A PUBLICATION OF THE ALUMNI-DEVELOPMENT OFFICE OF RONCALLI CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

Volume 10, Number 1 • July 2012

CAPS OFF TO THE CLASS OF 201283 graduating seniors to continue their education page 8

ALumnuS OF THE YEArJeff matza honored at senior breakfast page 9

HOnOrArY ALumnuS OF THE YEArPhil mcKeone recognized at graduation ceremony page 10

Matza McKeone

ArCHBISHOP LuCAS HOnOrED AT FESTA DEL LEOnE page 6

nEW TrACK uP AnD runnInGroncalli hosts first invitational track meet page 14

A RoncAlli cAtholic tRAdition

Mark your Calendars!High Tea November 4

Save the date for Roncalli Catholic’s 12th Annual High Tea fundraiser set for Sunday, November 4. This event is a Roncalli Catholic tradition that encourages creativity and fun while raising funds for scholarship and tuition grant programs for our students.

Each year, Rummel Gymnasium is converted into a large tea room, with hostesses decorating each table in their

own unique theme. From fine china to paper plates, from garden party hats to Husker caps, this event appeals to women of all ages.

Watch for more information and check online for other

exciting happenings: www.roncallicatholic.org

Roncalli Catholic High School2

CLICK ON THE ADS THROUGHOUT THIS ISSUE TO VISIT THE RCHS SUPPORTER’S WEBSITE

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skinnerbaking.combaked fresh daily in omaha

J. Skinner Baking Company is proud to support Roncalli Catholic High School

PRIDE July 2012

Inside July 2012

High Tea - November 4 2

A Word from Mr. Jeff Dempsey 4-5

Festa del Leone Raises $150,000 6-7

Caps off to the Class of 2012 8

Alumnus of the Year, Jeff Matza 9

Honorary Alumnus of the Year, Phil McKeone 10

Alumnus T. J. Orr Named Admissions Director 11

New Communications Coordinator 11

New Database Coordinator 11

Fireworks Fundraiser Benefits RCHS Students 12

Students Help Others during Annual Retreat 12

RCHS Hosts Music in Catholic Schools Concerts 12

Spring Concert Held April 17 12

Summer Arts Camps at RCHS 13

Swing with Pride Golf Outing 13

RCHS New Track Up and Running 14

All About Alums 15

Crimson Pride Varsity Football Schedule 16

Varsity Football Season Opener at Home 16

23rd Annual Swing with Pride A. Len Leavitt Memorial Golf Open

There’s Still Time to Make your Reservation!SEE PAGE 13 FOR DETAILS

3

Roncalli Catholic High School4

A Word from Mr. Jeff Dempsey, our President

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.

Jeff Dempsey, President

Roncalli Catholic High School

Roncalli Catholic Supporters:

Great progress continued throughout the summer at Roncalli Catholic. These past few months, we built on last summer's major campus renovation efforts to keep the momentum going! Here are some highlights:

Father Chi joins us full-time

In June, we received positive word from Archbishop Lucas, regarding our request and hope of having Fr. Chi Igboanusi join us here on a full-time basis. Fr. Chi’s full-time status will allow him to more fully focus on the pastoral needs of the Roncalli Catholic community, to spend time in the classroom, and to preside over near-daily Mass in our Chapel. This is tremendous news and a blessing for us all.

Admissions and Recruitment

On the recruitment front, thanks to the work and confidence of many, RCHS will welcome a freshman class which promises to be our largest incoming class in more than a decade. The Class of 2016, combined with our returning students, comes to us from throughout the metropolitan area including 40+ different elementary schools, parishes and churches. This is an ongoing testament to the quality, Catholic, college preparatory education provided here at Roncalli Catholic. T. J. Orr, Roncalli Catholic ’96, our new Admissions and Recruitment Director, has worked throughout the summer solidifying the freshman class, with numerous students and families who have chosen to transfer to RCHS, and with our new and returning international students.

These successful recruitment efforts come on the heels of our graduating Class of 2012 who were awarded more than $5.7 million in scholarships. These students also completed more than 9,200 community service hours during their four years at Roncalli Catholic – an average of 108 hours per student. These are impressive accomplishments of which we should all be proud.

