1. religion and spirituality
2. christianity
3. catholicism

A PUBLICATION OF THE ALUMNI-DEVELOPMENT OFFICE OF RONCALLI CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
Volume 9, Number 2 • March 2012
Archbishop Lucas
to be Honored
at 2012
Festa del Leone
April 14!
. . . see page 7
Cursing Mummies - March 22 -25
Spring play written and directed by alumni
page 10
Mrs. Carol Bauer Retiring
25 years of dedicated service at Roncalli Catholic
page 12
$10,000 Grant given to roncalli Catholic
First Catholic Slovak Ladies Association
page 16
Roncalli Catholic High School
2
23rd Annual Swing with Pride Leavitt Memorial Golf Open
Monday, August 6, 2012
The Players Club at Deer Creek
Supports scholarships and tuition grant programs for the students of Roncalli Catholic High School
Last year’s event raised $40,000
Social Hour, Silent Auction, Raffle Giveaways and Dinner Program follow golf
$125 per golfer • $500 per foursome
Mulligans: $5.00 each or three for $10.00
Raffle tickets: $5.00 each or three for $10.00 for a chance to win major prizes
Sponsorships: available and welcomed
Save the date and plan to join the fun!
For additional information or
to join the planning committee
click the email address below for
Chad Crouch, Events Coordinator
ccrouch@roncallicatholic.org
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THE RCHS
RCHS SUPPORTER’S
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WEBSITE
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J. Skinner Baking Company is proud to support Roncalli Catholic High School
baked fresh daily in omaha
skinnerbaking.com
PRIDE
March 2012
3
Inside March 2012
Miss Nebraska Junior Teen Finalist
4
A Word from our President 5
Archbishop Lucas Presides at Ash Wednesday Mass 6
Archbishop Lucas to be Honored at Festa del Leone
7
Roncalli Catholic Sends Students to the March for Life
8
Roncalli Catholic Wins Culinary Arts Invitational
9
Cursing Mummies: Spring Play
10
RCHS Hosts Wits Clash Competition
11
RCHS Honored with Construction and Design Awards 11
Harlem All-Star Pee Wee Harrison Visits RCHS
11
Mrs. Carol Bauer Retiring
12
Art Students Earn Top Honors
13
Girls Basketball Finishes Fourth in Tournament
14
Boys Basketball Rated Sixth in C-1
14
Welcome Chad Crouch, Events Coordinator
14
RCHS to Host Australian Basketball Team
15
Five RCHS Bowlers Qualify for State
15
RCHS Receives $10,000 Grant from FCSLA
16
Musical Talent Showcased at Christmas Concert
17
RCHS Hosted “Pasta and Pops” Concert
17
All About Alums 18
Annual Alumni Basketball Tournament
19
Annual Donors List (omitted names from November)
20
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK
Pictured are Seniors Dan Wilkie and Tom Mullen
showing their Catholic school enthusiasm
by participating in Twin Day.
Roncalli Catholic went all out to celebrate
Catholic Schools Week
January 30 through February 3, 2012
Monday T
he festivities kicked off with an All-School
Mass.
Tuesday T
his day was celebrated with a hilarious
teacher trivia game show in the Notre
Dame Auditorium. One student for each
grade was paired with a teacher. Like the
Newlywed Game, the students had to guess
how the teachers would answer a variety of
questions to win free lunch for Friday. The
freshman class won the grand prize.
On the Cover
Wednesday T
his was Cozy Day and students were
allowed to wear sweats and pajama pants.
Roncalli Catholic sent 35 participants - 31 students and four adult
chaperones – to the annual March for Life in Washington, D.C. on
January 23. This is the largest group RCHS has sent in the four
years the school has participated in the national event.
ThursdayStudents participated in Twin Day. They
were encouraged to dress alike in groups of
two or more students.
Read the story on page 8.
FridayThe festivities concluded with an RCHS
Spirit Day and Talent Show.
Roncalli Catholic High School
4
A Word from Mr. Jeff Dempsey, our President
Dear Roncalli Catholic Family:
Spring is here, our campus is a buzz with activity and there is much to report in this issue of The
Pride – our first electronic issue of the magazine. Of all the good things happening around the
school, a few things in particular stand out. For instance, our track and stadium project has been
completed, our new Activity Center is now open and our recruitment and enrollment efforts are
strong!
Track and Stadium Project
Jeff Dempsey, President
Roncalli Catholic High School
The Pride Online
Two out of three issues of
PRIDE will be electronic
only, featured solely on our
website.
The November edition will
remain a printed magazine,
but will also be available
online. It will continue to
feature our valued donors,
members entered into the
Memorial Association and
our volunteers, who have
been honored for their
service and dedication to
Roncalli Catholic.
After much planning, work and generous support, our running track and stadium project is now
officially complete. The track was professionally striped and marked over Spring Break and is ready
for practice and competition. A major initiative within our recently completed capital campaign,
the completion of the track marks a milestone in a tremendous effort which also included: the
installation of stadium bleachers, lights, fencing and a press box; the construction of a concession
stand, restrooms and ticket booth; and extensive landscaping. Roncalli Catholic’s athletic facilities
can now be considered among the most comprehensive of any high school in the metropolitan area.
Thank you to all who supported this effort and believed in our ability to complete this ambitious
initiative.
RCHS Activity Center “Open for Business”
The flooring and lighting have been installed and the paint has dried in our new 4,000 square foot
Activity Center, and it is now ready for just that – activity. Created through the combination and
renovation of four former classrooms, this project resulted in much-needed, functional space and
will be available for use by our wrestling team, school clubs and sports teams, alumni reunions and
a variety of other school and community functions. As a matter of fact, the Activity Center will
showcase the silent auction for this year’s Festa del Leone (April 14). Thank you to the many parent
and student volunteers who helped us reach this goal.
