A PUBLICATION OF RONCALLI CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
Volume 11, Number 3 • March 2014
Blessed Angelo Guiseppi Roncalli
Pope John XXIII Canonization
PAGE 3
Roncalli Catholic’s
50th
ANNIVERSARY
CELEBRATION
Schedule of Events
PAGE 4
$150K GIFT FROM JAMES & KRISTEN GUSTAFSON FAMILY FOUNDATION
PAGE 7
catholic schools week at RCHS
Week-long activites involve students, parents and teachers
25th annual festa del leone
Reservations now taken online
pages 8-9
page 12
pope john xxiii award presented at festa
Marge and John Andrews to be honored
page 13
students kick off lent on ash wednesday
All-School Mass, retreat and annual Hunger Banquet
page 17
Boys BasketBall mAKES STATE FINALS
Team wins District Championship
page 19
2
RONCALLI CATHOLIC PRIDE | MARCH 2014
TABLE OF CONTENTS
March 2014
Click on any page description below to be taken to that page.
Click “Return to Table of Contents” on any page to return here.
Blessed Angelo Guiseppi Roncalli Will Be Canonized April 27 ................................... 3
Archbishop Lucas will celebrate Mass of Thanksgiving April 28 at RCHS
Mr. Dempsey and Mr. Hans Featured on KVSS Morning Show ................................ 4
50th Anniversary Celebration Schedule of Events .................................................... 4
A Message from our President .................................................................................. 5
All About Alums .......................................................................................................... 6
$150,000 Gift to RCHS from James & Kristen Gustafson Family Foundation . ........ 7
Gift to Fund Construction of New Learning and Media Center
Catholic Schools Week ............................................................................................ 8-9
Week-long activities January 26 to February 1 at RCHS
Spring Musical: Into the Woods, Jr. ......................................................................... 10
Swing with Pride Golf Open ..................................................................................... 11
25th Annual A. Leavitt Memorial Golf Open August 4
25th Annual Festa del Leone .................................................................................... 12
Pope John XXIII Award . ........................................................................................... 13
Honoring Marge and John Andrews
Junior-Senior Annual Retreats ..................................................................................14
RCHS Students Attend March for Life . ................................................................... 15
Wits Clash Competition ............................................................................................ 15
Annual Christmas Concert ....................................................................................... 15
Pasta and Pops Concert ........................................................................................... 16
Chinese New Year .................................................................................................... 16
Ash Wednesday .........................................................................................................17
RCHS kicks off Lent with Ash Wednesday Mass, Retreat, and Hunger Banquet
Seniors Sign Letters of Intent .................................................................................. 18
Boys Basketball Team Wins District Championship ................................................ 19
RONCALLI CATHOLIC PRIDE | MARCH 2014
3
Blessed Angelo Guiseppi Roncalli
- Pope John XXIII Will Be Canonized April 27
Archbishop Lucas to celebrate a
Mass of Thanksgiving at
Roncalli Catholic High School
April 28, 2014
the proceedings that would revolutionize the Catholic
Church, bringing about such modern changes as the
Mass being said in vernacular language, renewed
interest in the Scripture and the introduction of the Lay
Ministry.
Pope John XXIII and Pope John Paul II
Our Roncalli Catholic patron, Blessed Angelo Guiseppi
Roncalli, Pope John XXIII, will be canonized on April 27,
along with Pope John Paul II.
It is fitting that just last October 11 marked the 50th
Anniversary of the beginning of the Second Vatican
Council, which was initiated by Blessed Angelo Guiseppi
Roncalli (Pope John XXIII).
In fact, Pope Francis said the canonization should be
seen “in the context of the 50th anniversary of the Second
Vatican Council, and the universally heartfelt fame that
surrounds John XXIII.”
In 1958, immediately following his papal election, Pope
John XXIII announced his intention to convene the
Second Vatican Council to renew the Catholic Church
in the context of the modern world. The first meeting
of the council was held on October 11, 1962. Although
he died the next year, Pope John XXIII set in motion
As Pope John XXIII, he was known affectionately as
“Good Pope John” and “the most loved Pope in history”
to many people. In 2000, Pope John was declared
“Blessed Angelo Guiseppi Roncalli” by Pope John
Paul II, the penultimate step on the road to sainthood.
