Pius Connections - Spring 2013 by Pius X Foundation

PiusConnections

volume 14 • spring-summer 2013 • www.piusx.net

A publication for Alumni, Parents & Friends of Pius X High School

contents Pius X High School

6000 A Street, Lincoln, Nebraska 68510 402.488.0931 • 402.488.1061 fax www.piusx.net Superintendent Father James Meysenburg Principal Tom Korta Assistant Principal Greg Lesiak Guidance Director Jan Frayser

Pius X Foundation

402.488.1046 • 402.488.1061 fax http://foundation.piusx.net Director of Development Michelle Birkel Foundation Staff Deb Hoge • Amy Riley • Sophia Werning BOLT Director Deb Schulte

Pius X Alumni ~ Cathedral High Alumni

CONTENTS

pius values Planting the Seeds of Faith: Pius X Inspires Men and Women to Priesthood, Religious Life.......................4 Giving Back: Pius X Alumni Well Represented in our Catholic Schools......5 Pius X Students Keep Vigil at Abortion Facility....................................9 academic success...................................8

empowering students............................13 faculty notes DeWispelare Earns Award....................14 Roberts Presents at Regional Conference............................14 Elsener, Stramel Retire from Pius X High School.........................................14

Alumni Director Kristin (Edwards) Heath ’91

building a strong foundation Advancement Letter.............................15 2012-2013 Scholarship Recipients.......16 Wish List Gifts Help Keep Tuition Affordable................................18 Band Program Gifted with an Endowment.........................................19 You Can Protect Catholic Education, Give an Everlasting Gift.......................20

Published semi-annually for alumni, parents and friends of Pius X High School. If you would like additional copies or to be removed from our mailing list, please contact the Foundation office.

Current Enrollment

1,104 – Catholic: 98% • Other: 2%

Mission Statement

Restore All Things in Christ We are dedicated to a total education that is Christ-centered by integrating Catholic values in all areas of life and providing academic preparation of the highest quality in a disciplined environment. Thank You Special thanks to the talented photographers of the 2012-13 Pius X Yearbook staff who contribute to this publication: Sponsor Sandi Sullivan, Anne Bachmann, Zach Bell, Katherine Benal, Alexa Birkel, Kevin Curran, Marie Foley, Megan Hachiya, Noah Kapustka, Madeleine Koenig, Katie Krick, Dan LeDuc, Lawrence Nguyen, Liam O’Shea-Creal, Nicholas Pohlen, Brittany Pollock, Hallie Schimenti, Mikayla Tremain, and Kally Werning. We extend a grateful thank you to Charlie Calhoun & Jacob North Companies for their generous donation toward this publication. Change of Address To notify the school/Foundation of address changes or personal updates, please fill out the on-line form at http://alumni.piusx.net/ updateform.asp or contact the Foundation at 402.488.1046.

Bishop James Conley blessed Pius X students, faculty and staff by leading an Eucharistic Procession through the halls of Pius X and celebrating Mass during Catholic Schools Week.

pius essentials......................................12

402.488.0931 • 402.488.1061 fax http://alumni.piusx.net

Pius Connections - Deb Hoge, Editor

On the cover –

athletic highlights.................................10

alumni today Class Reunion Schedule.......................20 All Honor Year Reunion.......................21 A Family Tradition...............................22 March Madness Thunderbolt Style.......24 Bits & Pieces........................................25 ThunderBOLT Fun Run......................26 In Remembrance..................................27 Births...................................................27 Marriages.............................................28 bolt BOLT - Creating A Masterpiece...........31

Pius X High School Budget – The 2013-2014 Pius X High School budget is $5.91 million, a 3.2% increase over last year.

Parish Support – Parish assessments are provided by the 14 parishes of the Lincoln Deanery and four parishes from outside the deanery. Parish assessment for the 2013-2014 school year will make up 42% of the operating budget.

4.1% 9.7%

2.9% 1.6% 4.1%

Parish Assessments

2.9% 1.6%

Parish Assessments Tuition & Fees

9.7%

Tuition & Fees

Donations/Grants

9.5%

42.0%

9.5%

42.0%

Donations/Grants

Endowment/Trusts

Activities/BOLT Fundraiser Activities/BOLT Fundraiser Educational Tech. Initiative Educational Tech. Initiative

30.2%

Revenue Source

Parish Assessments Tuition & Fees Donations/Grants Foundation/Trusts Activities/BOLT Fundraiser Educational Tech. Initiative Other Revenue

