunities
for students, like Caecilia, by providing
scholarships, grants, funds for athletics and
activities, and new learning environments like the
Innovation Center. It is integral to instilling the
greater good in our young people. It’s what solid
foundations for life are built upon.
Go to grosscatholic.org, or scan the QR code, to
make your contribution to the Dux Esto Annual Fund.
13The goal of the Alumni Giving Challenge is to increase philanthropic
2021 Alumni participation for Gross Catholic. What better time to do that than
homecoming week, when alumni come together to celebrate their
Giving affinity for their alma mater. Each year we challenge all graduating
classes to a friendly competition to see which class can achieve the
Challenges highest giving percentage.
During our last challenge,
Freddie Cougar debuted in
several remakes of movies
throughout the decades, while
challenging alumni to support
their alma mater!
Join us next year, during homecoming week,
for the 2022 Alumni Giving Challenge.
DUX ESTO!
14HOMECOMING
Students had a blast celebrating the Hollywood movie theme for homecoming this year. They dressed in movie
genre themes, favorite movie characters and of course in their best orange and blue attire. The week included a
game night kick-off, Cougars on a Mission Service Day and concluded with the homecoming dance. Gio Gomez
‘22 and Mary Miller ‘22 were crowned King and Queen. Andrew Powers ‘23 and Mary Engelkamp ‘23 were voted
Mr. and Ms. Cougar Spirit.
Mission Day Service
Above: Homecoming Game Night
Left: Mr. and Mrs. Cougar Spirit
King and Queen
15LEGACY GRADS
CLASS OF 2021
Thomas Patrick Anderson McKenzie Ann Balis Benjamin Michael Barnes
Son of Mary Strauss Anderson ’93 Daughter of Peggy Krakowski Balis ‘89 Son of Jennifer Moore Barnes ‘90
Dan Balis ‘85 Jeff Barnes ‘89
Rosemary Faith Brokke Owen David Clark Rachel Elizabeth Culhane
Daughter of Kim Novak Brokke ‘81 Son of Gregory Clark ‘88 Daughter of Mike Culhane ‘88
Sydney Rose Herren Nicholas Bernard William Kouba Emma Grace McCoy
Daughter of Lisa Shrader Herren ‘87 Son of Pat Kouba ‘81 Daughter of Kevin McCoy ‘83
Noah Anthony Miller Allison Nicole Moline Charles Robert Monico
Son of Anne Palinski Miller ‘94 Daughter of David Moline ‘93 Son of Chuck Monico ‘89
Kevin Miller ‘94
16LEGACY GRADS
CLASS OF 2021
Mary Kathryn Elizabeth Nosbisch Dylan Anthony O’Gorman Cole Nicholas Paladino
Daughter of Katie Donohue Nosbisch ‘97 Son of Katie Stanek O’Gorman ‘01 Son of Katie Novotny Paladino ‘97
John Nosbisch ‘90 Jimmy Paladino ‘96
Luke Joseph Rice Jacob Joseph Skradski Logan Michael Srb
Son of Debbie Egermier Rice ‘86 Son of Jody Coniglio Skradski ‘96 Son of LeAnne Chipps Srb ‘92
Bill Rice ‘86 Joe Skradski ‘96
Jared Michael Taylor Emily Claire Thompson Delanie Lee Watson
Son of Traci Hallman Taylor ‘96 Daughter of Mary Jo KcKernan Thompson ‘88 Daughter of Stacy Gardner Watson ‘92
George Thompson ‘88
Lillian Rose Weiss Joseph Ralph Winkelmann
Daughter of Alan Weiss ‘90 Son of Douglas Winkelmann ‘81
17COUGAR CLASSIC GOLF TOURNAMENT DINNER SPONSOR
Cetera Investment Services:
Bob Stutzman
Another record year with 192 golfers took to the course on
Monday, September 20th, 2021 at the annual Cougar Classic Golf LUNCH SPONSOR
Tournament. More than $56,000 was raised for the school. The Elkhorn West Construction
Prairie Mechancial Corp
tournament was held at the Eagle Hills Golf Course in Papillion.
CART SPONSOR
NP Dodge Pogge Real Estate
Security National Bank
Cetera Investment Services:
Mike Stutzman and Bob Stutzman
EXECUTIVE SPONSOR
LTi Technologies:
Randy and Judy Haug
Edward Jones - Matt McWilliams
Core Bank
HOLE SPONSOR
Rotella’s Italian Bakery
Hair Care of Nebraska
Ken Brooke Roofing, Inc.: Pete Ciaccio
Tournament Chairs: Matt McWilliams ‘04, Justin Pogge ‘03, Dorothy CM’S Outdoor Solutions
Riha, Jim Riha, Tim Riha ‘96, Tricia Riha Hughes ‘92, Scott Riha ‘91, Catholic Mutual
Bart Protzman ‘04, Kyle Longenecker ‘04 NP Dodge Pogge Real Estate
Earnest Construction Group, Inc.