Following his beatification, his body was moved from
its original burial place in the grottoes below St Peter’s
Basilica to the altar of St. Jerome and displayed for the
veneration of the faithful.
Pope Francis selected the date for canonization, Divine
Mercy Sunday, as it was a celebration instituted
worldwide by Pope John Paul II.
On Monday, April 28 The Most Reverend George Lucas,
Archbishop of Omaha, will help our students celebrate
our patron’s canonization with an All-School Mass of
Thanksgiving.
RETURN TO TABLE OF CONTENTS
4
RONCALLI CATHOLIC PRIDE | MARCH 2014
Mr. Dempsey and
Mr. Hans featured on
KVSS Morning Show
Did you miss our President and Principal
on the KVSS Morning Show on January 28
speaking about Catholic Schools Week? Listen to their interview and their vision for
our school. Click here to listen to the
complete interview.
See the story and photos from Catholic
Schools Week at RCHS on pages 8-9.
50th
ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
Schedule of Events
April 28, 2014
Canonization of Pope John XXIII
Thanksgiving Mass with Archbishop Lucas
August 3, 2014
Family Fun Festival with Mass (11 a.m.)
August 4, 2014
25th Annual Swing with Pride Golf Outing
August 21, 2014
Mass of the Holy Spirit at RCHS with Archbishop Lucas
September 26, 2014
Homecoming Football Game & Alumni Event
November 2, 2014
Eat at Buffalo Wild Wings & Support the
RCHS Booster Club
at the SAME
TIME! Any time you enjoy
lunch, dinner or appetizers at Buffalo Wild Wings* just tell your server
you want to support the
Roncalli Catholic
Booster Club Ten percent of your bill
(minus alcohol and taxes)
will be donated
*Available only at these 2 locations:
145th & West Maple OR
76th St. between Dodge & Cass
14th Annual High Tea
February 2015
Trivia Night – TBA
March 2015
Alumni Basketball Tournament - TBA
Spring 2015
Home Baseball/ Soccer Game Alumni Event – TBA
April 11, 2015
Festa del Leone
Classes encouraged to plan reunions for the event
May 18, 2015
Graduation – Closing of 50th Anniversary festivities
For additional information email
[email protected]
!
RONCALLI CATHOLIC PRIDE | MARCH 2014
5
A Message f r o m o u r P r e s i d e n t
Roncalli Catholic Alumni and Friends:
When touring our campus recently with a prospective freshman and her family, I was
struck by the energy and enthusiasm we encountered at every turn.
Jeff Dempsey, President
Roncalli Catholic
High School
Our boys’ basketball team had just finished practicing for a District game to be played
later that week. Our baseball players were taking turns in the indoor batting cages.
The track and soccer teams were both “running the halls”, gearing-up for the spring
season. Tennis players batted balls in the Activity Center. Students sang and worked
on set design in the auditorium in preparation for our spring musical. Tutors worked
quietly with students in the library.
On that tour, I was able to share the exciting design for our new media center/
library (story page 7). We visited about the upcoming Canonization of Pope John
XXIII (page 2). I shared our school’s 50th Anniversary celebration plans (page 5). I
introduced the family to our principal who welcomed them with all of his hope and
optimism. Our admissions director greeted the family with his gregarious confidence
and cheer. Various students greeted us throughout the tour. We met Father Chi in the
hallway and discussed plans for our all-school Ash Wednesday retreat (page 17). With
all of this, you may not be surprised -- we gained a member of the Class of 2018 that
afternoon!
For nearly 50 years, so many alumni, parents, faculty, staff and friends have dedicated
themselves and have committed their time, talent and treasure to put Roncalli Catholic
in the position of strength we enjoy today. We are grateful for the unwavering support
and belief in our mission.