Total

Other Revenue

30.2%

Other Revenue

42.0% 30.2% 9.5% 9.7% 4.1% 2.9% 1.6%

100%

Amount

$2,481,318 $1,782,918 $561,000 $571,250 $245,000 $175,000 $92,309

$5,908,794

pius welcome

welcome our 289 graduates to the rank of alumni. This is the largest graduating class in the 57 year history of Pius X High School. Once again, I am amazed by our incredible students! These graduates excelled in countless ways as you will see throughout this newsletter. Just in activities, Pius X was state champion in softball, and state champion in the club sports of boys bowling, trap team and chess team. We were state runner-up in girls golf, girls cross country, baseball, girls track, boys track, boys golf, academic decathlon and the club sport of girls bowling. Additionally, our volleyball team placed 3rd at the state Class A tournament and our boys and girls tennis teams each placed 4th at state. The football team qualified for the Class A playoffs, and both the boys and girls soccer teams qualified for the Class A state tournament, with the girls making it to semi-finals. Our girls basketball team was Class A district runner-up and we had individuals qualify for and place at state in wrestling, boys and girls swimming, journalism, speech, photography, art, band, music, cheer and dance. And this is just our activities! These are minor in comparison to their academic prowess and most particularly the spiritual and faith growth of our students. 95% of our graduates are enrolled in post-secondary schools, over 10% of our seniors scored higher than a 30 on their ACT test, and 14 students qualified for Omaha World Herald All-Academic recognition. With no adult guidance or proding, these seniors took time during their free off-campus periods on Tuesdays to pray at the Planned Parenthood abortion clinic. They encountered the struggles of life and death there in both harsh and powerful ways. Once a month, they made a group effort to Pac-the-chap, pack the chapel that is, for daily 7:25 a.m. Mass at Pius. They had several prayer and bible study groups and many went on non-required retreats and assisted with other retreats. They completed more than 12,000 hours of community service, including several taking service trips abroad. Yes, I think the Pius X community can be very proud of these young men and women. They represented themselves, Pius X and their families very well. I pray they will do well in life and always stay close to our Lord. We also congratulate two teachers who are retiring from Pius X High School. Mrs. Katie Elsener retires after 24 incredible years of teaching English at Pius X , and Mr. Claire Stramel retires after 7 years as guidance counselor at Pius X. BOLT 2013, “Creating a Masterpiece,” celebrated its twenty-eighth anniversary. This important and elegant fund-raising event benefits the students of Pius X and was an evening of joy and tremendous success, netting $249,000. This is the largest net profit in BOLT’s history. $166,000 will be used to pay-off the remaining $226,000 loan on the new kitchen. The other $83,000 will be used by the school and Booster Club to renovate and maintain Pius X facilities. A special thanks to Deb Schulte, the executive committee of BOLT, and all our patrons for such wonderful success. The 2nd annual Give to Lincoln Day on May 16th was a great success for Pius X. Including the matching gift from the Lincoln Community Foundation and the bonus grant, we will receive more than $120,000 to go toward Phase 2 of our chemistry lab renovation, i.e. Room 202. Technology, including laptops, iPads, and electronic lab equipment also will be incorporated into both labs. Construction has already begun. Thanks to our science department, Michelle Birkel and the foundation staff, and all our wonderful benefactors for making this project so successful. Thank you for your prayer and support for Pius X High School. May your summer bring joyful times with family, relaxation and rejuvenation! Let us continue to pray for one another!

Sincerely Yours in Christ,

Father Jim Meysenburg, Superintendent

“I

would like to ask each one of you: What will you do with your life? What are your plans? Have you ever thought of committing your existence totally to Christ? Do you think that there can be anything greater than to bring Jesus to people and people to Jesus?” ~Pope John Paul II, “The Meaning of Vocation”

Fr. Craig Clinch ’03 on a recent visit to Pius X stands in front of the Chapel that he calls “the heart of the school.” Clinch will be returning to Pius X this fall to teach Theology.