Open House, Placement Exam and Freshman Enrollment
Last November, more than 90 families attended our Open House, expressing interest in attending
Roncalli Catholic. In January, more than 100 eighth-graders took the High School placement exam
with us. As a result, we are planning to welcome more than 90 freshmen this fall – including my son
and Godson, I am proud to report. These encouraging numbers are the result of our staff, students,
teachers, parents, alumni and friends who help create and support our faith-filled, academically
rigorous school - Roncalli Catholic.
Continued on page 5
RONCALLI CATHOLIC FIREWORKS SALE • JUNE 25 – JULY 5
You’ll be buying fireworks anyway.
Why not support a good cause while you’re at it?
Find us in the lot at Dave’s Auto Body
I-680 and Irvington Exit
Proceeds to benefit the students of Roncalli Catholic
Thanks to Mark Schumacher (’87) for allowing us to use his lot for the fundraiser
PRIDE
March 2012
A Word from Mr. Jeff Dempsey
Continued from page 4
Join Us for Festa del Leone
This year’s Festa del Leone is extra special as we will honor
The Most Reverend George J. Lucas, Archbishop of Omaha on
April 14. Festa del Leone is the premier fundraising event for
our school. Funds raised go directly to support the tuition and
operating needs that allow us to offer an exceptional education
at Roncalli Catholic.
I hope you can join us for a night featuring live and silent
auctions, a grand prize raffle drawing valued at $5000, and, of
course, to honor Archbishop Lucas.
For additional information see page 7
or contact Mr. Chad Crouch, Events Coordinator
ccrouch@roncallicatholic.org.
Faith in Action
At Roncalli Catholic we put our faith into action by supporting
the causes we believe in. As a Catholic school it is important to
teach our students to live their faith – keeping their beliefs at the
forefront of their lives and having the courage to stand up for
those who cannot stand-up for themselves. It is a testament to
our faculty, parents and students, that we had 35 representatives
at the annual March for Life in Washington, D.C. this year – that’s
more than any other Catholic school in the Omaha metro area.
Read more about the trip on page 8.
As you read through this online magazine, please note the
highlights of recent student and faculty activities -- from sports
and the spring play, to the Culinary Team champions and our
noteworthy March for Life participation and you’ll see our faith
and PRIDE in action.
I’d like to close by expressing how thankful I am for the
continued support from you, our Roncalli Catholic families,
friends, and donors. Our successes wouldn’t be possible without
your involvement.
God bless and Happy Easter,
Jeff Dempsey, President
Roncalli Catholic High School
5
The PRIDE
­is published by the
Office of Stewardship and Development
of Roncalli Catholic High School, Omaha, NE.
The Office of Stewardship and Development includes:
Public Relations, Recruitment and Retention,
Alumni Relations, Special Events,
Communications and Fundraising.
©2012, All rights reserved.
Materials in The PRIDE may be reproduced
provided prior permission is obtained from the
editor and credit is given.
RONCALLI CATHOLIC PRESIDENT
Jeffrey M. Dempsey
RONCALLI CATHOLIC PRESIDENT EMERITUS
Rev. Lloyd A. Gnirk
EDITOR
Kristi Berger
PHOTOGRAPHY
Development and Alumni Office
DESIGN AND LAYOUT
Goodrich and Goodrich, LLC
STEWARDSHIP AND DEVELOPMENT OFFICE
Jeffrey M. Dempsey, President
Rev. Lloyd A. Gnirk, President Emeritus
Rev. Gerald Igboanusi, Roncalli Catholic Chaplain
Barbara Norris, Business Manager
Kami Findall, Development/Database Manager
Kristi Berger, Communications Coordinator
Chad Crouch, Events Coordinator
Darlene Perrotto, Administrative Assistant
Paulette Theisen, Director of Admissions and Recruitment
FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION
Please contact Jennifer Sanderson
(402) 679-9174 • FAX (402) 597-1321
jennifer.t.sanderson@gmail.com
or the
Roncalli Catholic Development Office
(402) 571-7670 • FAX (402) 571-3216
www.roncallicatholic.org
All advertising dollars are sent directly to
Roncalli Catholic High School
and help to underwrite the cost of this publication.
6
Roncalli Catholic High School
Archbishop George Lucas visits with Sophomore Aautumn
Jones-Evans at a RCHS luncheon following Ash Wednesday
Mass. The meal was prepared by the Roncalli Catholic
Culinary Arts class under the direction of Mrs. Cathy Leak.
Also pictured are Sophomore students (far left) Cole Meister
and (far right) Allison Wolff.
Archbishop Lucas Presides at
Ash Wednesday All-School Mass
Archbishop George Lucas presided at the Roncalli Catholic Ash Wednesday AllSchool Mass on February 22. He encouraged students to see that Lent is a time to
focus on the gift of Jesus Christ and the dual nature of life; it is a wonderful gift but
not without trials and sin.
Pictured left:
Archbishop George Lucas with RCHS Chaplain Father Chi Igboanusi
following Ash Wednesday Mass.
PRIDE
March 2012
7
Archbishop George Lucas to be Honored April 14th
at Festa del Leone
The Most Reverend George J. Lucas,
Archbishop of Omaha, will receive
Roncalli Catholic’s highest honor, the
Pope John XXIII Award, on April 14 at
the 23rd Annual Festa del Leone.