On April 12, Roncalli Catholic will celebrate its 25th Annual Festa del Leone, the school’s
largest fundraiser, featuring live and silent auctions as well as the presentation of the
Pope John XXIII Award to Marge and John (Rummel 1974) Andrews. Chaired by
current parents Kristy and Gus Gustafson and co-chaired by Barb and Joe (Rummel
1971) Lamoureux, the evening promises to be a great celebration of our past and future.
For reservation details please see page 13.
During the year ahead, as we celebrate our 50th Anniversary, we will most certainly
spend a great deal of time reminiscing about our rich history. More importantly,
however, we will be looking forward to the promise of great things to come. As you
read through this Pride magazine, I hope that you too are struck by the energy and
enthusiasm at every turn.
God bless,
Jeff Dempsey, President RCHS
RETURN TO TABLE OF CONTENTS
6
RONCALLI CATHOLIC PRIDE | MARCH 2014
ALUMS
All About
Christopher Ford (1977) works at Lewis University in
Illinois and has been a Brother of the Christian Schools
(De La Salle Christian Brothers) for 28 years.
Tim Houlihan (1976) has three grandchildren: Elijah
(3 ½), Dominic (1 ½), and Evelynne Clare was born in
November.
Mark Langan (1977) has written a book - Busting Bad
Guys, My True Crime Stories of Bookies, Drug Dealers,
and Ladies of the Night. The book is about his 26-year
career with the Omaha Police Department. The book
was featured in the Omaha World-Herald on Feb. 5 in
Mike Kelly’s column. Click here to read Mike Kelly’s
article. Click here for information on Langan’s book.
Philip (Jay) McCarthy (Rummel 1969) was awarded
the “Angel in Adoption” Award on October 9 from the
U.S. Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute
at the organization’s annual gala in Washington D.C.
Jay McCarthy is an attorney and member of McCarthy
Weston, P.L.L.C. in Flagstaff, Arizona.
ACT® Test Prep
Aim High Test Prep, Inc.
Patrick Coyle, B.S. Physics, J.D.
Valedictorian, Class of 1968
Students Taking ACT® Test April 12, 2014
10 Saturdays: Feb 1 – April 5, 2014
Either: 8am-Noon or 1pm-5pm
Students Taking ACT® Test June 14, 2014
10 Sessions: June 2-6 and June 9-13, 2014
Either: 8am-Noon, 1pm-5pm, or 6pm-10pm
Students Taking ACT® Test Sept 13, 2014
10 Sessions Total As Follows:
Sessions 1-5: Five Weekdays: Aug 4-8, 2014
Weekdays Either: 8am-Noon, 1pm-5pm, or 6pm-10pm
Sessions 6-10: 5 Saturdays: Aug 9 – Sept 6, 2014
Saturdays Either: 8am-Noon or 1pm-5pm
Students Taking ACT® Test On Dec 13, 2014:
10 Saturdays: Oct 4 – Dec 6, 2014
Either: 8am-Noon or 1pm-5pm
402.491.0492
GoAimHigh.com
ACT is a registered trademark of ACT, Inc.,
which does not endorse this course.
Joshua Meyer (1998) was one of 11 attorneys admitted to
Partnership of Kutak Rock, LLP. John Rokes (1977) has been working for a long time
in Information Technology in various capacities for
Union Pacific, Omnium Worldwide, ConAgra Foods,
then working as a consultant while owning a computer
services store. For the past two years, he has been helping
a regional IT Solutions Provider, Heartland Tech.
Scott Wiley (1995) found a new career path in Robotics
and his journey was featured in the December 30 “Living”
section of the Omaha World-Herald. Click here to
read the complete article.
Cally (Wilkens) Smoke (2002) married Kyle Smoke at
St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Ft. Worth, TX on September
14, 2013. They reside in Ft. Worth where Cally owns and
operates a portable sanitation company and Kyle works
in political consulting.
John Vejvoda (1975) welcomed his first grandchild, born
to his daughter Danielle (2011); Bentley David Boos was
born on May 14.
Click on any ad throughout this issue and learn more about
these supporters of Pride magazine and Roncalli Catholic
High School.