Planting the Seeds of

Faith

Pius X Inspires Men and Women to Priesthood, Religious Life by Sophia Werning

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At a time when the Catholic Church is faced with a shortage of men and women joining the priesthood and religious orders, Nebraska serves as a shining example for nurturing and growing vocations. Indeed, the Diocese of Lincoln boasts the highest number of seminarians currently in priestly formation, and those ranks are among the youngest in the country. Many have asked what is so special about our diocese that is attracting many young men and women into ordained ministry and consecrated lives. More so, it has not gone unnoticed that a significant number of priests and religious serving the Lincoln Diocese and beyond over the past five decades are alumni of Pius X. Since 1957, 21 men and 19 women have been ordained or have made final vows and are serving as priests/brothers and religious (one Sister alumna has passed away). Remarkably, there are currently 17 men in seminary and four women religious novices in formation who are all Pius X graduates. Many unique aspects of the Lincoln Diocese and in particular Pius X can partly be attributed to helping form men and women to serve in priestly and religious vocations. Pius X religion classes are mostly taught by priests and religious who serve as powerful, direct witnesses of the consecrated life. In addition to receiving a strong educational foundation in the faith, Pius X students have daily opportunities to receive the sacraments of the Eucharist and Reconciliation. Students are offered numerous extracurricular opportunities to grow and flourish through faith-based clubs and organizations, retreats, assemblies, and bible studies, with daily prayer woven into the fabric of every school day. Importantly, over the past several decades – beginning with the late Bishop Louis B. Kucera and under the leadership of the late Bishops James V. Casey and Glennon P. Flavin, Bishop Emeritus Fabian W. Bruskewitz, and now Bishop James D. Conley – a vibrant, thriving Catholic educational and catechetical system has been and remains a top priority in the diocese. This, coupled with the tremendous financial support of lay Catholics, has enabled the doors of Pius X and its surrounding grade schools to remain open to all students wishing to receive a Catholic education regardless of their socioeconomic status. Pius X tuition costs continue to be a fraction of that of

Catholic schools in surrounding dioceses and around the country, and financial support for the school continues to grow and flourish. These ingredients only tell part of the story as to what makes Pius X stand out from many other Catholic high schools in terms of nurturing priestly and religious vocations. If you ask those who have been directly impacted by their education and youth experiences, at the heart of this distinction lies the strong love for and knowledge of the Catholic faith that was passed on to them by their parents, family members, teachers, clergy, religious, and friends they encountered during their formative years at Pius X. “Once you see the joy in the priests’ lives, it’s contagious.” Ordained on May 28, 2011, Reverend Craig J. Clinch ’03, son of Jerome and Judith Clinch, is the youngest of five children, all of whom graduated from Pius X. “My parents were the ones who formed me in the faith,” he reflects. Clinch attended St. John Catholic School, where he says the seeds of his priestly vocation were nurtured very early on. “There was a strong religious presence there with the Marian sisters, and the priests would routinely visit the classroom,” he says. “I remember Fr. (Rudolf ) Oborny encouraged us to pray for our vocation as early as the 3rd grade.” Clinch is one of three Pius X alumni from the class of 2003 who answered the call to priestly and religious vocations

shortly after graduation. During his high school days, two of his closest friends were brothers Scott and Rusty Montgomery, both of whom are now living consecrated life as Brothers Innocent Mariae and Angelus Immaculata, respectively. The Montgomery triplets – Scott, Rusty and Katie (Havlat) – also were members of the class of ’03. Br. Innocent Mariae made his final Franciscan vows in 2012 and will be ordained a priest in 2016. Br. Angelus Immaculata, C.F.R. is also a member of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal (FFR). He will make his final vows in 2014. Clinch recalls that he and his friends spent a significant part of their high school days taking advantage of the many opportunities for spiritual growth offered at Pius X, such as Fellowship of Christian Teens (FCT), an organization that continues to grow and thrive to this day. “In addition to the priests and religion teachers, the biggest influence on me was meeting friends here – like the Montgomerys, Greg Frayser, Mike Riordan – all of whom were part of the retreat team and were on fire with the faith,” Clinch notes. “The environment and culture I was living in made it easier to say ‘yes’ to God’s call.” As a student who excelled academically and as a leader, performing artist, and athlete, Clinch made a lasting impression on Pius X faculty and staff during high school. “His dedication to service was evident very early on,” recalls Greg Lesiak, vice principal of Pius X, who was a

teacher at the time Clinch was a student. “He was on Student Council as a freshman, and I remember that he spent the summer before his freshman year helping in the library every day as we went from paper to electronic filing.” Lesiak is delighted that Clinch will be returning to Pius X all these years later to teach Religion to incoming Freshman during the 2013-14 school year. “The heart of the school is the chapel. Jesus is present.” Among Clinch’s fondest high school memories was his involvement in Student Council, cross country and running with Coach George O’Boyle, and performing in Spectrum Singers and school musicals. Math, physics and Spanish were among his favorite classes. But the most significant influence on what would be his future vocation occurred in his religion classes and time spent in the school chapel. “I was definitely impacted by all of my religion classes,” Clinch reflects. “Father (Peter) Mitchell during junior year really challenged us to make the faith our own. To challenge it, accept it, and to say yes to what God has revealed.” He also credits Fr. Andrew Menke, Fr. Harlan Waskowiak, Fr. Brian Kane and Fr. Richard Gyhra for mentoring him and nurturing his faith. “I went on several retreats,” Clinch says. “Once you see the joy in the priests’ lives, it’s contagious.” Discernment was a slow progression for Clinch. After graduating Pius, he attended Nebraska Wesleyan for one

