THE SHAMROCK St. Patrick’s Alumni Association Newsletter Fall/Winter, 2021
It’s a Great Time to be Irish! This fall, the North Platte Catholic Schools welcomed 412 students back to campus… The largest group, preschool through 12th grade, since 2015! This represents an enrollment increase of 15.9% over the previous school year… With new students in almost every single grade level. Our Little Leprechaun Preschool has 63 students enrolled this year (across 4 sections), which serves as a great launching pad into McDaid. It is obvious more families are now discovering what our alumni have known all along — There is definitely something special happening at the North Platte Catholic Schools! During a time when private school enrollment was declining nationwide, NPCS took a proactive approach by launching a “Keep the Faith” enrollment campaign in 2019. We are grateful to those who sent us ‘leads’ and allowed us to reach out to potential interested families. Over the past two years, our Enrollment Director Gwen Covey made countless phone calls, publicized an offer for one tuition-free semester, and continually tried to increase our visibility to outside families. The results are evident in the tuition increase for the 2021/2022 school year. Another blessing to enrollment has been the increase in tuition assistance available through the NPCS Endowment. Thanks to the generosity of alumni donors and planned gifts from school supporters, there are now more resources available for families than ever before. Three funds in particular have provided noteworthy blessings for families attending NPCS. The “Gift of Faith” Fund, established by Pat (’75) and Kathleen Keenan, provides tuition assistance awards for families that are new to the North Platte Catholic Schools. Since it was created in 2017, the Gift of Faith Fund has provided over $34,000 in tuition assistance to 15 different families. Thank you Pat and Kathleen! A planned estate gift led to the creation of the Joe and Mary Sedlacek Memorial Fund in 2021. Under the guidance of Dr. Mike (’77) Sedlacek and his sister
Little Leprechaun Preschool students — Fall, 2021
Jeanie (Sedlacek ’81) Iberlin, this fund serves a dual purpose… To provide tuition assistance and to also support the St. Patrick Activities Association. In its inaugural year, the Sedlacek fund gifted over $18,000 in assistance to 6 families, and is providing support for coaching salaries and other needs of the Activities Department. Thank you Sedlacek family! Another new fund, the “St. Pat’s Growth Fund,” was established this fall to provide tuition assistance for families in need at NPCS. Created by an anonymous alumni donor, the goal of this fund is to eliminate any obstacles to enrolling, or staying enrolled at McDaid and/or St. Patrick’s. Established with gifts totaling $150,000, this fund will be a tremendous blessing to our families for many years to come. We hope that our alumni family will help us continue down this great track of growth! Enrollment is already going strong for school year 2022/2023… With registration open (and filling) for Kindergarten and Preschool. Please contact Gwen Covey if you’re interested in enrolling, or if you’d like to share NPCS with any families that you know: g.covey@npcschools.org, 308-532-1874. Contact the Endowment Office, 308-534-5939, if you’re interested in learning about ways to support tuition assistance for school families.
Students ENCOUNTERing Christ “In union with the Catholic Church, the mission of the North Platte Catholic Schools is to assist parents in teaching their children to know, love, and serve Jesus while providing a high quality academic education.” One must encounter Jesus before he can know him. This year, students at St. Patrick’s Jr/Sr High have a 40-50 minute period of time built into the daily schedule to provide them with the opportunity to ENCOUNTER Jesus. Each day, students do one of the following… Celebrate Mass, pray a rosary, attend Eucharistic Adoration, participate in activities with their big/little brother/sister, celebrate feast days and the liturgical season with related activities, or meet in small faith discussion groups. We are grateful that our three area priests are dedicated to the effectiveness of this “ENCOUNTER” period. They often sacrifice by leading Mass or activities on their scheduled days off. We greatly appreciate Fr. Josh Brown (St. Patrick’s), Fr. Vidya Sagar (Holy Spirit), and Fr. Kevin Millis (St. Elizabeth Ann Seton). Our two theology teachers, Courtney Peiffer and Deacon Michael Davis, meet regularly with a team of students who provide feedback and give recommendations. This group would like to add monthly community service trips in the future. If you have ideas, please let us know! We would also like to have witness talks via Zoom before leading the rosary. If you are willing to give a witness talk about your faith or a related topic, please contact Deacon Matt Irish: m.irish@npcschools.org, 308-532-1874. Some ENCOUNTER highlights of the year have been:
*Students performing skits about different saints on All Saints Day. *Fr. Kaup’s witness talk via Zoom about his mother’s choice to not have an abortion and put him up for adoption. *Weekly Eucharistic Adoration in the high school gym. *Jason Evert’s presentation on chastity. *Monthly Big/Little Sister/Brother activities. *Weekly rosaries led by students from the senior class. *Mass twice a week in the McDaid Chapel. *Student Council’s positive messages and wellness activities.