Named for Pope John XXIII, born
Angelo Roncalli Giuseppe, this award is
bestowed upon those individuals who
exhibit extraordinary devotion and
commitment to “serving the children
and friends of God.” The recipient
is honored each year at the school’s
premier fundraising event, the Festa del
Leone.
According to RCHS President Jeff
Dempsey, the Archbishop has shown
tremendous support for the school.
Following his ordination, Archbishop Lucas
served as an associate pastor in parishes in
Sunset Hills, Florissant, St. Louis, Normandy
and Kirkwood, all in the state of Missouri.
He went on to complete advanced studies at
Saint Louis University and holds a Bachelor of
Arts degree in philosophy and a Master of Arts
degree in history.
Archbishop Lucas served on the faculty of
St. Louis Preparatory Seminary-North and
St. Louis Preparatory Seminary. He was the
chancellor and vicar general of the Archdiocese
of St. Louis and the rector of Kenrick-Glennon
Seminary. He was named Honorary Prelate of
His Holiness in 1994.
Archbishop Lucas is currently a member of the United States
Conference of Catholic Bishops' Subcommittee on the Catechism.
In fact, Archbishop Lucas served as the honorary chair of the
school’s $2.75 Million “Worth Fighting For” Capital Campaign
that was launched in 2009 and spearheaded by RCHS President
Emeritus Fr. Lloyd Gnirk. This campaign helped the school retain
sound financial footing.
“This campaign and the leadership of Archbishop Lucas have
been vital to the success of our school,” said Jeff Dempsey, RCHS
President. “Exceeding the original goal of the campaign has
enabled us to invest not only in our students and faculty, but also
in the campus and expanded course offerings.”
The Festa del Leone consists of a signature dinner and auction
and raises important tuition support for the 335 young men and
women of Roncalli Catholic. The cost is $125 per person. The
evening will include silent and live auctions, a lottery drawing,
special giveaways as well as the presentation of the Pope John
XXIII Award.
The Most Reverend George J. Lucas was named Archbishop of
Omaha on June 3, 2009, and was installed on July 22, 2009. Prior
to joining the Omaha Archdiocese, he served for nearly 10 years
in the Diocese of Springfield, Illinois, where he was ordained a
bishop on December 14, 1999.
Archbishop Lucas was born June 12, 1949 in Saint Louis, Missouri
to George J. Lucas and Mary Catherine Kelly (now deceased). He
is the eldest son and has one sister and two brothers.
Archbishop Lucas studied at Cardinal Glennon College and
Kenrick-Glennon Seminary in Saint Louis and was ordained a
priest of the Archdiocese of St. Louis on May 24, 1975 by Cardinal
John Joseph Carberry.
There’s still time
to make your reservations!
Join Us on Saturday, April 14, 2012
For additional information, contact:
Chad Crouch, RCHS Events Coordinator
402-571-7670 ext. 113
or click on the email address below.
ccrouch@roncallicatholic.org
Event Chairs:
Bill and Judi Larson
Honorary Chairs:
Leonard (Rummel 1972) and Kate Sommer
Roncalli Catholic High School
8
Roncalli Catholic
Sends Students to
the March for Life
Roncalli Catholic sent 35 participants - 31 students and four
adult chaperones – to the annual March for Life in Washington,
D.C. on January 23. With 335 students enrolled at Roncalli
Catholic High School, that means that nearly 10% of the student
body participated. This is the largest group RCHS has sent in
the four years the school has participated in the national event.
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TO VISIT THAT SUPPORTER’S WEBSITE
The 2012 National March for Life resulted in more than 100,000
people marching past the U.S. Capitol in protest of the 1973
Roe vs. Wade decision that legalized abortion. The march is
intended to promote respect for human life at all stages – from
conception to natural death.
The RCHS group went as part of the 2012 Archdiocesan Youth
Pilgrimage, joining approximately 300 others from across the
archdiocese. The group traveled by caravan in six chartered
buses.
According to the RCHS group coordinator and religion teacher,
Eric Westra, Roncalli Catholic sent the largest delegation from a
metro Catholic school.
“We have seen outstanding participation for a school our size the
past few years,” continued Mr. Westra. “Our school community
is solidly pro-life and we have tremendous support from our
parents, who make great sacrifices to allow their students to have
this terrific experience.”
The five-day trip cost $375 for each student and included stops
at a number of historic and cultural sites including Notre Dame
University, Gettysburg National Park, Mount Saint Mary’s
University, Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, National Grotto
of Our Lady of Lourdes, U.S. Holocaust Museum, National Mall
and the Smithsonian Museums.
Students covered the cost of the trip on their own, with family
support, or with scholarship money from the Knights of
Columbus or the school’s campus ministry fund. All RCHS
students are eligible to participate in the annual pilgrimage.
PRIDE
March 2012
9
Culinary Team 2012: From left to right: Kylie Tetzaff, Nyasia EsterlyTorres, Kierstyn Rief, Maggie Findall and Matt Soltys. Not pictured:
Cathy Leak - teacher - Roncalli Catholic High School and Kimbler
Click here to read the
Harrold- chef mentor- Hilton Hotel - Liberty Tavern.
Omaha World-Herald article
Roncalli Catholic Team Wins 7th Annual High School
Culinary Arts Invitational - Team Takes Home Three Additional Top Honors
The 2012 Roncalli Catholic Culinary Team earned first place
in the 7th Annual High School Culinary Invitational at the
Metropolitan Community College Institute for the Culinary
Arts on February 24 and 25. The team also earned the only gold
medal presented at the invitational as well as the Best Entrée
and the Best of Pork awards. In fact, this was the first time in
two years that any team has earned the gold medal status.