Giving Back: Pius X Alumni Well Represented in our Catholic Schools Catholic educators convened at Pius X last fall for the annual Diocesan Institute. The occasion was marked by a reunion of sorts: Pius X alumni who are teachers, priests and religious serving in our schools throughout the diocese gathered for a group photograph, demonstrating their great numbers. “Although as a student I never imagined I would be teaching at Pius, I am glad I am back,” Larry Logsdon ’78 says. “I have nothing but positive thoughts about my days as a student at Pius X. I was involved in many activities, from sports to band and theatre. Working at a school with a spiritual basis is so enriching to me as a teacher and for the students.” Logsdon and his wife Marci have three children who have graduated from Pius – Aubrey ’06, Ben ’05, Caleb ’12 – with Isaac ’14 currently attending. “I’m glad my children had the opportunity to attend this school...[Pius X] has prepared them academically for their future.” Over its 57 year history, Pius also has been a vessel that has helped produce many vocations into the priesthood and religious life. “One of the blessings for me in attending high school at Pius X was the exposure to several priests and sisters – so I could see that God calls people with all different personalities

These Pius X Alumni are currently teaching in a Catholic school in the Lincoln Diocese.

to be priests and sisters,” Fr. Leo Seiker reflects. “Probably the biggest thing that formed me and my vocation was the example and sacrifice of my parents to give me and my siblings a Catholic education.” Many Pius X alumni also serve on the staff of diocesan schools, including Pius X Alumni Director Kristin (Edwards) Heath ’91. “Looking back, I believe my time at Pius X had a huge impact on who I am today,” Heath reflects. “I am strong in my faith, and I know I can lean on God, and that He will always be there.” She and her husband Peter ’90 also have a daughter Hayley, who just finished her sophomore year at Pius. “Pius X holds so many fond memories that are now being relived as I walk the halls of Pius again, as the Alumni Director as well as a Pius parent.”

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Sr. Marta ’04 left her family (who had immigrated from Vietnam) living in Colorado to attend Pius X and pursue her vocation as a member of the Congregation of Mary Queen of Mercy. Sr. Marta is pictured with Estella Heath, daughter of Peter ’90 and Kristin (Edwards) Heath ’91, at the Little Flower Child Care Center that the sisters operate as part of their mission.

year, and was connected to the Newman Center at the University of Nebraska Lincoln. “That was important, going to Mass several times a week,” he recalls. Fr. Robert Matya, director of the Newman Center, challenged Clinch to pray and ask for God’s will for his life. “Fr. Matya said to be courageous and give (the priestly vocation) a try if you feel God might be calling you.” Clinch recalls there were some “definite indicators” that he was being called to the priesthood. Coming home from a track meet in Indiana during his freshman year at Wesleyan, he and his parents stopped for dinner. “There was a billboard nearby that said: If you’re looking for a sign from God, this is it!,’” Clinch recalls with a chuckle. “We continued to drive to Nebraska and I hit a deer later that same night. I took that as a sign that said: ‘Wake up! It’s time to not waste any more time.’” Later that spring following his freshman year, Clinch said “Yes” to the Lord and entered St. Gregory the Great Seminary in Seward, Neb., and completed his formation at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia, Pa. During his time in seminary, Clinch enjoyed developing bonds with fellow seminarians from all over the country while still keeping in touch with his close friends from high school. “Pius is like a large family – we stay together and connected,” he reflects. “I learned a lot out east, but I appreciate the tight knit community and more quiet life here. Brother Innocent and Brother Angelus were there, and being able to meet up on the east coast and have mini reunions is such a blessing when you’re so far from home,” he recalls. Looking back, Clinch holds a tre-

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mendous amount of gratitude for having experienced a strong Catholic education at Pius X. “The heart of the school is the chapel,” he reflects. “I would see my friends stopping into the chapel to pray and that would encourage me to do so. Jesus is present and students can stop in and speak to the Lord. He speaks to your heart. That is how young men and women discern – by listening.” “She knew I would become a Sister no matter what.” Vietnam is a far distance from Lincoln, Neb., but that did not deter God’s call to consecrated life for one of the youngest Pius X alumnae who have professed their vows to serve in His church. Sr. Marta Dung Ngoc T. Tran ’04, along with Sr. Mary Regina Phuong Le ’01, Sr. Samantha Nguyet Nguyen ’94, and Sr. Cecelia Mai Nguyen ’10 (novice) are living in community with the Diocesan Congregation of the Missionary Sisters of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Mercy, a group of religious whose vocation is one of “poverty, chastity and obedience by public vows and live a life in common as sisters.” Established in 1999 by Bishop Emeritus Fabian Bruskewitz, the local congregation of Mary Queen of Mercy is comprised of Vietnamese nuns that serve Lincoln Catholics through education and childcare services. Last year, the establishment of a permanent convent and day care facility – the Little Flower Child Care Center – was made possible through diocesan support and funding from lay Catholics who greatly value the contributions the sisters have made since the first congregates arrived in Lincoln during the mid-80s to serve the community’s grow-