Record-Setting G.R.E.E.N. After hosting a virtual event in 2020, the NPCS Endowment brought back the G.R.E.E.N. event, and it was bigger than ever! Due to lack of venue space in North Platte, the Endowment Board and G.R.E.E.N. committee decided to host the event at St. Pat’s High School. Results are the best on record since the event began in 2003! Attendance was higher than in previous years, as were all proceeds. Net total is over $220,000, which includes over $10,000 dedicated to the Teacher Wish List, and over $40,000 given for the Fund-A-Need. This year’s Fund-A-Need projects include: A new gym tarp system, a new school vehicle, exterior painting, and continued growth of the school technology fund. Some St. Pat’s alumni had Irish luck on their side during the event… Nelson Jett (‘17) came in as runner-up in the Heads or Tails game (celebrity coin-flipper was “The” Bill McGahan ‘60). And Ruth Hayes, wife of Mick (‘56), was a $5,000 winner in the Lucky Lotto. Longtime school parent, and amazing chef, Marty Troshynski catered the G.R.E.E.N. meal. Top: G.R.E.E.N. Emcee Joe Swift, Bill McGahan (‘60) Bottom: Krista Struckman, Nelson Jett (‘17) Mick (‘56) & Ruth Hayes
2020-2021 YEAR IN REVIEW Thank you for being a part of another amazing year for the North Platte Catholic Schools and Endowment. We appreciate your role in the successes of the past year, we appreciate your prayers and support through the challenges, and we look forward to celebrating new accomplishments with you in the coming year. Between the months of July, 2020 and June, 2021, the North Platte Catholic Schools continued to improve the campus through the NOW is the Time campaign, increased enrollment numbers, doubled the proceeds of the Alumni golf tournament, and created new ways to fulfill the school’s mission: In union with the Catholic Church, the mission of the North Platte Catholic Schools is to assist parents in teaching their children to know, love, and serve Jesus while providing a high quality academic education.
Academic Summary 13 Graduates—100% Graduation Rate 12 Graduates attending 4-year colleges or universities: • University of Nebraska, Lincoln • University of Nebraska, Kearney • University of Nebraska, Omaha • Nebraska Wesleyan University • Hastings College • Chadron State College • University of Notre Dame 1 Graduate attending a 2-year college: • Mid Plains Community College $1,698,749 earned in college scholarships.
Financial Summary North Platte Catholic Schools Endowment-Trust, Inc. July 1, 2020—June 30, 2021 Contributions: $1,919,501.40 Earnings & Dividends: $145,532.39 Disbursements to School: $480,000.00 Project Construction: $427,558.59 Total Current Assets: $5,006,194.76 *Includes Restricted Assets: $326,262.81 **Since 2007, total assets have grown from $1,307,723 to $5,075,997 (+$3,768,274)
Endowment Funds The Endowment is always grateful for donors who leave their legacy through the creation of named funds. These funds may be created within the Endowment with a donation of $10,000 or more. They can be designated for specific school programs, NPCS tuition awards, or college tuition scholarships. Interest generated from the principal of these funds creates life -long revenue for the purpose you designate, or for the general benefit of the Endowment. Contact the office for information on establishing a named fund, or to contribute to any of the funds listed below. Tuition Assistance Funds Phil & Helen Breen Memorial Brittan/Swanson Fund Brownell-Hirsch Memorial Dunn/McGovern Fund William C. McGahan Fund Bill Ramaekers Memorial Scranton Family Fund E. Dale & Lucy T. Smith Fund Ursuline Sisters Fund Young Family Memorial John Kirchner Memorial Gift of Faith Fund Joe and Mary Sedlacek Memorial Fund St. Pat’s Growth Fund College Scholarship Funds Kent Boyer Education Fund Major Alvin Maurice Mougey Fund Al Robinson Memorial Robert E. & Margaret E. Rea Scholarship Fund Sharon Goffena Welton Fund Mary Salcetti Pandorf Scholarship Fund Linda Rae Harrach Memorial
The following awards were granted by the NPCS Endowment for the 2021/2022 school year:
NPCS Tuition Assistance—$39,415 *Awards granted to 16 families from: Gift of Faith Fund, Joe & Mary Sedlacek Fund, Phil & Helen Breen Fund, Marilyn Brownell-Hirsch Fund, John Kirchner Fund
College Scholarships—$12,000 *Awards granted to 12 students from the above-listed College Scholarship Funds