We’ll also feature their stories in the next issue of
Pride magazine
RETURN TO TABLE OF CONTENTS
Save the Date!
14th Annual High Tea,
Sunday
November 2, 2014!
RONCALLI CATHOLIC PRIDE | MARCH 2014
7
RONCALLI CATHOLIC RECEIVES $150K GIFT FROM THE
JAMES & KRISTEN GUSTAFSON FAMILY FOUNDATION
Gift to Fund Construction of New Learning and Media Center
Pictured: Kristy, Gus, their daughter Katie
and her husband Nick Farella, daughter Kellen,
and sons Jake and Josh at Katie and Nick’s
2013 wedding.
For Roncalli Catholic President Jeff Dempsey and Principal
Paul Hans the vision is to create a learning and media center
to enhance how students learn and how teachers teach in
the 21st Century. The James and Kristen Gustafson Family
Foundation is on-board with this vision and has kick-started
the construction project with a $100K donation. The
Gustafson’s have also offered an additional $50,000 challenge
gift, to be matched at Festa del Leone, the school’s fundraising
dinner and auction, on April 12.
“We feel very blessed that our journey has brought us to
Roncalli Catholic and that the James and Kristen Gustafson
Family Foundation can help get the new media center off the
ground,” said Kristen Gustafson.
President Dempsey says the timing of the gift is perfect and
coincides with growing enrollment, an expanded “Academy”
concept and the school’s 50th Anniversary, which will be
celebrated throughout the 2014-2015 school year.
“We are so grateful to the Gustafson’s for their confidence in
Roncalli Catholic and for making such a generous commitment
to our school and for our students”, said Dempsey
“The very best we can give our students is the opportunity
to learn while doing what interests them,” said Dempsey.
“Targeted coursework and the new media center, coupled with
real world experience will best fulfill our mission of preparing
our students to face life with wisdom, courage and faith.”
According to RCHS Principal Paul Hans students are not
going to grow up to “be a math or a science” but rather to do
something with math and science.
“Subject-matter targeted Academies will allow students to
study and focus on their particular area of interest as well as
have real-life, hands-on opportunities to see what it really
means to be in that field,” said Hans.
“This new Academy format at Roncalli Catholic is cuttingedge in the ongoing development of our students, ever readying
them to meet the challenges and opportunities that their life’s
journey will take them on,” said Mrs. Gustafson. James “Gus” and Kristen Gustafson said they are passionate
about Roncalli Catholic and they are excited about what
Dempsey and Hans have planned for the future of the school.
The Gustafson’s have a daughter, Kellen, who is a junior at
Roncalli Catholic and they have been active members of the
community since joining the Roncalli Catholic family. They
are the event chairs for the upcoming 25th Annual Festa del
Leone. Kristy is also an active member of the RCHS Campus
Ministry committee. The Gustafson’s are entrepreneurs and
former owners of Quality Brands of Omaha, Inc.
RETURN TO TABLE OF CONTENTS
8
RONCALLI CATHOLIC PRIDE | MARCH 2014
A r o u nd the School . . .
Sponsored by the Student Government
Photos courtesy Junior Kimberly Nguyen
and Sophomore Katelyn Harr
THURSDAY
√ Teacher Look-A-Like Contest
□
LOOK-A-LIKES?
For the Teacher Look-A-Like Contest, English teacher Adam Snoza dressed
as his favorite teacher, fellow English teacher Toni Hoffmeier.
More Catholic Schools Week page 7
Click on any ad and learn more about these supporters of
Pride magazine and Roncalli Catholic High School.
RETURN TO TABLE OF CONTENTS
RONCALLI CATHOLIC PRIDE | MARCH 2014
A r o und the School . . .