Raising Canes
Tournament American Family Insurance: Dan
Winners: Scott Grzywa
Riha ‘91, Tim Dr. Jane Carnazzo
Riha ‘96, Mark Locher Pavelka Dostal Law: Kevin
Hughes ‘83, Dostal
Tricia Riha ELCH: Dan Zoucha
Hughes ‘92 American National Bank
All Wired Up: Chris Zeleny
State Farm Insurance - Jeff Moore
Paul and Mary Parr
GREEN SPONSOR
Mama’s Pizza
Eddies Catering
DJ’s Dugout
Pietro DDS PC
American Boiler Company
The Riskowski Family
KJR28, LLC
Midlands Community Foundation
Edward Jones - Kyle Longenecker
Omaha Insurance Services -
Phil Winkelmann
Papio Valley Nursery
Vinny’s Tree Service
First Westroads Bank
Select Van: Scott Riha
Sailor Jerry Rum
Knights of Columbus Council 3019
Freddie Cougar welcomes golfers to Eagle Hills Golf Course.
18NEW FACULTY AND STAFF
Join us in welcoming these outstanding additions to the Cougar Family!
Amy D’Angelo Leah Schwartz Nicole Terry
School Counselor Science Teacher Social Studies
Teacher
Julie Cortinas Linda Walker
Executive Assistant Varsity Girls FACULTY/STAFF
Basketball Coach
ANNIVERSARIES
Celebrating 20 years at Gross
Catholic this year.
Kara (Langenfeld) Lisa Kalamaja Josh Brandt
Wesely ‘00 Administrative Computer
Director of Assistant Technician
Admissions
DR. CURRY Dr. Tom Curry grew up in Los Angeles and suburban Washington,
DC. His mom is from North Platte, NE and he has relatives across
eastern Nebraska. He holds a B.A. in Religion from La Salle University
in Philadelphia, PA, a M.A. and Ph.D. in Systematic Theology from
Boston College in Chestnut Hill, MA, and a Certificate in Nonprofit
Management from the School of Business Administration at
Marymount University in Arlington, VA. He taught for 15 years before
transitioning to school administration. Past positions include: Head of
School at Bishop Ireton High School in Alexandria, VA and President
of Archbishop Hoban High School in Akron, OH. He met his wife,
Sungmin, while attending college in Kyoto, Japan. They are proud
parents of three daughters — one at college,
one a student at Gross Catholic, and one a
future Cougar at St. Bernadette. Dr. Curry will
moderate the Gross Catholic Film Society
which introduces students to movies and
film appreciation.
19GROSS CATHOLIC
ALUMNI ANNOUNCEMENTS
ACHIEVEMENTS
Ann Welsh Zemann ‘92 was named Catholic
Woman of the Year at St. Robert Bellarmine
Parish. She has served in many roles at St. Robert
for both the school and parish. She is currently
the president of St. Robert’s Total Board of
Education and volunteers in many capacities Fr. Michael Eckley ‘83 celebrated 30 years
at the school. Ann mentors the Academic of priesthood this summer. He is currently in
Decathalon team every year at Gross Catholic. Residence at St. Adalberts/Our Lady of Lourdes.
Izzie Krupa ‘18 is a Dr. Jane Carnazzo
senior at Chaminade ‘78 recieved the 2021
Univeristy in Honolulu, Creighton University
Hawaii, majoring Alumni Merit Award
in biology with a for the School
cellular and molecular of Medicine. She
concentration. This graduated from the
past summer she had School of Medicine
the opportunity to in 1986. Practicing
intern in South Africa primarily in the South Omaha area, Jane has
with other students served her community through pediatric care
interested in becoming and education advocacy for more than three
veterinarians. In addition to taking care of cows, decades.
goats and chickens, plus a few dogs and cats,
Izzie got to help draw blood from penguins,
assist in medical procedures on lions and cape
buffalo, and capture wildebeest and antelope.
20Carla O’Donnell Rizzo Lindsey Cork ‘12 and
‘00 was promoted Alex Steele were
to Chief Executive married at St. Leo the
Officer of Completely Great Church in Omaha
KIDS. She has been on May 29th, 2021.
working in the non-
profit sector for over
20 years and has
been dedicated to
Completely KIDS since 1998. Her experience,
knowledge, and passion for serving the kids and
families of Completely KIDS is inspiring!