Donor Recognition We are continually blessed by the generosity of our alumni family… Your support of the Annual Fund, G.R.E.E.N., Irish Fest, the Book of Memories, and fundraising campaigns is greatly appreciated! THANK YOU to each and every alumni who supported the Endowment during the 2020-2021 financial year. Your support helps the Endowment provide approximately 1/3rd of the overall operating budget for the North Platte Catholic Schools. Donations to the Annual Fund provide for teacher salaries, facility operations, and tuition assistance at NPCS. Thank you for your past and continuing support! *An Annual Fund pledge card is included in this mailing for your prayerful consideration. 1946 - Mary Pieper 1948 - Marcia Bieber 1949 - Margaret Coker 1951 - Della Brown 1952 - Norma Masters, Dorothy Van Cleave 1953 - Ella Mae & Norm Kuzel, Robert Rea 1954 - Pat Hahn, Robert & Iva Mueller, Donald Piper, Bernard & Rose Wilson, 1955 - Gerald Campbell, Margaret Kratzer, Jesse & Ruth Mendez 1956 - F. Michael & Ruth Hayes, Phyllis McGrane 1957 - Barbara Cooksley, Jerry & Kay Cooper, Dawn Smith 1958 - Claude Faulkner 1959 - John & Mary Marquette, James Rundstrom, Jeanne & Jerry Taylor 1960 - Bob & Cindy Forest, Bill & Marilyn McGahan 1961 - Rosetta Babisz, Pat Gualtier, Theresa & Richard Lisella 1962 - Linda & Dean Goad, Christopher & Myra Hayes, Kent & Linda Swanson, Gloria & John Turnbull 1963 - Elizabeth McGahan, Marilyn McGill, Gordon & Kate Voss 1964 - Theresa McGahan 1965 - Stanley & Nancy Sedlacek, James & Marcia Petersen 1966 - Dennis Cooper, Robert & Diane Hirschfeld, Kathryn Lowe, Sharon & Carl Hassler, Tom & Joyce McCraw, William & Suzanne Burbach 1967 - William & Jan Breen, Suzanne & William Burbach, Steve & Sue Fleck, Jr., Rosemary & Ron Jones, Jim Langford, Patricia Neff 1968 - Nancy & Rick Bodenhamer, Tom Condon, Daniel & Beverly Faulkner, Bill & Linda Smith, Jean & Pat Struckman, Kathleen & Doug Wenz 1969 - Gary & Ellen Batenhorst, Stephanie & Steve Branch, Randy & Denise Burbach, Kimberly Shapiro 1970 - Henrietta & Jim Boots, Albert Mueller, Keith Neff, Thomas & Ramona Phifer 1971 - Douglas & Karen Brouillette, Lynn & Ken Cope, Mary Wyatt 1972 - Deborah Bertrand, Susan Keith, Douglas & Rose Ryan, William & Mary Simon 1973 - Pamela & Doug Crooks, Niles & Suzette Dodson, James & Patricia Doyle, John & Jennifer Eastman, JoJo & Cory Jensen, Edward & Michelle Lupomech, Michael & Dolly Mroczek, John & Lynette Pieper,
1973 cont. - Lee & Janie Sedlacek 1974 - Ann Dean, Dennis Farrell, Carl & Janice Flebbe, Thomas & Bev Kellogg, Jeff & Diane Schultz, Jan & Teresa Smith, Rosemary Walker, Roger & Beth Waltemath 1975 - John Campbell & Robyn Tait, J. Patrick & Kathleen Keenan 1976 - Patrick & Lori Clinch, Randy Mroczek, Kurt & Jeanne Pieper, Tim & Karen O’Connor, Christopher & Laurie Ryan 1977 - William & Mary Altig, Jeff Eastman, J. Daniel & Sandy Keenan, Jeff & Robyn O’Connor, Linda Sedlacek, Thomas & Merry Sedlacek 1978 - Michael & Debbie Campbell 1979 - David & Kimberly Cantral, Kent & Lois Dodson, Suzette & Niles Dodson, Lynn Lupomech, William & Julie Mackley, Mark & Michelle Pieper, James & Linda Tucker, Joseph & Raelene Waltemath 1980 - Michael & Joan Davis, Thomas & Sally Gerdes, Mark & Sharon Hoffman 1981 - Kristine & Rodney Griffiths 1982 - Mary Pat & Blane Haywood, Amy & Mike O’Gara 1983 - Ann & David Pieper, Mark Young 1984 - Dennis & Jennifer Kellogg, David & Ann Pieper, Toni & Dave Slattery, Rodney & Lori Szwanek 1985 - Joseph & Kim Brownell, Mary & Shawn Harrison, Michael & Beth Nozicka, Jay & Cynthia Pieper, Amy & Bill Robinson-Good, Lorne & Holly Sedlacek 1986 - Carol Olson, Rich & Pam Harrach 1987 - Madonna & Andrew Jett, Kati & Rich Odbert, Cindy & Patrick Tierney, Patrick & Debbie Waltemath 1988 - Keith Harvat, Daniel Murphy, Steve & Keri Ramaekers, Luke & Shelly Ranck 1989 - Steven & Abby Boyer, Kevin & Wendy Dodson, Ann Schneider 1990 - Candace Books, Shelly & Luke Ranck 1991 - Michelle & Heath Hoffman, Shelly Huckfeldt, Amy & Jake McGill, Sarah & Christopher Thorpe, Matt Voss 1992 - Erika Schmidt 1993 - Chris & Keila Reed 1994 - Mary Jo & Cory Chandler, Amanda & Jake Tolstedt 1995 - Allen & Stacy Becvar, Lynette & Matthew Whisler 1996 - Aaron & Allison Jones 1997 - Sara & Barry Heim-Smit, Michael & Jessica Furmanski 1998 - Dan & Lannae Phelps 1999 - Moriah & Josh Eickhoff, Jessica & Mike Furmanski, Patrick & Kristina Murphy, Emily & David Pandorf 2000 - Renae & Troy Brandt, Jason & Meghan Citta, Jered & Megan Jorgensen, Jacque & Scott Murphy 2001 - Matthew & Jackie Pieper 2002 - Cassie & Sean Condon, James Holys 2003 - Nathan & Tricia Kramer, Kristopher Rosenthal 2005 - Mareesa & Alex Hasenauer, Josh & Jennifer Kramer, Eric & Kayla Wood 2006 - Kayla & Eric Wood 2007 - Sean & Kelsie O’Neill 2008 - Maddy & Koby Krebs, Kelsie & Sean O’Neill 2009 - Jory & Nikki Torres 2011 - JoBeth & Aaron Halling 2013 - Henry Aufdenkamp 2017 - Jonathan Hastings, Nelson Jett