ing population of Vietnamese refugees. Sr. Marta, the second oldest of four children, was born in Mui Ne, Vietnam. She came to the U.S. in 1996 with her family and resided in Colorado, where her family still lives. Sr. Marta moved to Lincoln during her junior year to pursue her vocation with the Congregation of Mary Queen of Mercy and to attend Pius X. “I think God has called me in many different ways and through different people, but I think one of the ways that God called me was through a song called ‘Hanh Phuc Doi Con,’ (My Happiness). The song is saying: Where can I go to find my happiness because the world does not offer true happiness. I listened to this song when I was in 6th grade,” Sr. Marta recalls. Two years later, Sr. Marta contacted the Dominican Sisters in Houston, Texas, and asked if she could join their convent. She was denied due to her young age. In May of her sophomore year, a priest from the Divine Word College Seminary in Iowa encouraged her to attend a “come and see” event at the Sisters of Mary Queen of Mercy. That summer, she chose to come to Lincoln and attend Pius X while joining the congregation. “Before I left my family, I told my mom that I am going to study, not to become a Sister,” Sr. Marta says. “She laughed like she knew I would become a Sister no matter what.” Sr. Marta adds that the most appealing thing about her congregation was their “joyfulness in their religious life.” Her transition to Lincoln, however, did not go entirely smoothly. “Everything was new to me,” Sr. Marta recalls of her early days in the halls of Pius X. “From the environment in a private Catholic school, to uniforms, religion classes and so on. All my life I had attended public schools in Colorado, and attending a private Catholic school was different from what I was used to.” Desiring to make new friends, she took advice from her one and only friend who had also moved to Lincoln to join the Mary Queen of Mercy convent. They did not share the same lunch period. “She said: Everybody likes ice cream. So if you don’t know how to start a conversation, just ask, ‘What is your favorite flavor of ice cream? Mine is chocolate.’” Sr. Marta recalls. “So, I listened to her ‘wise’ advice and I waited until lunch time, sat beside [some students], and asked a girl that question. She looked at me weird, as if I was from another planet. When we got back to the convent I told my friend what happened and she laughed so hard that tears were rolling down her eyes!” As time went on, Sr. Marta developed strong connections with her teachers and classmates through involvement in the Multicultural and Schoenstatt clubs, and

she immersed herself in love and knowledge of her Catholic faith. “Even though I only had two years at Pius, I think it has helped me greatly to shape the Sister that I am today,” she reflects. “I liked the fact that we had Mass every week, and that the chapel is always available for visiting Jesus or to pray privately.” Sr. Marta credits the many priests, sisters and lay teachers who helped form her in her education and in the faith. “All of the teachers that I had were very kind, friendly, and patient,” she says. “Religion classes also helped me to know more about God, His creation, and the Universal Church, and the exemplary witnesses from priests and sisters impacted my life and confirmed my choice to enter the religious life. I also can’t express enough gratitude to Sr. Patricia Ann (Hanus) for encouraging and supporting me then and now on my journey in the sisterhood.” “Pius is the place that I truly considered for the first time my call to the priesthood.” He was going to be a firefighter. Or so he thought. When Fr. Adam Sparling ’02 enrolled as a student at Pius X, it was the first time since the 2nd grade that he had attended a Catholic school. He made a conscious effort to make the most of it. “My time at Pius was a time for me to truly get to know more about my faith,” he recalls. Sparling, son of Greg Sparling and Terri and Con Murray, is the third of eight children in his expanded family. Like many of his fellow alumni, Sparling – who on May 25, 2013 became the most recent Pius X alumnus to be ordained as a priest – has fond memories of favorite teachers, activities and friendships at Pius X. What stands out in his memory is that the seeds of what became his life’s vocation began during high school. “Pius is the place that I truly considered for the first time my call to the priesthood,” Sparling reflects. This spark was put on hold for a time after Sparling graduated and attended Southeast Community College where he received an associates degree in Fire Protection Technology as well as his EMT-B. “My goal was to become a firefighter/ paramedic,” he says. “It was during my time as a full-time student and working full-time as well as volunteering a lot with the American Red Cross’ Disaster Action Team and First Aid Team that I continued to ‘satisfy’ this inner calling to help people and be of service to others.” However, it was not until Ash Wednesday of 2005 that Sparling realized he was ignoring an inner calling from God to become a priest. “I began attending daily Mass and doing daily holy hours to try and overcome and satisfy this inner thought that I had been trying to run away from for so long,” he recalls. “I de-