Technology Upgrades

During several weeks over the summer, we completed a much needed upgrade to our computer network equipment and servers. Our two outdated servers were replaced with three high quality, vastly upgraded servers. This was an important, behind-the-scenes project which will allow us to keep pace with current and future technology and computer needs.

Fireworks

Our second annual fireworks fundraiser was a huge success. Spanning 10 days, several of them with 100 degree temperatures, we were able to well exceed our projected net income. These funds, along with our other fundraising efforts, will help us keep our tuition the lowest of any Omaha-area Catholic high school and as financially accessible as possible. Thank you to all of the parents, past parents and students who volunteered hundreds of hours to make this effort such a success.

Swing with Pride (Not too late to join the fun! See page 13 for details.)Our 23rd Annual Roncalli Catholic Swing with Pride A. Len Leavitt Memorial Golf Open

continued on page 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 PRESIDENTJeffrey M. Dempsey

RONCALLI CATHOLIC PRESIDENT EMERITUSRev. Lloyd A. Gnirk

EDITORKristi Berger

PHOTOGRAPHYDevelopment and Alumni Office

DESIGN AND LAYOUTGoodrich and Goodrich, LLC

STEWARDSHIP AND DEVELOPMENT OFFICEJeffrey M. Dempsey, President

Rev. Lloyd A. Gnirk, President EmeritusRev. Gerald Igboanusi, Roncalli Catholic Chaplain

Barbara Norris, Business ManagerKelly Bosn, Database Coordinator

Kristi Berger, Communications CoordinatorDarlene Perrotto, Administrative Assistant

T. J. Orr, Director of Admissions and Recruitment

FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATIONPlease contact Nancy Sweene

(402) 339-7024 • FAX (402) 597-1321nsweene@cox.net

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.

PRIDE July 20125

A Word from Mr. Jeff Dempseycontinued from page 4

will be held on August 6 at The Player’s Club at Deer Creek. This is a great time to enjoy the camaraderie of the RCHS family and to support our school. Thank you to the many volunteers who make this annual event such a success. There is still time to register to play or to volunteer. If interested, more information may be found on our web site, www.roncallicatholic.org.

These are just a few of our continued successes and I look forward to providing future updates. Always feel free to contact me directly with questions and suggestions as we work together to create an even stronger Roncalli Catholic.

God bless.

Jeff Dempsey, President Roncalli Catholic High School

We hope you enjoy this online version of

The Pride magazine.

Remember that all text in blue

can be clicked on to take you to the page

with the story or website referred to.

We appreciate all our advertisers.

It’s because of their support that

the March and July issues are made possible.

Be sure to visit their websites

by clicking on their ads.

If you are a business owner,

consider advertising your

services or products here.

For advertising information contact

Duffi Goodrich • goodriches@cox.net

Nancy Sweene • nsweene@cox.net

Roncalli Catholic High School6

Even the roar of the weather could not keep more than 350 people from attending

Roncalli Catholic’s Festa del Leone on Saturday, April 14. The event raised more than

$150,000 to support the school through scholarship, tuition assistance and technology

programs.

Festa del Leone, translated “feast of the lion,” is the school’s premier fundraising event,

rich with traditions 23 years in the making. As part of this long-standing tradition, the

school’s Rummel Gymnasium was transformed into a formal dining room, complete

with carpeting, golden lions and student servers in white gloves. The night featured:

a signature dinner catered by Attitude on Food; live and silent auctions; and a raffle

drawing with a $5,000 TV and entertainment system grand prize.

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Pope John XXIII Award to the

Most Reverend George J. Lucas, Archbishop of Omaha. The Pope John XXIII Award,

named after Angelo Guiseppe Roncalli, is bestowed upon those individuals who

exhibit extraordinary devotion and commitment to Roncalli Catholic and “serving the

children and friends of God.” RCHS President Jeff Dempsey and President Emeritus

Father Lloyd Gnirk presented the award.

According to President Jeff Dempsey it was an honor to have the Archbishop receive

the award and attend the event.