What our Supporters Accomplished in 2020-2021 Thank you for your investment in the students and staff of the North Platte Catholic Schools! Here’s a look at what we accomplished, though your generosity, in the past year: *New phone system campus-wide, new security camera systems, water fountains, Wish List items for teachers $47,750…………….….…………...G.R.E.E.N. *10 Great Teaching Fund Requests (faculty scholarships) $14,725…………...Great Teaching Fund *Tuition Assistance Scholarships $39,415…………………………………..Endowment Funds *SCRIP Tuition Assistance $6,039.95……………………………………………………..SCRIP *College Scholarships $12,000…Endowment Funds *St. Pat’s High School restroom renovation, girls locker room renovation, two new office spaces, additional hallway flooring & lighting $427,558.……...NOW is the Time Campaign
*General support of NPCS operating budget $480,000…………………………………………...Annual Fund
The Next Generation
Maxine Krebs, left, daughter of Maddy (Lister ‘08) and Koby Krebs.
It is always fun to see children of alumni in the halls and classrooms of the North Platte Catholic Schools. It is especially heartwarming to see the faces of families that have been at our school for multiple generations. Here are a few little smiles from Little Leprechaun Preschool that may bear some family resemblance... Below, on the right, Pax Torres, son of Jory (‘09) and Nikki Torres.
Remi O’Neill, below-right, daughter of Sean (‘07) and Kelsie (O’Connor ‘08) O’Neill… Granddaughter of Jeff (‘77) and Robyn (Greenwood ‘77) O’Connor.
Special thanks are in order to two alumni who made special gifts to support programs at NPCS. Gloria (Smith ‘62) Turnbull gave to support the St. Pat’s High School Yearbook. She wants our current generations of students to be able to hang onto their wonderful memories of SPHS! Marilyn (Forest ’63) McGill made a very generous gift for the purchase of new library books and instruments for the music department. She wants our students to have a love of reading and the opportunity to experience the fine arts through music. Thank you Gloria and Marilyn!
Want an E-mail version of the Shamrock? Let us know! w.dodson@npcschools.org
Fall Sports Recap Cross Country The St. Pats Cross Country teams posted solid results throughout the 2021 season. The girls were runners up at UNK All School Invite and Chase County Invite… Won the St. Pat’s Invite, Ravenna Invite, Conference Championship, District Championship and were 4th at State - just 7 points shy of a State Championship. The boys team won the St. Pat’s Invite, Ravenna Invite, UNK All School Invite, Conference Championship, District Championship (sweeping the top 5 places), and were 4th at State – only 11 points away from runner-up. More than half of the cross-country athletes posted personal bests for the year, and the most improved runners improved more than two minutes for their 5k time. Volleyball Lady Irish Volleyball posted a 17-13 record for the 2021 season. There was growth throughout the season and improvement each game, with many girls changing positions and adapting to the roles that the team needed them to fill. With a tough schedule, the Lady Irish showed tenacity and fought hard. Although the season came to an end in the first round of subdistricts, Coach Maddy (Lister ‘08) Krebs says that this year was certainly one to be proud of. Football The Irish started the 2021 season on a strong note with a 41-6 win over Doniphan-Trumbull. The team ended the regular season with a record of 8-1… The only loss happening in game 2 against Hastings St. Cecilia 26-22. The Irish earned their 4th consecutive District Championship, and qualified for the State Playoffs. Sadly, the Irish ended their season at the hands of Hartington Cedar Catholic in the 1st round. Nine players were recognized for the All-District Team: Seniors: Connor Hasenauer, Jack Heiss, Gaven Nutter, and Justin Schroll. Juniors: Seth Engler, William Moats, and Sam Scholz. Sophomores: Brecken Erickson and Jackson Roberts. Honorable Mention were juniors Josh Davies and Matthew Phelps. Coach Kevin Dodson (‘89) says he is proud of the boys’ work ethic and attitude throughout the entire season.