During the competition, teams have 60 minutes to prepare a
three-course meal, demonstrating both their creativity and
culinary skills. Teams are observed and rated by judges from
leading colleges and universities as well as local chefs and
restaurateurs, to place in the competition. To earn a gold medal,
teams have to score exceptional in various categories including:
knife skills, cooking procedures, safety and sanitation, as well as
product taste and appearance. RCHS was the only team out of
33 to earn the gold medal designation.
The winning RCHS team included: seniors Maggie Findall and
Matt Soltys, junior Nyasia Esterly-Torres, sophomore Kierstyn
Rief and alternate junior Kylie Tetzlaff. The mentor for the
Culinary Arts team is Kimbler Harrold (RCHS class of 1999)
who is the current chef for the Liberty Tavern at the Hilton Hotel
downtown. He has been a mentor for the program since 2007.
Cathy Leak, the RCHS Culinary Arts instructor, was recently
honored with the ProStart Educator Excellence Award for
Nebraska in May 2011. Mrs. Leak implemented the national
ProStart Program at Roncalli Catholic High School. ProStart
is a culinary training program for high school students who
intend to attend a culinary school.
Each member of the team won a $1,000 dollar scholarship to
Metropolitan Community College, $100 from the Pork Industry
and a sage green chef jacket, signifying a competition win. The
RCHS culinary program received $500 from Hockenbergs, a
food service, equipment and supply company, as well as a first
place trophy to display at the school.
The team competed at the regional competition on March 10
at Papillion-LaVista High School and earned enough points
to qualify for the state competition, which will be held on
March 24 in Lincoln at the UNL East Campus Union. Roncalli
Catholic’s Culinary Competition Team was the State Champion
in 2009 and 2010 and was named the “Best Culinary Team.”
These teams also went on to compete at the National ProStart
Competition in Kansas City, Kansas.
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TO VISIT THE ADVERTISER’S WEBSITE
Roncalli Catholic High School
10
Cursing Mummies - March 22-25, 2012
Spring Play Written and Directed by Alumni
Roncalli Catholic is presenting Cursing Mummies March 22-25. Written by
Rummel class of 1974 alumni, Michael McCandless, and directed by RCHS
class of 2005 alumni, Joshua Peyton, the Spring Play will feature more than
35 of the school’s current students.
Cursing Mummies is a comedic murder mystery set in the 1920s,
complicated by mistaken identities, gangsters, disguises, German spies, FBI
agents, chase scenes, twisted sub-plots, vindictive stunt doubles, annoying voiceovers, a family reunion, and certainly, a cursing mummy.
Save the date and plan to attend! March 22-24, 2012, 7:00 p.m. Sunday, March 25 at 2 p.m. Tickets available at the door
Adults - $8 Students - $5
Michael McCandless
Michael McCandless has been an
adjunct assistant professor of Theatre
at Creighton University since 1989
and serves as the operations director
for the Lied Education Center for
the Arts on campus. He is a 1974
graduate of Archbishop Rummel
High School where he developed a
love of theater and performing.
Following high school, McCandless joined the Christian Brothers
for one year before transferring to Creighton University where he
earned a B.A. in Theatre. After college, he taught acting classes,
appeared in numerous plays and received awards from the
Omaha Community Playhouse and the Theatre Actors Guild
of Omaha. He spent time as a professional actor at the Boston
Shakespeare Company before returning to his hometown to
earn an M.A. in Theatre from the University of Nebraska at
Omaha. In addition to acting and directing, McCandless has
also been writing stage productions in recent years.
In addition to Cursing Mummies he also wrote Gone the
Rainbow, Return the Dove which was presented at Creighton
University in February. Unlike Cursing Mummies, this play
was a serious drama based on war letters from the American
Revolution to the present-day Afghanistan.
Check us out online for updates to events and activities:
Click here
to read the
Catholic Voice
article about
the play.
Josh Peyton
Josh Peyton graduated from
Roncalli Catholic High School
in 2005 and earned a B.A. in Performance
Theatre from Creighton University in 2009.
Josh has participated in most productions
at Creighton while a student there and
has been involved in a dozen shows at
the Omaha Community Playhouse.
Most recently he appeared in A
Christmas Carol, Guys and Dolls and
Footloose.
Since his graduation in 2005, Peyton
has acted as an assistant director at
most Roncalli Catholic High School
productions. Cursing Mummies will be
the third show he has directed at Roncalli
Catholic.
roncallicatholic.org
PRIDE
March 2012
RCHS Hosts 37th Annual
11
WITS CLASH Competition
More than 150 students from 18 schools participated in Roncalli Catholic’s 37th Annual Wits Clash competition on
February 10. Wits Clash is an opportunity for metro Junior High students to compete in a quiz competition at our school.
The competition is done in a game show format, featuring questions in various categories. Students were quizzed on
history, math, geography, and current events, to name a few of the subjects.
Roncalli Catholic Honored
with Construction and Design
Awards for New Parking Lot
Roncalli Catholic got a new parking lot this year, and more
than just students and faculty noticed this development. The
school received two awards for the design and construction
of its new parking service; one from the Nebraska Concrete
Paving Association (NCPA) and one from the American
Concrete Institute (ACI).
The project was made possible by a generous donation
from the Lied Foundation. Designed by Leo A. Daily and
completed by Daedalus Construction, the new parking lot
features traffic control islands with trees and landscaping,
new sidewalks, and new handicapped and visitor parking
closer to the school.