“We appreciate the Archbishop’s support of Roncalli Catholic and all of his service to

our entire community,” said Dempsey.

Event chairs were Judi and Bill Larson; honorary chairs were Kate and Leonard

Sommer (Rummel 1972).

“I am so thankful for the support and efforts of the chairs and the volunteers who

made this event such a success,” continued Dempsey.

The silent auction and wine grotto, featuring donated wine and wine-themed baskets,

RONCALLI CATHOLIC’S FESTA DEL LEONE OVERCOMES WEATHER FORECAST TO RAISE $150,000

Mark your calendar for next year’sFesta del Leone

April 13, 2013

Festa del Leone Photo AlbumA. Enjoying the festivities were Father Ryan

Lewis, RCHS President Jeff Dempsey and

President Emeritus Father Lloyd Gnirk

B. Event chairs were Judi and Bill Larson;

honorary chairs were Kate and Leonard

Sommer (Rummel 1972).

Festa del Leone photos courtesy

Green Room Studios

A

B

continued on page 7

The highlight of the evening

was the presentation of the

Pope John XXIII Award to the

Most Reverend George J. Lucas,

Archbishop of Omaha.

PRIDE July 2012

were held in the school’s brand new Activity Center. The center

is a 4,000 sq. ft. room created through the renovation of four

former classrooms to serve as the new home for the wrestling

team, and will be used by the cheerleaders and dance team, for

alumni reunions and a variety of other school functions.

Dave Webber served as the Master of Ceremonies for the

festivities and Monsignor James Gilg gave the invocation. The

evening menu featured beef tenderloin medallions served over

garlic baby red mashed potatoes with a green peppercorn demi

glaze, seasonal grilled vegetables along with caramel apple

streusel cheesecake and chocolate truffle torte for dessert.

Major corporate sponsors for the event included Alegent

Health, Immanuel Medical Center; Parking Area Maintenance

(Leonard Sommer, Rummel 1972); and Continuum Worldwide

(Jeff Matza, RCHS 1977) donated all printed materials including

invitations, catalogs and signs for the evening.

FESTA DEL LEONE ... continued from page 6 Festa del Leone Photo AlbumC. and D. Many other guests join Archbishop George Lucas

for the evening’s celebration.

E. Guests visited the silent auction and wine grotto, featuring

donated wine and wine-themed baskets, held in the school’s

brand new Activity Center.

F. RCHS President Emeritus Father Lloyd Gnirk visited with

Dave Webber, who served as the Master of Ceremonies.

Festa del Leone photos

courtesy

Green Room Studios

7

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C

F

D

E

Roncalli Catholic High School8

Cooper Sedlacek, Natalie Solis and Matthew Soltys line

up for the May 20 Graduation Mass.

Graduating seniors Allison Wolff, Hailey Worthy, and

Kayleen Wright.

Caps off to Roncalli Catholic Class of 2012!

Next year, these 83 students will be continuing their educations in-town, across the region and as far away as Alabama, New York and

Hawaii. From trade schools and colleges - from universities to military service, they will surely be achieving great things.

Congratulations Roncalli Catholic Class of 2012!

• These students were awarded $5.7 million in scholarship money

to continue their education – a sum that has not been seen in at

least 15 years.

• They completed more than 9,200 community service hours in

their four years at the school; that’s an average of 108 hours

per student. In fact, these graduates exceeded their senior year

volunteer requirement by more than 400 hours.

• Graduate Joe Kramer was appointed to the prestigious West Point

Academy, known as the world’s premier leader development

institution. Each year, less than 15% of applicants receive this

appointment.

• Senior Tom Mullen, earned a perfect ACT score and was

recognized by the Governor as one of only eight students in the

state to do so. This is the second year in a row that an RCHS

senior has achieved a perfect score. J. Price Comstock, who was

a senior at RCHS last year, also scored a perfect 36 on the test.

• This class of overachievers had not one, but TWO Valedictorians –

Margaret Findall and Janice Mullen. Fifteen students graduated

with high honors (cumulative G.P.A. of 3.75 and higher) and 13

with honors (cumulative G.P.A. of 3.5 to 3.74).