WEEK-LONG
□
√ Pope John-a-Thon
(Catholic trivia/scavenger hunt)
Sponsored by the Student Government
Photos courtesy Junior Kimberly Nguyen and Sophomore Katelyn Harr
MONDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
√ All-School Liturgy
□
√ Professional Dress Day
□
√ Other Catholic Schools Spirit
□
√ Teacher Look-A-Like Contest
□
√ Teacher Appreciation Video
□
√ Free Teacher Luncheon
□
√ Free lunch for all students and
□
FRIDAY
Day: Students wore attire from
any Catholic grade school, high
school or college
TUESDAY
√ Cozy Day
□
√ A ngel-O-Lympics Homeroom
□
Games
staff
More Catholic Schools Week page 6
□ RCHS Spirit Day
√
□ Talent Show
√
RIGHT ANGEL-O-LYMPICS:
Seniors Hannah
Ramsgard and
Kierstyn Rief navigate
a difficult card pass
using only straws
during the Angel-OLympics.
ABOVE - hula
hoop pass:
Junior Jared Nigrin
attempts to pass a
hula hoop over his
body without letting
go during the Catholic
Schools Week Hula
Hoop Pass.
ABOVE - Talent show:
Junior Kimberly Nguyen wrote and performed
her own song called The Sparrow during the
Catholic Schools Week Talent Show.
RETURN TO TABLE OF CONTENTS
LEFT - Talent show:
Not to be outdone
by his students,
Principal Paul Hans
played the drums
during the Catholic
Schools Week Talent
Show.
9
10
RONCALLI CATHOLIC PRIDE | MARCH 2014
Arou n d t h e S c h o o l . . .
Save the Date! SPRING MUSICAL
Brothers Grimm hit Broadway at RCHS
with Into the Woods Jr.
Show times
Thursday, Friday, Saturday
March 27-29 - 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, March 30 - 4:00 p.m.
Tickets
Available at the door
$8 for adults
$5 for students
For the Roncalli Catholic Spring Musical, the Brothers Grimm hit Broadway
with an epic fairy tale where worlds collide in Into the Woods Jr. The story follows a Baker and his wife who wish to have a child; Cinderella
who wishes to attend the King's Festival; and Jack who wishes his cow
would give milk.
When the Baker and his wife learn that they cannot have a child because of
a Witch's curse, the two set off on a journey to break the curse.
For additional information, contact Marshall Keough
[email protected]
Click on any ad throughout this issue and learn more about these supporters of Pride magazine and Roncalli Catholic High School.
RETURN TO TABLE OF CONTENTS
RONCALLI CATHOLIC PRIDE | MARCH 2014
11
Save the Date - Join the Fun!
RCHS 25th Annual
A. Len Leavitt Memorial
Swing with Pride Golf
Open Set for August 4
Social hour, silent auction,
raffle giveaways and
dinner program will follow
the golf outing
$125 for individual golfers
$500 for foursomes
Roncalli Catholic’s 25th Annual A. Len Leavitt Memorial Swing with Pride
Golf Open is set for Monday, August 4 at The Players Club at Deer Creek.
This annual event unites 200+ current parents, past parents, friends of the school and
alumni for a day of fun on the greens.
A social hour, silent auction, raffle giveaways and dinner program will follow the
golfing portion of the fundraiser. Participants pay just $125 each or $500 for foursomes.
Proceeds benefit the 350+ students of Roncalli Catholic.
Contact Julie Grosse-Rhode [email protected] or (402) 571-7670 for
additional details or to see how you can help.
Click on any ad throughout this issue and learn more about these supporters of Pride magazine and Roncalli Catholic High School.
Commercial and Industrial • Serving Omaha Since 1984
FREE ESTIMATES
402.496.3400
• Asphalt Installation
• Asphalt Overlays
• Asphalt Repair
• Crack Sealing
• Seal Coating
• Line Stripping
Leonard (Rummel 1972)
& Kate Sommer
Lisa (LeBron - RCHS
1981) & Ben Norris
www.parkingmaintenanceomaha.com
RETURN TO TABLE OF CONTENTS
12
Please Join Us
RONCALLI CATHOLIC PRIDE | MARCH 2014
at
forthe
the25th
25thAnnual
Annual
Festa del Leone
Saturday, April 12!
Reservations accepted online at
roncallicatholic.org
$10 a Chance
to Win One of Three
Great Prizes!
You could win a
Smart TV, Microsoft Tablet or
Xbox One for just $10 a ticket!