Please join, like, & follow our social media pages for Irish news and updates! We are: North Platte Catholic Schools on Facebook and YouTube, @NPCatholic on Twitter, and npstpatricks on Instagram. In this era of video streaming, you can join us virtually for many of the school sports and music activities! *Watch the livestream of most varsity Irish sporting events on the Huskeradio YouTube channel! Our “Voice of the Irish” is the best in the business!
REUNION FUN 2021
Class of 1956 Class of 1951—70th Jubilee Leon Sullivan, Elizabeth Peters Collamer, Joyce Heist Keller, Della Bogus Brown, Norma Conneally Burrows
Mary Ann Broderson Sweeney, Mary Agnus Cooper Patterson, Arlene Karre Knoll, Mick Hayes
Cla ss of
Class of 1961—60th Jubilee Lila Wallace, Mary Ann Clinch Curry, Pat Curtis Gaultier, Ed Marquette, Pat Folchert Faulkner, Janet Musil Winder
Class of 1971—50th Jubilee Rick Cantral, Ed Farrell, Lynn Sedlacek, Cynthia Torres Boyd, Anne Folchert Moore, Mike Keenan, Sue Breen Wewel, Lynn Armatis Cope
Class of 1966 Sandy Brouillette Pell, Janet Bollig Neighbors
Reunion 2021 — Teachers & Students The Class of 1980 were Freshmen when Bill & Marilyn came to SP in 1966
Class 1971 atAl their 10-year reunion Rick in 1981 John of Lupomech, Mueller, Marilyn McGahan, Battershell, Tom Mueller, Bill McGahan, Steve Luna, Jim Coker
REUNION FUN 2021
A History Moment Bill McGahan (‘60) long-time NPCS member is pictured with JoBeth (Nozicka ‘11) Halling—a member of Bill’s last graduating class as Superintendent Also pictured with JoBeth’s uncle, Jim Coker (‘80) - a member of one of Bill’s first classes in 1966
Class of 1981—40th Jubilee Back: Cindy Gunn Gerk, Dennis Steffes, Tim Rouzee, Steve Bigelow Front: Mike Cantral, Mike Jurado, Mike Arensdorf
Class of 1996 Jason Cooper, Christian Lyster, Aaron Jones, Paul Gilg, Tish Halverson, Brian Deeds Class of 1991—30th Jubilee Chris Pierzina, Jennifer Love Timmons, Heidi Waldschmidt Winters, Matt Voss, Amy Jones McGill, Julie Hoffman Elliott, Sara Swanson Thorpe, Collette Willits Sauer, Shelly Byrne Huckfeldt, Danielle Cooper Klosen, Ann Larsen Broussard, Travis Mills, Terra Kruse Reusser
Class of 2001 in 1995—6th Grade Knowledge Masters Team
Class of 2001—20th Jubilee Class of 2000 Tim Garth and Brent Phelps
Andy Kwapnioski, Ann Brittan Moeller, Danielle Pell Keys, Matt Splichal, Crista Tines Murrish, Becky Rosenthal Feltz, Tyler Haman
JOIN US IN JULY!
OUR BELOVED DECEASED
Calling the classes of: 1947, 1952, 1957, 1962, 1967, 1972, 1977, 1982, 1987, 1992, 1997, 2002, 2007, 2012… It’s time to think about reunion 2022! We were thrilled with the great alumni turnout for 2021 festivities… And we assure you that there’s just as much fun in store for this year’s honored classes. Please be sure to have your calendars marked for July 1st—2nd, 2022. The Alumni & Friends Golf Tournament will kick off reunion weekend the morning of July 1st… Golf, prizes, wine tasting, ball drop, post-golf social… You don’t want to miss it — even if you aren’t golfing! Please stay tuned to the NPCS Facebook page and e-mail correspondence for the registration details. ALL golf team registrations will be online, with an advance deadline. (NOW is the time to be thinking about your team!)
We ask God's merciful love and care for all our classmates and family members who have died recently. Please lift them up in prayer and comfort those who loved them. Special thanks to the families who have chosen to remember the North Platte Catholic Schools with memorial designations to the Endowment. Their legacy lives on through the dedication and good works of our current students. Memorial donations can be made online at any time by visiting: apps.npcschools.org/donate-now. Jean (Jasnoch ‘49) Waltemath: Wife of Dewey (deceased). Mother of Doug ('69), Glen ('71), Connie ('73), Roger ('74), Joe ('79), Pat ('87). Sister of Sharon ('63). Eleven Grandchildren and 18 GreatGrandchildren. Therese McCarthy-Garth ('74): Wife of Mike. Mother of Tim ('00), Katie ('05), Danny ('08). One Grandchild. Sister of Margaret ('63), Sharon ('66), Bob ('67), Paul ('75-deceased), Joe ('79), Pat ('77). Therese was a long-time, beloved faculty member at McDaid Elementary. Molly (Keenan ‘46) Logsdon: Wife of Dick (deceased). Mother of Tami, Kathy, Jim, Mark. Four Grandchildren. Five Great-Grandchildren. Aunt of Mike ('71), Pat ('75), Dan ('77), Amy ('82). Fr. Robert Chamberlain (’47): Brother of John. Three nephews. Father Bob served many parishes in the Diocese of Grand Island, and served generously at Holy Spirit and Sacred Heart-Sutherland (his hometown) during retirement. Dorothy (Doyle ’55) Fugate: Wife of Bud (deceased). Mother of Allen, Marty, Connie, Linda, and Kristi. Grandmother of 10. Great-grandmother of seven. Rick Ryan (’68): Husband of Cynthia. Son of Margaret. Father of Richard III, Shawna (’92), Tim (’94), Anthony (’97). Stepfather of four. Grandfather of 15, great-grandfather of five. Brother of Michael (’68), Vernon, Mary Ellen, and Jody. Leonard Gibson: Husband of Marlene. Father of Doug, Brent, and Stacy Moritz (former St. Pat’s HS office staff). Grandfather of Liz ('03), Allie ('07), Erinn ('10) , Tru , and Brook. Several Grand and Great-Grandchildren. Jack Hoffman: Husband of Dorothy (deceased). Father of Mark (’80), Lynda (’81), Donna (’83), and Julie (’91). Grandfather of six, great-grandfather of one.