According to Roncalli Catholic President, Jeff Dempsey, this
development adds safety and convenience, and provides an
inviting front door to the campus.
“Along with our new electronic message board, the parking
lot is the first thing people see when they visit our campus,”
said Mr. Dempsey. “The entrance now shows the pride we
take in our school.”
“Thanks to Daedalus Construction we were able to achieve
more than we even thought possible,” continued Mr.
Dempsey.
The Nebraska Concrete Paving Association (NCPA)
recognizes high quality design and construction through
awards presented at their annual meeting. This year, the
award was presented to Mr. Dempsey at the association’s
annual meeting on January 24 in Lincoln.
The American Concrete Institute (ACI) is one of the world’s
leading authorities on concrete technology, with a mission
of providing knowledge and information for the best use
of concrete. The 2011 Award of Excellence-Outstanding
Achievement for noteworthy use of concrete in the state of
Nebraska was presented at the ACI Annual Awards Banquet
on February 10 in Omaha, Neb. Mr. Dempsey received the
award on behalf of Roncalli Catholic High School.
Harlem All-Star
Les “Pee Wee” Harrison Visits
Roncalli Catholic Students
Photo above taken by RCHS Senior Allison Wolff.
Pictured: Sophomore TeNai Curtis-Ford poses with
Pee Wee Harrison following the A.P.P.L.A.U.S.E.
presentation.
On Friday, March 2 Roncalli Catholic students attended an allschool character education assembly featuring Harlem All-Star
Les “Pee Wee” Harrison.
At the assembly, Harrison presented the A.P.P.L.A.U.S.E
program. The program acronym stands for Anti-bullying,
Power of anchor values, Positive self image, Lifelong fitness,
Awareness of drugs, Ultimate decision-making, Self-esteem
and Education. Harrison encouraged students to applaud
others, accept applause from others and applaud themselves.
A Clarinda, Iowa native, Harrison played for the nationally
ranked Iowa Western Community College team in the 198283 and 1983-84 seasons, leading the conference in steals and
assists.
Harrison was recruited by famous Harlem Globetrotter
Meadowlark Lemon to join the Harlem All-Stars in 1986. The
team was an off-shoot of the original Harlem Globetrotters
and featured many past players. They traveled the world
showcasing similar ball handling skills and antics.
Roncalli Catholic High School
12
Mrs. Carol Bauer Retiring in June
A Teacher and History Department Chair,
She Dedicated 25 Years of Service to RCHS
Carol Bauer will always remember her first day at Archbishop Rummel High School. It was
1971 and she was hired to work in the testing center at the school. That’s the day she met her
would-be husband. The day after school ended that year they were married. Her husband
is Larry Bauer, the school’s long-time math teacher and department head who retired in
2006 after more than 40 years. This June, Mrs. Bauer will be joining him in retirement.
“I have never wanted
to be anything but a teacher.
It is both an honor
and a responsibility.
Being a teacher will always
be a part of me.”
- Carol Bauer -
Following that memorable year, Mrs. Bauer taught English at Cathedral for a few years
before her first child Rachel* was born in 1974. She became a stay-at-home mom and had
her second child, Stephen*, in 1978. She returned to education in 1983 and worked as a
substitute teacher for Omaha Public Schools. In 1987 she returned to Roncalli Catholic to
teach English. A few years later, she switched to History and would eventually become the
department chairperson.
According to Mrs. Bauer the small class sizes at Roncalli Catholic made it easier to help
and connect with students. “I think the relationship between teachers and students makes
Roncalli very special,” said Mrs. Bauer.
Over her 25-year career at Roncalli Catholic, she was able to impact many students’ lives.
One such student is Laura (Beck) Schwarz (1996). Mrs. Bauer was Laura’s homeroom
teacher for all four years.
According to Laura, Mrs. Bauer made students feel like they were one of her own kids and
made their homeroom feel like a family.
“Mrs. Bauer was special because she really, truly cared about her students and was always
available to talk and give advice when needed,” said Laura. “I’m so thankful that she was
there for me throughout all the highs and lows of my high school years.”
In addition to helping and connecting with her students, Mrs. Bauer strived to teach her
students so much more than History.
“I have always tried to teach my students that we are here to make a difference in the
world,” said Mrs. Bauer. “Big or small differences, but our duty is to make the world better
in some way.”
An Omaha native, Mrs. Bauer attended Sacred Heart and St. Cecilia grade schools, Cathedral
High School and Creighton University, where she earned a B.A. in History in 1968. Following
graduation, she got her first job at Benson High School teaching U.S. History. In 1970, Mrs.
Bauer spent a year working and living in Lausanne, Switzerland with her cousin.
Upon retirement, Mrs. Bauer plans to join her husband in Spalding, NE where he became
a full-time farmer when he retired. Although she hasn’t played in about 40 years, she also
plans to relearn to play the piano. She will continue to spend time in Omaha with her
children, four grandchildren, sister and aunt as well.
Even though she is retiring from her career Bauer says that she will always be a teacher at
heart and will miss being in the classroom.
“I have never wanted to be anything but a teacher” said Bauer. “It is both an honor and a
responsibility. Being a teacher will always be a part of me.”
* Rachel (Bauer) Dougherty graduated from Roncalli Catholic in 1992;
Stephen graduated in 1996.
PRIDE
March 2012
RCHS Art Students Earn Top
Honors at 2012 Scholastic
Art Awards of Nebraska
Competition
13
Roncalli Catholic Sophomore
Diamyn Franklin
Selected as Finalist in Miss
Nebraska Junior Teen Pageant
Five Roncalli Catholic art students had a total of 11 works
accepted in the 2012 Scholastic Art Awards of Nebraska
Competition. Their work was selected from more than 2,400
entries.