Drawing to be held during the
25th Annual Festa del Leone.
Need not be present to win. To purchase tickets or to
get a book of tickets to sell, contact
Julie at 402.571.7670
[email protected]
Roncalli Catholic High School will host its largest fundraising event, the
25th Annual Festa del Leone, on April 12. The signature dinner and auction
raises important tuition monies for the 350 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 and the
presentation of the Pope John XXIII Award to Marge and John Andrews, a
1974 Rummel* graduate.
The Event Chairs for Festa 2014 are Kristy and Gus Gustafson; co-chairs
are Barb and Joe (Rummel 1971) Lamoureux.
For additional information
contact Julie Grosse-Rhode
402.571.7670 ext. 113 | [email protected]
Click here to read about the Festa honorees on the next page
Click on any ad throughout this issue and learn more about these supporters of Pride magazine and Roncalli Catholic High School.
FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION
Please contact Ron Goodrich 402.592.0823 • [email protected]
All advertising dollars are sent directly to Roncalli Catholic High School and help to underwrite the cost of this publication.
RETURN TO TABLE OF CONTENTS
RONCALLI CATHOLIC PRIDE | MARCH 2014
2014 Pope John XXIII Award
Marge and John Andrews
Our story begins with John, a 1974 Rummel graduate and
Marge, a 1976 Marian graduate, who met not by chance, but
because their fathers were longtime co-workers, friends and
fishing buddies. So, they have known each other almost all
of their lives. Both from large families, John (6 siblings) and
Marge (8 siblings), their families enjoyed summer picnics,
swimming, sailing, and fishing outings together. The couple
was married in 1979 at St. Pius X Church.
John has been at Leo A. Daly Company for the past 34 years
where he is a Vice President and manages the healthcare
design practice for the Omaha office. Marge was a stay-athome mom until their four children were enrolled at St. Pius/St.
Leo School. Then she spent seven years as an assistant manager
and bookkeeper for the school cafeteria. She joined the staff at
Roncalli Catholic in 1999, working in the development office
for the next five years.
The couple’s four children graduated from Roncalli
Catholic, Nick in 2000, Jon in 2001, Adam in 2003, and
Meg in 2006. All have great memories of teachers and
classmates as well as the sports and activities. Marge
and John say they enjoyed watching their children grow
into young adults through these activities and that the
curriculum and wonderful staff at Roncalli Catholic
prepared them well for college.
“We have been able to support Roncalli
Catholic over the years in small ways and
gradually have been able to do more. We
will continue to do whatever we can to
support the mission of Roncalli Catholic
High School,” said the Andrews.
The Andrews were active volunteers while their
children were students and even served as co-chairs for
the school’s 1999 Festa del Leone. John also served on
the Alumni Board and continues to serve on the school’s
Development Board.
The Andrews said they believe in the importance of
Catholic Education - a belief they attribute to their
parents. As an alumnus, alumni parents and a former
staff member, Roncalli Catholic and its mission remains
especially important to them, and their entire family.
RETURN TO TABLE OF CONTENTS
13
14
RONCALLI CATHOLIC PRIDE | MARCH 2014
A r o und the School . . .
A
B
C
Juniors and Seniors
Focus on God’s Truth at Annual Retreats
RCHS Juniors and Seniors shared fun, fellowship and faith at their “Know
Greater Love” Class Retreats at the Pro Sanctity Retreat Center in Elkhorn on
February 25 and 26. Both retreats were organized by Campus Ministry, and led
by Fr. Francis Valerio, who does retreats for high schools and parish missions as
a priest for the Archdiocese of Omaha.
With interactive games, music, witness talks, and small group sessions, the
retreats focused on how God's truth can overcome the lies and negativity that
plague our everyday lives. Each day culminated with Eucharistic adoration
and healing prayers, followed by an opportunity for the students to share how
God touched them throughout the day. Organizers were supported by more than 30 adult volunteers including RCHS
alumni Diane Aneilak (1978), Jennifer Peck (1989), and Chris Skow Roh
(1987).