Left: The seeds of Fr. Adam Sparling’s inner calling to the priesthood were planted during his time at Pius X. Sparling was ordained on May 25, 2013, becoming the newest Pius X alumnus to become a priest. Above: After being ordained a Deacon, Ben Rynearson ’04 distributes Communion along side of Bishop James D. Conley. Rynearson will take his final priestly vows in May 2014.

cided, after the Lord had greatly softened my heart, that I needed to enter the seminary.” Sparling entered St. Gregory the Great Seminary in the fall of 2005, and completed his priestly formation at Mt. St. Mary Seminary in Emmitsburg, Md. “My time at the seminary has been a great time,” Sparling reflects. “Being on the east coast, I have had the great opportunity to visit many historical places such as Gettysburg, Antietam, Baltimore, Washington, Philadelphia, New York City, and Newark. I met several men studying from all over the country who have become dear friends and brothers.” He adds: “Being at the service of others has always been a great desire of mine and the seminary has been a place that you can serve your brother seminarians as well as others in your pastoral work.” “God…was going to make amazing things happen for me.” The day before Sparling was ordained, one of his fellow alumni, Ben Rynearson ’04, son of Jim and Kathie Rynearson and brother of Claire ’10, received the Sacrament of Holy Orders, becoming a newly ordained Deacon in the Diocese of Lincoln. Rynearson will complete his priestly formation at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary over the next year, with his ordination into the priesthood set for May of 2014. “In looking back at my years at Pius X, some of the fondest memories I have are from the things I was involved in,”

Rynearson recalls. “I was in Band for all four years, the Speech Team for two years, and in theater for my senior year. I had a blast being involved in all these activities.” Rynearson adds that the friendships he forged in the halls of Pius X are among those he still maintains today. As is the case of many priest and religious alumni, Rynearson credits his Catholic education with nurturing the seed of his vocation. “I had very good priests for my religion teachers in my years at Pius, which gave me the opportunity to not only spend time around priests, but to also see how great many priests are,” he reflects. For Rynearson, the idea of praying for one’s vocation was sparked during his freshman year by a priest/teacher that “told me that I should pray for my vocation in general because whatever God had planned He was going to make amazing things happen for me,” he says. “This really stuck with me and I remember it to this day.” As Rynearson completes his journey to the priesthood, he reflects on what makes our diocese a strong breeding ground for vocations of service to the Church. “I believe Lincoln is blessed in the sense that we have enough priests who teach at the Catholic schools,” he notes. “Students can get to know [them] better and are ultimately inspired by them because they are men who have given their life over to God.”

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academic success

f o s s a l C 2013

Academic Accomplishments

Carmen K Alcalde Ashley N Alexander Dale J Allder Clarisa Almazan Dylan Andersen Ashley Anderson Ryan Anderson Avery L Appleget Rachel M Arthur Alexandria Artiaga Megan N Asselin Danielle L Aylward Anne R Bachmann Samuel T Baker Wade A Bakhit Kaylyn Barnes Kaitlyn J Bayless Jonathan Beau Nicholaus Beau Zachary J Bell Kelsey L Benes Adriana E Benton Kathryn L Berning Catherine Berrick Morgan R Bideaux Alexa N Birkel Cody R Boeselager Maxwell J Boettcher Thomas D Boman Sheila K Boothe Joshua R Borzekofski Jonathan Brakenhoff Douglas A Brandstetter Jenna Breiner Taylor N Broers Paige K Brophy Alison N Brozek Jon C II Burmeister Mary Cernik Tracie A Champoux Shelby L Chapelle Tyler Chramosta Aidan Chrisman Max E Church Anna Clarence Dylan S Codr Emily Coffey Dylan R Conway Ellen R Cook Taylor Cook Alison Cordry Caleb R Cowling Jayme L Cox Austin J Coyle Erin E Cuddy Kevin M Curran Joshua I Damm John T Danek