According to RCHS art teacher, Dawn Burton, this is the
highest number of artwork the school has had accepted in
the statewide competition in many years. Only the best
pieces from each school are submitted, with about 35%
being accepted into the show.
The RCHS students also earned top honors at the show:
Allison Wolff (senior) received two gold keys, two silver
keys and an honorable mention in photography. Vega Chen
(senior) received a gold key in painting and a silver key in
fashion design. Dan Arens (senior) received a gold key in
photography. Kali Bryant (junior) and Jocelyn RodriguezParr (senior) both received honorable mentions in drawing.
Only the top 7% of the accepted pieces receive gold key
recognition, the next 10% receive silver keys and the next
15% receive honorable mentions. The gold key winners
will be judged nationally along with the winners from all
50 states. The national winners will be announced in late
March.
The winning artwork was be on display at the Omaha Public
Schools Teacher Administrative Building (TAC) located at
3215 Cuming Street through March 14. The Omaha Public
Schools Art Department is the regional affiliate for the
Scholastic Art Awards of Nebraska.
Also, seniors Samantha Parks and Emily Floyd have pieces
that were accepted in the first Juried High School Art Show
to be held at Concordia University, March 21-23.
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you appreciate their support.
Roncalli Catholic Sophomore Diamyn Franklin may not
even remember the first time she was in a pageant. She
was only four-years-old when she placed second in the
“Toddlers on Parade” pageant. Fifteen-year-old Diamyn
will surely remember being a finalist in the Miss Nebraska
Junior Teen pageant. She will be competing in the pageant
finals at the Omaha CoCo Key Resort on March 24 and 25.
The Miss Nebraska Junior Teen pageant is an invitation only
competition. Diamyn was recommended for the pageant
by the National Honor Society and received an invitation in
the mail for an open-call interview. Only 50% of the girls
were selected to be in the finals. If she wins, Diamyn would
compete in the nationals at Universal Studios in Florida.
Winning the national competition results in a $1,000
scholarship along with the Miss Junior Teen America crown.
Finalists in the competition are judged based on six criteria:
1) Interview – 20%; 2) Talent – 20%; 3) Evening Gown –
15%; 4) Modeling – 15%; 5) Physical Fitness – 15%; and 6)
Photogenic – 15%.
The Miss Junior Teen America pageant is part of the
Continental Miss Teen America Scholarship Program, Inc.
This program was founded on the principle that the future
of our world is dependent upon the leadership qualities of
today’s youth. The organization stresses the importance of
community service, scholastics and poise. Girls involved
with this program are encouraged to be well-rounded
individuals.
Roncalli Catholic High School
14
Senior Allison
Wolff dribbles
around a player
from Gross
Catholic at an
RCHS home game.
RCHS Has New Athletics
Website and Calendar
New website and calendar
for all of our
athletics and activities.
Subscribe for Game
Notifications
Subscribe to receive
e-mail notifications
of games for one, a few, or all
of our Crimson Pride teams.
Senior Tyler
Alitz preps to
make a 3-point
basket at an
RCHS home
game.
Roncalli Catholic Girls Basketball Team
Finishes 4th in River City Conference Tournament
The Roncalli Catholic Girls Basketball Team finished fourth in the River City Conference
Basketball Tournament and third at the David City Holiday Tournament. Their season
record is 8-15.
Boys Basketball Team Rated 6th in C-1
The Roncalli Catholic Boys Basketball Team has been rated sixth in the C-1 by the Omaha
World-Herald and were also the champions of the David City Holiday Tournament on
December 29 and 30. Overall, they finished the season with a 13-8 record.
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www.roncallicatholic.org
CHAD CROUCH: Roncalli Catholic Welcomes New Events Coordinator
Mr. Chad Crouch (Roncalli Catholic Class of 1985) recently
joined the Roncalli Catholic family. He will serve as a faculty
member, as our Events Coordinator and as a member of our
coaching staff, coaching Boys Soccer. working to develop a Computer Aided Design/Graphic Design
curriculum which we feel will prove popular with students. He will teach, four periods per day, in room 204.
According to Jeff Dempsey, President of RCHS, Mr. Crouch is
a great addition to the Roncalli Catholic family.
As our Events Coordinator, Chad will work to maximize the
fundraising potential of Festa del Leone, Swing with Pride,
High Tea and other events. “We are really pleased to have a Roncalli Catholic alumnus
on staff and in this position,” said Mr. Dempsey, “Chad’s
creativity and enthusiasm are second only to his pride in
Roncalli Catholic. ”
As a Roncalli Catholic graduate, Chad is uniquely qualified to
serve as an advocate and liaison with our outside constituents,
including fellow alumni, donors, parents, past-parents and
friends. With the addition of Mr. Crouch, RCHS will be offering new
elective courses beginning in the Fall of 2012. Chad will be
Welcome back to Roncalli Catholic, Mr. Crouch!
PRIDE
March 2012
Roncalli Catholic Hosted Australian Basketball Team
December 5, 2011 Saw High School Basketball History Made in Nebraska
An Australian team from Trinity
Grammar School (TGS) in Sydney
took on Roncalli Catholic’s Crimson
Pride Basketball team on Monday,
December 5, 2011 at 7:30 p.m. The
game was part of a U.S. tour TGS
organizes for its students every three
years. This was the first time a foreign
team has played in sanctioned high
school basketball games in Nebraska.