Each year, Roncalli Catholic has a retreat for each class of students. The
Freshmen had the Respect Retreat in the Fall to help build a positive school
environment; the annual Sophomore Service Retreat will be held on April 30.
A. Senior boys: Senior boys are moved to
participate in the Dance Off.
B. S
enior girls: Seniors Cassandra Dorner,
Shelby Vejvoda, Hannah Knight, Megan
Valla and Victoria Kolalla at the Feb. 26
retreat.
C. J unior Retreat: Juniors Raluca Maefski,
Angela Peterson, Kellen Gustafson,
and MacKenzie Emsick with Jevon, a
Christian Rapper, and Josh Dotzler, a
Creighton University Senior basketball
player. At the retreat, Josh shared his
story, focusing on how he was able to look
at the gifts God had given him in each
situation in his life. Jevon also shared his
story and rapped for the students.
RETURN TO TABLE OF CONTENTS
RONCALLI CATHOLIC PRIDE | MARCH 2014
A
15
Around the School . . .
C
B
Twenty-two RCHS Students
Attend National March for Life
Roncalli Catholic sent 22 students and one alumnus, along with three
chaperones on the annual pilgrimage to the March for Life in Washington,
D.C., Jan. 18-23. A. Seniors Jake Tyrakoski and Jacob Wolff participate in the March for Life
in Washington, D.C.
Roncalli Catholic’s
39th Annual Wits
Clash Competition
Held Feb. 7
B. Junior Angie Peterson and Senior Victoria Kolala at the 2014 March for
Life event in Washington, D.C.
C. RCHS students praying in front of a Planned Parenthood in
Philadelphia, PA.
Students from 14 area middle schools
attended the 39th Annual Wits Clash
competition at Roncalli Catholic on
February 7. Each school had two teams
of four students competing in the event.
Wits Clash is an opportunity for metro
Junior High students to compete in a quiz
competition at the school.
The competition was done in a game show
format, featuring questions in various
categories. In teams of four students,
participants were quizzed on history, math,
geography, and current events, to name a
few of the subjects.
In the end, Mary Our Queen beat St.
Wencelaus in the finals. St. Columbkille
came in third place.
RETURN TO TABLE OF CONTENTS
Roncalli
Catholic
Hosts Annual
Christmas
Concert
Roncalli Catholic’s annual
Christmas Concert on December 11 got attendees into the holiday spirit, as
they listened to the Concert Band, Concert Chorus, Women's Chorus, Men's
Chorus, Piano Class, and Guitar Class perform classic holiday songs. The free
concert concluded with refreshments and desserts. 16
RONCALLI CATHOLIC PRIDE | MARCH 2014
A r o und the School . . .
RCHS Hosts 8th Annual
Pasta & Pops Concert
Roncalli Catholic hosted the 8th Annual Pops, Popcorn &
Pop Concert featuring the Concert Chorus, Women’s Chorus,
Faculty Quartette, Hotstop, Concert Band, Guitar Class,
PRIDE A Cappella and student soloists, with various genres of
popular music from Broadway to British Rock. More than 300
music lovers attended the Feb. 19 event with endless popcorn
and pop served throughout. The 7 p.m. concert was held in
the school’s student center.
Photos courtesy Kimberly Nguyen
Above: S
eniors Ki’Airre Smith and Mitch Lovely along with
Mr. Dworak, RCHS School Counselor, learn how to use
chopsticks at the Chinese New Year information table.
RCHS Students Celebrate
Chinese New Year
On February 4, Roncalli Catholic students celebrated the Chinese New
Year with dumplings, egg rolls and education on the traditions of the
celebration. The event was sponsored by RCHS Chinese Students, eager
to share their traditions with classmates.
Above: Seniors Yoki Wang and JoJo Tang helped
with the Chinese New Year activities on
February 4.
RETURN TO TABLE OF CONTENTS
RONCALLI CATHOLIC PRIDE | MARCH 2014
17
A r o und the School . . .