On Sunday, May 20, 83 Roncalli Catholic students crossed the stage, received their diplomas and moved their tassels to the left side. But this

impressive class of 2012 did much more than simply graduate from our school.

CLICK ON THE ADS WITH BLUE BORDERS TO VISIT THAT RCHS SUPPORTER’S WEBSITE

PRIDE July 2012

Jeff Matza (1977) was honored as the 2012 Alumnus of the year and spoke at Roncalli Catholic’s Senior Breakfast on May 16. He attended Archbishop Rummel/Roncalli Catholic and graduated with the class of 1977; the last freshman class of Rummel High School.

Matza and Continuum Worldwide, where he is the president, were instrumental in the new marketing and branding efforts of the school. The work included the design of our new logo as well as the creation and printing of recruitment and promotional pieces.

According to Roncalli Catholic President Jeff Dempsey, Matza’s enthusiasm and limitless help were the keys to the success of the school’s new marketing and branding efforts.

“Mr. Matza and his talented group of marketing professionals

and artists worked hard to help us reach our goals, updating our logo and expanding our marketing efforts, all while remaining true to our original lion,” said Dempsey.

Dempsey says the expanded marketing and recruitment efforts, along with the campus-wide improvements, contributed to the school’s ability to register close to 100 students for the incoming freshman class. This is the largest incoming class in more than 15 years.

During his speech, Matza encouraged students to be open to what life has to bring, and to be passionate about their

chosen path and stewardship efforts.

Continuum World Wide is a Mutual of Omaha affiliate security company offering compliance, assessments, governance, and incident response services. Prior to Continuum, Matza was the Vice President of Special Investigations for Mutual of Omaha, where he devoted more than 25 years to fraud investigation and supervision. Matza was also Chairperson of the Institute for Healthcare Fraud Prevention as well as Chairperson of the National Healthcare Anti-Fraud Association, both from Washington D.C.

Matza’s lectures reached an international audience and covered numerous topics such as Investigative Management, Fraud Evidence and Collection, Interviewing and Interrogation, and Internal Diversion of Assets. He has been a frequent presenter for numerous trade associations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and was also a joint presenter with the Department of Justice in providing anti-fraud training to members of New Scotland Yard.

Jeff has been married for 28 years to Lynnette and they have two children, Kelli and Steve. Kelli is currently an art teacher at Papillion South and Steve is a senior majoring in Finance and Economics at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln.

9

2012 Alumnus of the Year

Jeff Matza (1977) Supplied Keys to Success of New Marketing Efforts

Roncalli Catholic High School10

Phil McKeone, President of Daedalus Construction, was named the 2012 Roncalli

Catholic Honorary Alumnus at the school’s May 20 Graduation and Mass.

According to RCHS President Jeff Dempsey, McKeone and Daedalus Construction were

instrumental in the completion of the school’s new parking lot, competition-grade

track, concrete flooring in the new activity center and other campus improvements.

(See page 14 for information and a photo of the new track.)

“Thanks to Mr. McKeone and Daedalus Construction we were able to achieve more

than we ever thought possible with these projects,” said Dempsey.

In fact, 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 new parking lot features traffic control islands with trees and landscaping, new

sidewalks, and new handicapped and visitor parking closer to the school. McKeone even helped get the trees donated for the parking lot.

For the track and stadium project, the company was involved in everything from grading and drainage to fencing along the south side of

the stadium.

Phil McKeone graduated from Creighton Prep in 1970 and began working in concrete construction the same year. He attended Creighton

University until 1973 and founded Daedalus Construction in 1977. Daedalus Construction is a family-owned and operated concrete

construction company. The company is known for high-quality construction, experienced project management and competitive prices.

McKeone has been the president and sole stock holder since 1987 and a long-time advocate for Catholic schools. A life-long resident of

Nebraska, McKeone and his wife Jeanine have four children.

2012 Honorary Alumnus of the Year

Phil McKeone Instumental in Completion of New Parking Lot and Track

Around the SchoolPRIDE July 2012

Alumnus T.J. Orr Named RCHS Admissions DirectorOn June 1, Roncalli Catholic alumnus Timothy J. (T.J.) Orr took on a new role at the school – he is the new Director of Admissions and Recruitment. Orr is a class of 1996 alumnus and has remained an active volunteer and advocate for the school over the years.