Then, on the docket for July 2nd… Open House, Yearbook Display, and Refreshments on the NPCS campus… Followed by the evening Reunion Banquet (Location to be announced soon)! Updates will be shared via e-mail and on the North Platte Catholic Schools Facebook page. Please watch your mail for an invitation after the first of the year, as well as the spring edition of the Shamrock. We truly hope you’ll make plans to be in North Platte for reunion weekend! MUCH fun to be had… And we would love for you to see the amazing updates on the NPCS campus! Contact Wendy Dodson with your reunion questions, for hotel information, or to make an early RSVP: w.dodson@npcschools.org, 308-534-5939.
SPHS Seniors, Fall 2012 Back: Mitchel Ferguson, Luis Rivas, Sean Ryan, Jacob Thompson, Andrew Vinton, Josiah Allison, Thatcher Vap 3rd: Barrett Pieper, Dominic Pasquinelly, Evan Calhoun, Alec McCaslin, Kody Oltman, Payton Hansen, Brian Honerman, Rhett Nordquist 2nd: Candice Shelton, Jillessa Ochs, Marissa Madden, Shelby McClellen, Abby McCaslin Front: Jared Arensdorf, Peter Troshynski, Matthew Jensen
OUR BELOVED DECEASED James E. “Jim” Schneider: Husband of Marilyn. Father of Jim (‘79), Mary (‘81), Patricia (‘85), Michael (‘88), Ann (‘89), and Theresa (‘92). Grandfather of 12. Founding director of the North Platte Catholic Schools Endowment-Trust, Inc., and a generous pro-bono attorney for the North Platte Catholic Schools for many years. Martha Barker: Mother of Brenda, Lennie (‘87), and Randy (‘88). Grandmother of four. Loree Houser: Husband of Donna (deceased). Father of Steve ('72), Brenda ('76). Six Grandchildren. Five Great-Grandchildren. Dr. Paul Staffier: Husband of Linda (Swanson '60). Father of Michael, Paul, Kenneth, Anthony, Mary, Anne, Elizabeth, Kathleen. Twelve Grandchildren. Tom Dolan (’66): Husband of Eileen. Father of Tina (’87), Angie, and Tommy III (’94). Brother of Darlene (’63), Patricia (’64), Daniel, Jeannie, Judy, Doug, Peggy, Chrissy, and Sherry (’83). Grandfather of 15, including Dolan Branch (’20) and current NPCS students Zarek Branch, Zaleah and Donovan Cartwright. Donald Ryan (’44): Husband of Velma (deceased). Father of Michael (’68), Douglas (’72), and Christopher (’76). Grandfather of Aaron (‘02). Greatgrandfather of two. Mary Ann Szwanek: Wife of Herb (deceased). Mother of Dave ('78), Kirk ('80), Jeff ('83), Rod ('84). Nine Grandchildren. Numerous Great-Grandchildren including Danni Keith ('97). Ernest Lemmert (’68): Husband of Mary. Father of Cory & Joe. Grandfather of 4. Brother of Louis (’65). Jim Ryan: Husband of Kathy (former SP English teacher). Father of Jeff and Jason. Six Grandchildren. Elizabeth (Shannon ’53) Novak: Wife of Samuel (deceased). Mother of John, Jean, Charles, Mary, Joseph, Kathleen, Margaret, and Theresa. Grandmother of 26 and great-grandmother of 16. Thomas Phifer: Husband of Mona (Curtis ’70). Father of Michelle and Ryan. Grandfather of four. John Rundstrom (’66): Preceded in death by two wives; Elaine Koch and Riley Needam. Father of Eric, Jeff, and Gretchen. Four Grandchildren. Brother of Rich ('55), Jim ('59), Jane-deceased, and Joyce ('69). Janet (Bollig ’66) Neighbors: Wife of Glen. Mother of Glen and Heidi. Grandmother of four. Sister of Cheryl ('63-deceased) and ('Deb ('71). Herb Madison: Husband of Connie (long-time SP Speech-Drama-Art teacher). Father of DeeJo and Bernie. One grandchild, three step-grandchildren.