Austin A Dao Ryan J Daugherty Margaret M Davenport Caitlyn K Do Kenny T Do Sam J Dolezal Ellen P Dolph Brianna M Dostal Mary T Driewer Megan Drozda Zachary R Duden Marc K Eickhoff Harry E Endrulat Kelsey J Engstrom Jose L Espinoza Kiley R Farrell Claire J Ficke Alexandra R Fiedler Austin T Fish Brock S Fitzgerald Matthew D Foley Kaitlin M Fosler Benjamin F Frodyma Jacob L Frodyma Halley F Gaucher Robert J Gibson Roger G Giesler Alexandria R Gill Caleb J Gose Makala M Gossard Adam T Greitens Patrick M Griffin Zachary D Habrock Megan M Hachiya Desirae D Hakel Matthew T Hall Joseph A Hams Brandon D Haney Dorothy J Hanigan James E Hansen Kaylee A Hanway Eduardo L Haro Paige E Harrison John B Haug Kennedy R Hegert Alec M Heimann Nathan T Heimes Patrick J Higgins Amanda M Hilger Jacob J Hochstein Tucker J Hochstein Jacob R Holtmeier Tyler J Hooper Joshua A Houlden Garrett J Houser Olivia A Houser Nicholas P Hovermale Meredith E Hovis

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Alivia L Hoxmeier Lauren M Hupf Joseph R Hussey Reece W Hyland Breanna N Incontro Jacklyn L Jablonski Sally A Jacobsen Scott M Jenkins Brianna M Jensen Brianna C Jimenez Erica A Johs Hannah M Kathe Matthew J Kean Molly A Keane Megan N Keech Madeline Kenney Spencer J Klein Griffin J Knotwell Stephanie M Kopetka Maggie R Kopf Nicholas Kramer Brandon Krauel Alec Kreikemeier Kaylin Kreikemeier Devin J Krenk Kathryn F Krick Zachariah T Krings Derek F Lacy Aaron M Lafler Alex E LaFollette Kyle K LaFramboise Malcolm J Lancaster Alexandria G Lang Amanda N Lang Ngoc Le Samantha N Le Daniel R LeDuc Sarah E Lewandowski Hannah M Liechti Jessika R Lierz Allison M Main Ian Malmstrom Morgane Markellov Clare A Marsolek Grasiela I Martinez Ricardo Martinez John C Masinelli Eric W Mason Margaret M Mattern Caitlin Mattison Darrick D Mazour Theresa L McBride Kelly L McCarthy Maggie A McDermott John W McDonald Megan C McGahan Treyson J McGill Treyton C McNeese

• 95% post-secondary enrollment • 53% of class (289 students) received Photo courtesy of Yearbook staff. the Presidential Academic Excellence Award (cumulative GPA of Anthony D McWilliams Travis M Sedlak 3.5 or above) Rose M Medill Ryan B Seib Rachael Menke Corinne M Simpson • 31 students scored 30+ on ACT Chelsea D Mennenga Lauren M Sims • 44 seniors with a 4.0 GPA – Knights of Jacob A Meyers Chad M Sindelar Alberto Meza Michelle L Sisel Columbus Honor Graduates Hannah L Miller Amanda M Sloan • 53 seniors named Distinguished Kathleen B Moeschen Paul J Soukup Valeria Morales Keevan M Statz Scholars Claire R Morris Alexander N Stejskal • 1 full-ride scholarship to Notre Dame Patrick M Morrow Kendra K Stewart Marissa Nagel Willow A Stoll • 1 semi-finalist for the Presidential Diane H Nguyen Sarah M Styron Scholar Don D Nguyen Benjamin J Swanson Jason Nguyen Madelyn A Swenson • 1 National Merit Scholar Kailee K Nguyen Phuong H Ta Trang T Nguyen • University of Nebraska - Lincoln Alec D Talbott Vu D Nguyen Margaret Tasler o 24 Regent Scholarships Sarah C Nickman Garrett C Teel o 18 David Scholars Maria G Novoa Alyssa J Thavenet o 18 University Honors Scholars Jack A Olsson Jocelyn Theil o 35 James Canfield Scholars Liam S OShea-Creal John F Thompson Miranda L Paul Katherine A Thompson o 4 Top Scholars Seth G Peirce William R Thorpe • University of Nebraska - Omaha Annet B Pelayo JohnMark Townsend Trevor S Peterson Diana M Tran o 4 Regents Scholarships Huyen Pham Peter D Tran o 11 Dean’s Scholarships Maria K Piccolo Mikayla Tremain o 5 Chancellor’s Scholarship Hannah E Pinkerton Phan Anh Trinh Daniel F Polivka Joshua Tucker • University of Nebraska – Kearney Anthony Pospisil Brittany M Ullman o 4 Regents Scholarships Meredith E Power Sarah Ullman o 5 Chancellor’s Scholarships Noah T Preston Drew C Valaika o 2 Deans Scholarships Marisa E Pribnow Paige Valaika Eric A Pryor Kelsie Valish • 7 Susan Buffett Scholarship winners Jonathan J Pynes Alexander VanAckeren Rex J Raetz Michaela Varicak • 7 Creighton University scholarships Hope E Ragon Connor L VerMaas • Nebraska Wesleyan University - 36 Thomas A Rajewski Jordan C Verplank Emma M Rashilla Dillon Vestecka Achievement, 2 Legacy, and 1 Wyatt A Ray Benjamin C Vossler Talent-Theatre Timothy J Reed Tuan Vu Anna L Regan Lizzy Waite • 7 Benedictine Scholarships Marie K Reifschneider Liam Wakeman • 2 students, Eastern 1st Team, Alyssa R Reinhart Davis L Warner Omaha World Herald Graham R Resseguie Nicole M Weedman Seth D Root Aaron Welch • 1 student, Eastern 2nd Team, Brent A Sasse Scott M Wenzl Omaha World Herald Hallie M Schimenti Jacob M Whalen William K Schlautman Kristy L Wieser • 14 students, Omaha World Herald Alexander M Danielle M Wilkerson All-Academic Schleppenbach Sarah M Williams Jacob N Schleppenbach Katherine Woolman • 2 seniors, “Best of the Class”, Caitlyn R Schmidt Rebecca Wright sponsored by Channel 8 KLKN-TV Thomas J Schneider Katrina L Zeleski saluting top academic achievers in Sarah F Scholz Katelyn B Zemunski Nicholas P Schuller Fletcher T Zornes Nebraska Grant T Schumacher