According to RCHS President Jeff Dempsey, Orr is a great fit for the position.

“T. J.’s enthusiasm, background in education, and history of leadership here at Roncalli Catholic make him uniquely qualified to lead our recruitment efforts,” said Mr. Dempsey.

Orr has served as the RCHS Alumni Board President and he has been a teacher in the Omaha Public School system since 2003. Most recently, he has served as the Head Football Coach and Physical Education teacher at Monroe Middle School.

Pictured left, T. J. Orr and students really hit it off.

Roncalli Catholic Welcomes New Communications CoordinatorKristi Berger joined Roncalli Catholic last August and is the school’s Communications Coordinator. This new position was created to ensure that our community hears about all the great things happening at Roncalli Catholic. Her duties include writing PRIDE Magazine, alumni publications, press releases and promotional materials. She also maintains the school’s website and Facebook page.

Kristi spent the past seven years as a stay-at-home mom but managed to do some freelance writing and editing for the UNMC Eppley Cancer Center in her free time. Before that, she was a Communications Specialist and Events Coordinator for the Cancer Center.

Roncalli Catholic Welcomes New Database CoordinatorKelly Bosn joined the Roncalli Catholic Development Team in May as the Database Coordinator. She will be responsible for the development database, assuring accuracy of the data input, providing reports and query listings, and maintaining records on all alumni, donors and donations received by Roncalli Catholic High School. Prior to joining RCHS she was the Marketing Manager at Mulhall’s Nursery.

As a parent of two current students and one future student, Kelly says that she is excited to be part of the Roncalli Catholic Development Team.

Fr. Chi Igboanusi Full-time Chaplain for RCHSIn June, we received positive word from Archbishop Lucas, regarding our request and hope of having Fr. Chi Igboanusi join us here on a full-time basis. Fr. Chi’s full-time status will allow him to more fully focus on the pastoral needs of the Roncalli Catholic community, to spend time in the classroom, and to preside over near-daily Mass in our Chapel. This is tremendous news and a blessing for us all. (From Jeff Demsey’s letter on page 4)

11

Around the SchoolRoncalli Catholic High School

12

RCHS Hosts Music in Catholic Schools ConcertsThis year, Roncalli Catholic hosted two concerts for Music in Catholic Schools (MCS). The MCS Honor Band Spring Concert was held on April 19 and the Joint Schools Concert for north schools was held on May 6. Student musicians rehearsed at the school in the weeks leading up to both performances as well.

Music in Catholic Schools (MCS) is a band program under the direction of the Superintendent of Schools, from the Omaha Archdiocese. The program began in 1979 and provides a complete band curriculum as well as enriching instrumental activities for students enrolled in the participating schools, regardless of financial resources.

Currently, 26 Catholic and five Lutheran schools are served by the three teachers and one administrator of the program. Find additional information on MCS at http://www.archomaha.org/education/mcs/index.html.

q

RCHS Spring Concert Held April 17Roncalli Catholic’s annual spring concert featured several soloists and four groups including the Concert Chorus, Women’s Chorus, PRIDE A Capella and Jazz Band.

The April 17 concert served as a practice concert for the District Music Contest held on April 20-21 at Platteview High School. At the district competition all RCHS students did well, scoring I, II or III on a five-point scale with I being the best.

With the help of student and parent volunteers,

Roncalli Catholic’s second annual fireworks

fundraiser brought in more funds than projected.

This event ran June 25 through July 5 and was set up

in the parking lot of Dave’s Auto Body off of I-680

and the Irvington Exit. Special thanks to Mark

Schumacher (‘82) for allowing us to use his lot for

the fundraiser.

Volunteers Leslie Smoot and

Andrea Lahowetz help

ring up orders at the

RCHS Fireworks

Fundraiser.

CRASH! Boom! BANG! Fireworks Fundraiser Benefits RCHS Students

Students Help Others During Annual RetreatIn April, Roncalli Catholic sophomores had their annual service retreat to give back to the community.