Bill Keck: Father of Gary, Danny, Debbie, Kim, and Billie Mae. Twenty-Six Grandchildren. Brother of Bonnie, Allen, Steve, Kathy, Kenny ('75), Kevin ('75), Dorothy ('78), Ed ('81-deceased), and Dick ('84). Tim Garth (’00): Husband of Michelle. Father of Oliver. Son of Mike and Therese (McCarthy ’74deceased). Brother of Katie (’05) and Danny (’08). Nephew of Margaret ('63), Sharon ('66), Bob ('67), Paul ('75-dedeased), Joe ('79). Charlotte Markwardt: Grandmother of Collette (Willits ’91), Michael Willits (’94), Jeff Willits, and Julie (Willits ’02). Bob Robinson ('71): Husband of Susan. Bob passed in May of 2020. Dan Schmidt ('72): Husband of Jackie. Father of Carissa and Katie. Grand daughters Ava, Sophie and Lola. Siblings: Jeff ('65), Jennifer ('68), Dave ('70), Mary Jo ('74), Kevin -deceased-('75). Niece Erika ('92). Jerry Rector: Husband of Gail. Father of Jody ('70), Bruce, Marcy ('73), Rob. Step-daughters Sheila (Mark Bigelow), Dianna. Fourteen Grandchildren including: Carrie ('92), Lisa ('96) & April ('99) Fleck; Lori ('94) & Katy ('03) Davis. Many Great-Grandchildren. Bob Mueller ('54): Husband of Iva. Father of Kristi ('81), Shelly ('82), Julie ('83), Mike ('88A), Rob. Grandfather of nine. Great Grandfather of two. Brother of Jim ('50). Uncle of Al ('70), Tom ('70), Angie & Andy ('79). Brother of deceased alumna, Eleanor ('43), Gretchen ('45), Ted ('47), John ('48), Jean ('57). Bob served as member and president of the NPCS School Board. Pat Templemeyer: Wife of Coach Don Templemeyer. Mother of Rosey ('67), Paula ('68), Terri ('70) and Mike. Pat was a faculty member at St. Pats (McDaid) Elementary. Nine Grandchildren. Twenty GreatGrandchildren. One great-great Grandchild. Clint Dorwart ('52): Husband of Carol. Father of four. Many grandchildren. Brother of Patricia ('44), Peggy ('45), Jason (J.D.) ('47) and Jerry ('55). Donald McMurtry: Loving Partner of Lucille Pelton. Father of Janie ('69), Joan, Janet, Patrick and David. Grandfather of eleven. Great-Grandfather of 22. Great-Great-Grandfather of six. Carl Backers (’52): Husband of Connie. Preceded in death by wife Ann and son Carl III. Father of Lisa, Angela, and Steve. Diana Honerman: Wife of Merle (deceased). Mother of Deb and Mike. Mother-in-law of Barb (SP Office Staff). Grandmother of five, including Matt (‘09), Brian (‘12), and Amy (‘18) Honerman. Greatgrandmother of four.
SHARING GOOD NEWS We share here the bits of news gleaned from media and other sources. And, we send a special reminder that we ask always for your help with gathering the news. We have no way to know your news if it isn't shared! We invite e-mails with news to Wendy (w.dodson@npcschools.org) or Bill (wmcgahan1943@gmail.com). Your classmates will be appreciative! New Degrees from UNL: Aaron Allison ('17); Sam Bradney ('17), Adam Mackley ('16), Chase Ochs ('17) Degrees from NPCC: Jonathan Hastings ('17) A.S. with Honors; Ashtyn Winder ('19) A.S.; Abbi Allberry ('19) A.A.
Mark Mayfield (’14) recently completed his capstone and received his College for Financial Planning Certificate with a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification. Mark is an advisor with Professional Financial Advisors, LLC (PFA) in North Platte. Dr. Tanner Dodson (’09) joined the practice at Prairie Orthopaedic & Plastic Surgery, PC in Lincoln. Tanner is a Board Qualified practicing Doctor of Podiatric Medicine specialized to treat all types of foot and ankle medical conditions. HAVE YOU MOVED RECENTLY?? IF SO, HAVE YOU E-MAILED US YOUR NEW ADDRESS? We want to keep you informed and involved with your class. Please share current USPS and E-mail addresses!!
Academic recognitions:
NEW BRIDES & GROOMS
NPCC President's List: Julie Slattery ('20), Dylan Woody ('20), Ashley Dye ('20)
We congratulate those who have joined in the Sacrament of Marriage in recent months. Prayers for your daily decision to love one another!
NPCC Dean's List: Andrew Thalken ('14) UNL Dean's List: Aaron Allison ('17), Sam Bradney ('17), Brooklyn Childears ('17), Tyler Ferguson ('19), Allison Montgomery ('18), Marinn Niesen ('20), Keegan Nitsch ('20), Chase Ochs ('17).