WEDDINGS
Alexa Schneiderwind ‘15 married Matthew
Herting on June 12th, 2021 with a handful of
cougar alumni by their side including; Dani
Schneiderwind-Swanger ‘01, Kyle Schneiderwind
Kyle Dostal ‘10 married Alexa Nelson on August ‘04, Lindsey Herting ‘06, Sarah Herting ‘09, Blake
8th, 2020 in Lincoln, Nebraska. Several Gross Schneiderwind ‘12, MacKenzie Kaspar ‘15, Katie
Catholic alumni were in the wedding party Glaessmann ‘15, Will Coenen ‘15, Noah Fanslau ‘15,
including Cody Sullivan ‘10, Derek Dostal ‘13, Abby Jason Reed ‘15, and Tony Sacco ‘15.
Dostal ‘20, John Dostal ‘08 and Jon Negley ‘10.
Rebecca Brazeal ‘04
married Tim Colby on
BIRTHS
May 31st, 2020. Tim
On August 10th,
proposed to Rebecca
2021 Will and
and with they help of
Jennifer (Healy) ‘12
their friends and family
Ryan welcomed their
were married the next
second little boy.
day, in front of their
Mason Owen joins
new home in Arizona!
big brother Bennett
(3), and dogs -
Yankee Krajicek ‘12 Baxter and Duke.
married Bridget Blessie
on July 17th, 2021 at St. Mariah (Townsend) ‘12 and
Columbkille Church in Brian Barrett welcomed
Papillion. their first baby Olivia Eve
on April 28th, 2021.
21CeleBration37
Thanks to our generous donors,
Virtual CeleBration raised nearly
$195,000 including more than
$51,000 for our fund-a-need
project. This allowed us to replace
our 53-year-old boilers with a new
energy efficient system.
GROSS CATHOLIC REUNIONS
’76 The class of 1976 celebrated their 45th reunion at ’91 Alumni from the class
of 1991 celebrated
Scriptown Brewery on Saturday, July 17th. their 30-year reunion at Darby’s
Tavern on June 19th.
22DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD
This year’s Distinguished Alumni Award recipient is Scott Riha ‘91.
Scott has been bleeding orange and blue since his freshman year at
Gross Catholic in 1987. Scott and his wife Tristen Riha ‘94 have been
married for over 25 years. Together they have four children. Emily
class of 2017, Christian class of 2019, Grace class of 2024, and future
Cougar Lilly is in 7th grade.
Scott has worked at Select Van Mayflower for the last 30 years. He
also spends countless hours volunteering with the Gross Catholic
softball grounds crew. Scott and his family have chaired the Cougar
Classic Golf Tournament for the past eight years. They have assisted
in raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for students at Gross
Catholic. Scott loves a microphone and his talents can be heard at
the Cougar Classic, as well as the annual trivia night.
Scan the QR code to nominate a Gross Catholic
Alum for the 2022 Distinguished Alumni Award.
’86 Donohues Pub closed early for the
class of 1986 to celebrate their 35- ’96 Graduates from the class of 1996 enjoyed
an evening at Barrel and Vine on Saturday,
year reunion on July 24th. July 31st to celebrate their 25-year reunion.
’01
Class of 2001 gathered for
their 20-year reunion at
Sinnots Bar on July 24th.
23NON-PROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
OMAHA, NE
PERMIT NO. 1388
7700 S 43rd ST
BELLEVUE, NE 68147
What’s Inside
Presidents Letter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Alumni Spotlight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Memorials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Annual Fund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Authentically Faithful . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Homecoming Highlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Academically Driven . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Legacy Graduates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Purposefully Compassionate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Alumni Announcements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
GET SOCIAL
Gross Catholic High School is a faith and family based community
committed to developing Christian leaders through academic “Like” us on Facebook
excellence in the Marianist tradition. facebook.com/grosscatholiccougars
“Friend” Freddie Cougar on Facebook
facebook.com/freddie.cougar.gchs
President Alumni and Communications Director
Dr. Thomas Curry Molly Nolte ‘99 Follow us on Twitter
@grosscatholic
Principal Social Media Director
Paulette Neuhalfen Jim Homan Follow us on Instagram
@grosscatholic
Assistant Principal/Athletics Special Events Director
and Activities Director Dawn Sledge
Mike Dempsey ‘75
Grants & Scholarships
VP of Advancement
Stephen Driscoll ‘10 We work with committed families and students, one-
on-one, to arrive at a fair, feasible Individual Tuition
Admissions/Recruitment Plan. Individual Tuition Plans are confidential, based on
Director your family’s revenue and expenses, and respectful of
Kara Wesely ‘00 your families needs, To learn more about how Individual
Tuition Plans work, visit grosscatholic.org or contact:
Kara Wesely ‘00
Gross Catholic is an Archdiocese of Omaha school Admissions Director
and is sponsored by the Marianist Province of the U.S. 402.734.2000 x126
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