The 2012 sophomore service retreat began with mass at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church. Students were then bussed to one of seven different locations around the city to do three hours of volunteer work. Locations included the Omaha Food Bank, Bethlehem House, Madonna School, Heart Ministries, Precious Memories, QLI, and Together, Inc. The event concluded with lunch and reflections back at the church.

According to RCHS Chaplain Fr. Chi Igboanusi this event is as important for the students as it is for the community.

“This (retreat) allows students to give back to God and the community from the abundance of what they have received,” said Igboanusi.

The students said their experiences were eye-opening, made them realize how fortunate they are, and that it feels good to help others.

Each year, Roncalli Catholic has a retreat for each class of students. The freshmen have the Respect Retreat to help build a positive school environment; juniors have the Responsibility Retreat to examine the impact of their daily choices; and seniors have the Wisdom Retreat to encourage good career choices. All retreats are coordinated by RCHS Chaplain Fr. Chi Igboanusi and Campus Ministry. The freshman, junior and senior retreats are led by a team from Youth Ministry Inc. of Minnesota. The sophomore retreat is led by Father Igboanusi and Campus Ministry.

Around the School

23rd Annual Swing with Pride A. Len Leavitt Memorial Golf Open

There’s Still Time to Make your Reservation!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 $10.00Raffle tickets: $5.00 each or three for $10.00 for a chance to win major prizes

New ThiS yeaR: Participants have a chance to win $10,000 for a hole-in-one on number 16

(Sponsored by Michael Maley and CBS Home)

MAkE YOuR RESERvATIOn TODAY

On OuR SECuRE wEBSITE

www.roncallicatholic.org

For more information contact

Jeff Dempsey: jdempsey@roncallicatholic.org

Chad Crouch: ccrouch@roncallicatholic.org

PRIDE July 2012

RCHS 2012 Summer Camps Covered Arts and AthleticsTwelve-year-old Rachel Dempsey cuts clay while participating in the Roncalli Catholic Pottery Camp, June 11-15. Students created between nine and 12 clay projects by hand and using the potter’s wheel. The Pottery Camp was one of five Fine Arts Camps offered at Roncalli Catholic this summer.

The school’s summer program also features five Sports Camps in June and July.

Each year, Roncalli Catholic hosts summer camps for kids in grades 4 to 8. From football to photography, from cooking to soccer skills, Roncalli Catholic’s summer camps program had something for everyone.

Check us out online for updates to events and activities: www.roncallicatholic.org

13

A Celebration of Spirit

The Notre Dame Sisters held their annual

Celebration of Spirit Dinner on April 1 at

Roncalli Catholic High School.

The event was held to honor the 2012 Mother

Qualberta Award recipient, Ann O’Connor, an

RCHS Class of 1978 alumnus.

RCHS President Jeff Dempsey, Sister Margaret

Hickey, ND and RCHS President Emeritus

Fr. Lloyd Gnirk visit during the silent auction

portion of the fundraising dinner. Sister

Margaret Hickey, ND is a former RCHS

teacher and RCHS Development Director.

Funds raised at the event support the

numerous ministries of the Notre Dame

Sisters.

Around the School

Roncalli Catholic High School14

Roncalli Catholic’s new track is up and running: School hosts first track meet on April 21The final phase of the Roncalli Catholic stadium project is

officially complete and was capped off with a track meet

on the school’s new competition grade track. On Saturday,

April 21 the school had the first of what will be many track

meets on their campus.

The meet was an invitational for eight area middle schools.

St. Margaret Mary and St. Pius/ St. Leo hosted the event

which also included teams from Boystown, Mary Our

Queen, St. Albert’s (Council Bluffs), St. Columbkille, St.

Patrick’s (Elkhorn), and St. Robert’s.

Plans are in the works for the CRIMSON PRIDE track

teams to host a meet on-campus as early as next year. Until

then, the track will be used for practice for RCHS students

and will continue to be available to area middle schools for

meets. The school also used the track to host a Summer

Running & Cardio Camp for students in Grades 7 through

9, June 4-6.

According to RCHS President Jeff Dempsey the school’s

student athletes were previously using the parking lot,

hallways and other locations for practices.