UNK Dean’s List: Cassie Brown (’19), Tyler Heiss (’18), Amy Honerman (’18), Jessica Slattery (’17) UNMC Dean's List: Isabel Roberg ('19) Mount Marty Dean's: Kelsey Folchert ('19), Gracie Rippen ('19) Julie Slattery ('20) selected to Phi Theta Kappa academic honorary.
Nathan Kramer ('03) & Tricia Facka Shayna Allberry ('10) & Quinten Reeves Ann Burbach ('02) & Chad Grunwaldt Collin Pieper ('14) & Renae Schwenk Erin Nozicka ('15) & Curtis Miller Christian Baker ('09) & Erinn Moritz ('10) Adam Pasquinelly (’13) & Gabby Christianson Ellie Buhrman (’17) & Zach Fischer Bryce Byrn (’16) & Sierra Schroeder Nicole Stadler (‘11) & Anthony Klein
NEW PARENTS Our congratulations go to these new babies and their parents. God's blessings and care to each and all!
Career Notes:
NEW SONS
John Brosius ('98) is INFO Tech Manager at St. Ambrose University-Davenport.
Allie (Moritz '07) & Jeff White ('07) Kristina (Ruhlman '04) & Jeff Cors Sara (Heim '07) & Barry Smit Marcus ('01) & Michelle Thomsen Ellie (Jorgensen '05) & Jason Miller Greg (’05) & Danielle Mooney Kameron (’16) & Remington Elsen Jordan Tanner (’14) & Charlie Castillo
Megan Trierweiler ('15) has been promoted to Pre-Construction Estimator at Murphy Company Contractors and Engineers in Denver. Lt. David Trierweiler ('15) was promoted to First Lieutenant in May of 2021. He serves in the 1st Battalion Combat Engineers with the First Marine Division at Camp Pendleton and will deploy overseas this fall. Dr. Brad Hall ('06) is beginning a three-year fellowship in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN.
NEW DAUGHTERS Molly (Keenan '05) & Steve Ott Shayna (Allberry '10) & Quinten Reeves Stacy (Halkens '09) & Josh Jensen Thomas ('08) & Sarah Stadler
LETTERS
LETTERS
LETTERS
August, 2021
The family of Therese McCarthy-Garth (’74) gratefully extends our thanks and appreciation to the entire North Platte Catholic Community, Catholic Schools, and McDaid PTO for the love and support you have given to Therese and our family throughout her tenure as an educator, and especially during her cancer journey. Your prayers, meals, thoughtful cards, fundraisers, and tee-shirt sales… Flowers and memorial donations, and the heartwarming retirement parade were both sustaining and humbling. The generosity of students from preschool to graduating classes, all the way back to the Class of 1974 was a great support for Therese. Father Josh and Father Matthew volunteered to teach the 5th and 6th grade religion classes on treatment days, which was a tremendous support and comfort for Therese as well. The kindness and love from the McDaid teachers, cooks, custodians, and Mrs. Wood provided invaluable assistance to make Therese’s workdays possible. Therese loved each of you and her many, many students over her 30+ years in education. God bless you all, Mike Garth Tim (‘00), Michelle & Ollie Garth Katie Garth (‘05) Danny Garth (‘08) August 2021, I graduated from St. Patrick’s High School in 1962, almost 60 years ago. This donation is made for the four of us in our family that graduated from St. Pat’s… My brother Gary Smith (‘65), my sister Linda Smith (‘68), and my youngest brother Allen Smith (‘77), and myself. I would like the money to go toward the publication expense of the next High School yearbook. I imagine that most high school seniors are thinking about the next couple of years and what adventures they might experience. Looking at their yearbook 50 or 60 years from now is unimaginable for them. But, my yearbook brings back special memories now of my high school years. Bill McGahan recently sent me this photo from the 1960 yearbook… Me in an outfit I tailored, sitting on the high school stage. Sincerely,
Gloria (Smith ‘62) Turnbull
LETTERS
LETTERS
LETTERS
October, 2021 Now, at 92 years of age, I don’t believe I’ll be making any more gatherings there. Sure have been blessed with the many years Mary and I could make it. I’m doing pretty well. Now in assisted living facility with good care and good living conditions. God Bless all of you! Sincerely, Jason Dorwart (’47) November, 2021 We'd like to extend our thanks for adding our husband and dad, Robert Mueller, to the book of memories. Dad was a proud alum of St. Patrick's and continued to show his support to the school and community throughout his life. He was committed to a catholic education for his kids, and the values taught along the way. As kids, we understood the sacrifices made by so many families, administrators, and teachers to keep McDaid and St. Pat's in existence. It is wonderful to see the continued commitment, growth, and excellence in education of North Platte Catholic Schools. We are grateful for the care and condolences from our St. Pat's classmates and friends from the community. Sincerely, Iva Mueller Kristi (‘81) Griffiths Michele ('82) Morrow Julie ('83) Polt Michael Mueller Rob Mueller
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