15
During the U.S. tour, the team spent time visiting and playing six
games throughout Nebraska. In addition to Roncalli Catholic,
TGS played games at Skutt and Gross while in Omaha. They
also played two games in Boston, two in Washington, D.C. and
one game in San Diego, CA.
Trinity Grammar School is an Anglican day and boarding
school for boys in Sydney, Australia, with an enrollment of
1,200 students in grades 7 through 12. A pastoral and spiritual
thread ties together the academic, sporting and cultural
elements of the school.
While they were in Omaha, TGS students spent time at
Roncalli Catholic, took in the sights of Omaha, and some of
the teammates stayed in the homes of our students.
Five RCHS Bowlers Qualify for State
Congratulations to the RCHS Bowling Teams. Five bowlers qualified for state including Amanda Erdei (sophomore), Lisa
Guerney (junior), Lorne Hart (sophomore), Victoria Kolala (sophomore) and Kierstyn Rief (sophomore). To do so, the
individuals scored in the top 10 out of 35 players at the district level. Two RCHS students qualified last year. The RCHS
Girls team also came in third overall at the district level. The state competition was held on Feb. 22 in Lincoln.
Baldwin Flooring
Off the Wall Soccer
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16
Roncalli Catholic High School
Roncalli Catholic High School Receives $10,000 Grant from
First Catholic Slovak Ladies Association
Roncalli Catholic has received a $10,000 grant from the First Catholic Slovak Ladies
Association (FCSLA) to sponsor an exchange student for the Global Outreach
Catholic Exchange Program.
According to RCHS President, Mr. Jeff Dempsey support from organizations such as the
First Catholic Slovak Ladies Association is vital to the success of these programs.
“The grant from the First Catholic Slovak Ladies Association supports this very important
outreach program at Roncalli Catholic,” said Mr. Dempsey. “Our students learn as much
from the exchange students as they learn from us. It’s a great opportunity for everyone.”
Host Families Needed!
Roncalli Catholic High School is
seeking host families for the current
year and the 2012-2013 school year.
At Roncalli Catholic, we educate our
students to develop their full potential,
thus preparing them to meet the
challenges and opportunities of life
with wisdom, courage and faith.
Please consider opening your home
so that these international students
can benefit from a faith-based, college
preparatory education.
For information contact
Ms. Paulette Theisen
402.571.7670 ext. 103
ptheisen@roncallicatholic.org
Global Outreach Catholic Exchange Program
Since 1992, Roncalli Catholic has been sponsoring and hosting foreign exchange
students through the Global Outreach Catholic Exchange Program. The mission of
the program is to invite carefully chosen young Catholics from Central, Eastern and
Northern Europe to spend their junior year at a Catholic school in the Midwest. The
program began in 1990 in Wisconsin and has expanded to include Minnesota and
Nebraska schools as well.
The Global Outreach students spend 10 months, their junior year, living with a
Roncalli Catholic High School host family and are encouraged to participate in
extracurricular activities they do not have in their home countries. For some, this
is viewed as a “year of enrichment” as the program often does not count toward
graduation in their home countries.
According to Notre Dame Sister Marie Alice Ostry, the Global Outreach Coordinator
for Nebraska, the visiting students have expanded possibilities because of the
opportunities they have while in the U.S. and the ultimate goal of the program is to
create “servant leaders.”
“We view this program as a lifetime commitment for the students,” said Ostry. “They
are expected to go back to their home countries and use what they’ve learned to
make a difference in their churches, families and communities.”
Ostry says that RCHS students have just as much to gain as the exchange students.
“The program expands world vision,” said Ostry. “Roncalli Catholic students can
learn that other cultures have something to give and that there are some who have
had to put their lives on the line for their faith, especially during Communism.”
Benefits of the Program
Approximately 80 students apply each year and about one-fourth are accepted to
the program. To apply for the program students complete a 30-page application
and must meet several mandatory criteria, including the ability to speak English and
strong involvement in their home parishes.
In the past, the exchange student’s costs, including tuition, books, fees and paperwork,
have been absorbed by the host school. This year, the First Catholic Slovak Ladies
Association (FCSLA) will be supporting the program with a $10,000 grant to help
cover the student’s costs.
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Roncalli Catholic High School
18
All About
Where Are They Now?
Randy Dee (1992) was named Knight of the Year for 2011 for
the Knights of Columbus Council in Rapid City, SD, where he
lives with his wife and two children. Randy recently became
a Fourth Degree with the Knights of Columbus and works
for ISIS Hospitality as the Area General Manager, overseeing
several hotels.
Kristin (Davis) Contryman (2001) graduated with her
Master’s Degree in Negotiation and Dispute Resolution
from Creighton University in May. In June, Kristin became
an associate attorney at Hightower Law in Omaha, handling
mostly family and juvenile law cases as well as some estate
planning.
Andrew Herbig (2001) received his associate’s degree in
Information Technology from Kaplan University - Omaha
campus in March 2011. At the end of January 2012, he
completed his bachelor’s degree in Information Technology
with an emphasis in network systems and computer forensics.
He is currently working full time at First State Bank as an IT
support analyst.
Donald Sullivan (1993) has been promoted to Senior Manager
of Business Analysis for Marriott International. In Don’s new
role, he will be responsible for providing program management
support and analysis for the implementation of Sales Office
key initiatives. In addition, Don will be responsible for hiring,
training and leading the other business analysis managers as
well as supporting the West Southwest and Western Mountain
Pacific Sales Offices. Don is no stranger to any of the sales
offices. He has been with Marriott since 2009 and he has
worked as a business analysis manager for most of the sales
offices at one time or another. Don will also be able to leverage
his prior experience at Starwood where he worked in a variety
of finance, accounting and analysis roles for seven years.