“The new track will not only provide our students with a better place to

practice, but it will also be a great source of pride for them when they host

meets on their very own campus,” said Dempsey.

A major initiative within the school’s 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.

All About

PRIDE July 2012

Where Are They Now?Robert Hutchinson (1974) is the project manager and architect for the overseas Air Force air bases.

Danny Kulus (2008) got married, moved to Vermont and had a little girl named Savannah.

Timothy Stephens (2008) received an associate’s degree in Applied Science from Iowa Western in 2010 and went on to complete an associate’s degree in Biomedical Equipment Technology from Southeast Tech in Sioux Falls. He now works for Bio-Electronics servicing medical equipment.

Colette (Wilson) Stock (2002) has been working at First Data Resources for the past ten years, just celebrated her 9th wedding anniversary, and has two kids, Caroline, age 7, and Gabriel, age 5.

Heidi (Geier) Woodard (1995) received Creighton’s Leader

for Life Award on May 3. The Leader for Life Award honors

an individual whose actions have made a lasting impression

on women’s sports at the University. Woodard was an award-

winning softball player for the school in the mid-1990s,

graduating with a B.A. in journalism in 1999.

DeathsThomas Kirkpatrick (1975) passed away on June 5 following a short, intense battle with cancer.

Keisha Norton (2003) passed away on March 13.

Roncalli Catholic Class of 2002 10-year Class Reunion

The Roncalli Catholic Class of 2002 celebrated their 10-year reunion on May 12. The festivities began with a 9 a.m. golf outing at the Benson Golf Course.

A family picnic was held at Roncalli Catholic in the late

afternoon and there was a Social Hour at Deuces Bar in

the evening for the adults.

Pictured are class members Pat McCarville, Joe Hruska, Sean Lynn and Gary Lehn

at the class reunion golf outing.

Alumnus Joe Bircher Drafted by the Houston AstrosRoncalli Catholic alumnus Joe Bircher (2008) will be playing for the Houston Astros. Bircher was the first pick of the 10th round in the Major League Baseball draft held June 5.

Bircher was a second-team all-state pitcher in his junior and senior years and led the Crimson Pride to state championships in 2007 and 2008.

Read the story online in the Omaha World-Herald.

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

Kelly Bosn • 571.7670 ext 111

kbosn@roncallicatholic.org

We want to hear from YOU!

15

Roncalli Catholic High School16

Crimson Pride to kick off season with first home game against Mount MichaelThe August 24 football season opener kicks off a whole new Class

B schedule for the Roncalli Catholic Crimson Pride.

With 340 registered students the school has moved from Class

C1 to Class B, which will result in some firsts for the school’s

football team. Specifically, the Class B switch, coupled with

the school’s new football stadium, will result in the team playing

Gross, Mt. Michael and Skutt on their own turf.

Live at the stadium or live on KVSS

Save the date, break out your RCHS gear and come cheer the

team on to a season opener victory!

If you can’t make it to the game, just tune in to 102.7 FM. The

August 24 game will be featured as the KVSS Game of the Week

and will be aired live from the Rummel Stadium press box.

CHRiMSOn PRiDe VARSity FOOtbAll SCHeDule(as of 05-30-12)

Date Time Opponent Location

Friday, Aug 24, 2012 7:00PM Mount Michael Roncalli Catholic High School

Friday, Aug 31, 2012 7:00PM Away vs. Platteview Platteview High School

Friday, Sep 7, 2012 7:00PM Away vs. Nebraska City Nebraska City High School

Friday, Sep 14, 2012 7:00PM Elkhorn South Roncalli Catholic High School

Friday, Sep 21, 2012 7:00PM South Sioux City High School Roncalli Catholic High School

Friday, Sep 28, 2012 7:00PM Away vs. Blair Blair High School

Friday, Oct 5, 2012 7:00PM Away vs. Skutt Catholic High School Skutt Catholic High School

Friday, Oct 12, 2012 7:00PM Gross Catholic High School Roncalli Catholic High School

Friday, Oct 19, 2012 7:00PM Away vs. Ralston High School Ralston High School

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