Roncalli Catholic Kicks Off Lent with
Ash Wednesday Mass, All-School Retreat
and Annual Hunger Banquet
Roncalli Catholic High School celebrated the start of the Lenten season with an
Ash Wednesday Mass, an all-school retreat, and an annual hunger banquet over the
lunch hour.
The all-school retreat was led by Adam Ybarra who is also the Archdiocesan
Coordinator of Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS) and has led
many youth retreats for colleges and high schools. His message featured the themes
of Ash Wednesday, Lent and what it means for our students.
A portion of the retreat was presented by RESPECT, a local organization that uses
interactive theatre programs to focus on issues faced by teens. More specifically, the
program is designed to help prevent bullying, abusive relationships and teen dating
violence. The Hunger Banquet is a Roncalli Catholic tradition in which the students, faculty
and staff draw for their meal according to the populations of the world. Third world
countries ate rice; second world countries ate rice and beans; and first world countries
had rice, beans, a fish patty and a cookie. Those eating first world food sat at a table,
while everyone else sat on the floor.
According to RCHS full-time Chaplain Father Chi Igboanusi, the purpose of the
banquet is to demonstrate the inequality of food in the world today, to be in solidarity
with those who have nothing or very little to eat, and finally to fast for Ash Wednesday
in thanksgiving for what Our Lord has done for us.
The banquet was catered by “Pleasure Your Palate Catering” and participants paid $4.
Campus Ministry students decided the money remaining following the cost of food
would be donated to the St. Vincent de Paul Society.
RETURN TO TABLE OF CONTENTS
MAIN PHOTO:
(l to r) Nathan Leuk, Deacon Rick
Nierdegesses, Father Chi Igboanusi
and Hender Mendoza-Ortega prep
for Ash Wednesday Mass in the
Notre Dame Auditorium.
TOP INSET:
Father Chi distributes ashes to
Sophomore Jordan Perkins on Ash
Wednesday.
BOTTOM INSET:
Seniors Kelli Soltys and Mitch Lovely
participate in the Ash Wednesday
Hunger Banquet.
18
RONCALLI CATHOLIC PRIDE | MARCH 2014
A r o und the School . . .
Seniors Sign Letters of Intent for Midlands,
Morningside and Wichita State
TOP LEFT:
On Feb. 12 Justin Dunn
signed to play football at
Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa. Pictured left to right: RCHS Coach Mike Berens,
Justin Dunn, and Morningside College Assistant Coach Brandon Clayton.
LEFT:
RCHS Senior Alec Bohm has signed to play baseball for Witchita State.
TOP RIGHT:
On Feb. 13 Derek Lee signed to play football at Midlands University in Fremont, NE. Pictured
left to right: RCHS Coach Mike Berens, Derek Lee, and Midlands University Assistant Coach
Brad Vonnahme.
PRIDE
is published by Roncalli Catholic High School, Omaha, NE.
©2014, All rights reserved.
Materials in 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
RONCALLI CATHOLIC PRINCIPAL: Paul Hans
EDITOR: Kristi Berger • PHOTOGRAPHY: Roncalli Catholic Staff and as indicated.
RETURN TO TABLE OF CONTENTS
RONCALLI CATHOLIC PRIDE | MARCH 2014
19
A r o und the School . . .
Crimson Pride Boys Varsity Basketball Team
Wins District Championship
1
Photos courtesy RCHS Junior Kimberly Nguyen
The Crimson Pride Boys Basketball Season defeated Mount Michael in
the last game of the regular season, and went on to beat Bennington at
the Districts level for a spot in the State Championship. The Crimson
Pride’s state championship dream was dashed by a 43-41 loss in the first
round game against Beatrice on March 13.
2
Pictured:
1. Jonah Holzapfel outruns Beatrice
during the March 13 state basketball
game at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
2. H
annah Knight, Malia Shirley, Megan Valla and Aautumn Jones-Evans cheer on the
Crimson Pride at the March 13 State tournament game.
3. M
ichael Hoellen goes for a lay-up during the March 13 state tournament
game against Beatrice.
4. Crowd cheers on Crimson Pride and waves “faces” of team players.
RETURN TO TABLE
OF CONTENTS
3
4