Shawn McCormick (1990), Arlicia Shaw (2003), and Theresa
Hughes (2007) are all teaching at Springville Elementary
School. Arlicia teaches kindergarten; Theresa teaches 2nd
grade and Shawn teaches Special Education - Resource.
Dave Miller (1969) has been teaching PE at Our Lady of
Lourdes for the past four years. His son, Ben (1997) and his
wife Jill just had their second child, Briella Susan. Briella is
Dave’s fourth granddaughter. Dave’s son Tom (2000) will be
getting married in October of this year.
Michael Rieder (1980) joined Overland Corporation in Dallas,
Texas last January and is overseeing two projects at Fort Bliss
in El Paso.
We Love Hearing from YOU!
Life is about those special moments.
Keep us up-to-date with the wonderful milestones
happening in your life and with your family.
Contact us:
Kristi Berger • 571.7670 ext 112
kberger@roncallicatholic.org
Kami Findall • 571.7670 ext 111
kfindall@roncallicatholic.org
Pictured: Arlicia Shaw (Class of 2003); Theresa Hughes
(Class of 2007); Shawn McCormick (Class of 1990). All
are teaching at Springville Elementary School in Omaha.
Love & Marriage
Brent Heller (2000) and Debbie Sautter (2003) are getting
married May 2012.
PRIDE
March 2012
19
All About
Roncalli Catholic Hosts
Annual Alumni Basketball
Tournament
The Annual Roncalli Catholic Alumni
Basketball Tournament was held March 2-4
and 9-11, featuring 21 teams, with participants
ranging from graduates of the Class of 1981 to
the Class of 2011.
Pictured above left: Overall champs, Class of 1996
- from left to right : (kneeling) TJ Orr and Josh Casey;
(standing) Gunnar Brown, Rich Tyrakoski, Ryan
Schwarz, Connor Flynn.
Pictured above right: Future Pride players huddle
before a game. The Future Pride teams include children
of participating alumni. The kids played between
tournament games.
Pictured left: The Alumni Event Coordinator, TJ Orr
(1996) passes the ball to his teammates in a first-round
game.
Pictured right: The event kicked off with
a Pat O Show concert on Friday, March 2
following the first round of games. The
Pat O Show features RCHS Alumni Pat
O’Hanlon (1981), Jill (Weis) Edmundson
(1992) and Jon Weis (2003).
20
Roncalli Catholic High School
Annual Donor Report Fiscal Year 2010 – 2011
As of July 1, 2010 – June 30, 2011
Due to an error on our part, the following donations did not appear in the December issue of The Pride magazine.
We recognize that the continued support we receive from individuals is vital to the success of our school.
Donations provide the operational and maintenance support our facilities need as well as funding for student scholarships,
allowing Roncalli Catholic to remain the most affordable Catholic school option in the Omaha area.
We deeply regret our error and extend our sincerest apology.
** = Deceased
Gold Level
$25,000 - $49,999
Lion Level
$100 - $999, continued
Ken and Ann Stinson
Brian and Patty Bales
Russell ’71 and Gwen Bayer
Rebecca S. Chung ’77
Carl ’76 and Debbie Cramer
The Most Reverend Elden F. Curtiss
Br. Michael L. Fugger ’74
Thomas J. Gaughen
Dwight and Margaret Jensen
Chuck and Margaret ’88 Kramer
Leslie and Phyllis Lawless
John and Mary Mason
Raymond ’71 and Mary Neary
William ’71 and Jane Roccaforte
Jeffrey and Amy Schmid
Robert and Jean Shields
Bessie Jane Svehla
James ’78 and Debbie ’80 Vamosi
Br. William Woeger, FSC
Brent ’89 and Kathleen Hodgen
Michael and Tressa ’85 Horacek Hoover
Steven ’72 and Carol Hughes
Kurt and Nancie J. Klitzke
Keiser Wealth Management
Chris ’93 and Ann ’92 Kozol
Mark ’77 and Annette Langan
Thomas and Joni Locher
John P. Lomax ’70
Paul ’68 and Linda Marek
Lali Martinez
William** and Sharon Muckey
Edwin and Christy Murphy
Larry J. Reynek ‘72
Vincent ’76 and Mary Roh
T. Patrick and Rose Ryan
Charles and Patricia Sheik
Kurt ’72 and Kathleen Strawhecker
Rev. Joseph C. Taphorn
J. Michael and Sharon Tesar
Tom and Lori Zagozda
Adam and Phyllis Zoucha
Lion Level
$100 - $999
Friends Level
Up to $99
Robert and Catherine Burkhard
James and Cynthia Busse
Elizabeth G. Bystrek
Shane and Wendy Cooley
John and Christine Dockery
William and Rose M. Earlywine
Michael ** ’75 and Jean English
Mark and Stacey ’84 Floersch
Francis and Shalil Giannone
Timothy and Shari ’83 Gilg
Msgr. James E. Gilg
Paul** ’69 and Barbara Goodrich
Rev. Michael Gutgsell
Patricia C. Haniszewski
Colin J. Higgins ’08
James and Kathy Nowak
Donald and Carol O’Leary
Bernie and Patricia ’86 Wiese
Pride Level
$1,000 - $9,999
Did you know ... ?
You can safely give a gift to RCHS online. Simply visit
roncallicatholic.org and find the “Quick Links” at the
top right of the home page. In the “Quick Links” dropdown menu, find “Donate Now!” and you’ll be taken to
a secure area where you can give your gift.