Nicholas Zuercher

pius values

Pius X Students Keep Vigil at Abortion Facility Story by S.L. Hansen, reprinted with permission from the Southern Nebraska Register, March 22, 2013

Every Tuesday, an effort among Lincoln’s Pius X High School called “Block the Walk” is making a difference at the local Planned Parenthood clinic. Already, two mothers experiencing crisis pregnancies have chosen life for their babies after seeing the faith and faithfulness of high school students praying out in front of the clinic despite blustery conditions. Block the Walk has really taken off this semester. Well-meaning adults had tried to encourage Pius X students to pray at the clinic earlier in the school year, but with little results. “Cathy Haden, who prays at Planned Parenthood every Tuesday, called and asked me if we could get students from Pius X to go pray,” explained Maria Benes, campus minister. Mrs. Benes and Principal Tom Korta decided to start encouraging seniors to participate during the students’ extra free period on Tuesdays. It’s a theology class during the rest of the week, but the priests who teach those classes are off on Tuesdays. Despite their best efforts, however, the idea of going to Planned Parenthood during that time didn’t seem to gain traction with the students. Meanwhile, senior Brittany Ullman was trying to get up the courage to go to the clinic on her own. “I prayed there once on a Tuesday last summer,” she said. “Once school started in the fall, I felt that I should go to Planned Parenthood during my theology off period.” However, Miss Ullman wanted a companion. Eventually, she convinced her cousin, Sarah Ullman, to go. The two started going weekly, sometimes with one friend or another joining them. Then their efforts hit a detour when all the seniors had presentations during their theology off-periods for four consecutive weeks. But Miss Ullman rallied, inviting her entire fourth period theology class to start going again. Within two weeks, there were six students carpooling to Planned Parenthood. In December, Mrs. Benes and Mr. Korta gathered the students who belonged to the Pius X pro-life club and the Fellowship of Christian Teens (FCT), and encouraged more of them to use their theology off-periods to pray at the clinic. Miss Ullman was almost simultaneously inspired to start a Facebook page and name the effort “Block the Walk,” drawing inspiration for the name from the

Block the Walk, an effort by Pius X seniors, encouraged students to pray at the abortion clinic during off periods. They have also held candlelight vigils the evenings before abortions.

Pius X event “Pack the Chap,” which encourages students to participate in the campus daily 7:25 a.m. Mass. Unfortunately, almost everyone was too caught up with studying for finals to respond. When second semester started, Miss Ullman gave it another shot and set up Block the Walk for Feb. 4, a candlelight vigil on the night before Planned Parenthood performed abortions. She ended up inviting the entire senior class. That Monday evening, Miss Ullman headed to the Planned Parenthood clinic to pray. “I was just… speechless,” she recounted. “I couldn’t believe how many people responded!” Now seniors are regularly using their theology off-periods to go pray at Planned Parenthood. Some also go after school. The weather hasn’t been the greatest – in fact, it’s been downright nasty at times – but the students remain faithful. And more have gotten involved. Fellow senior Paige Harrison suggested including the underclassmen, who can go during their own free periods with parents’ permission. Alexa Birkel thought of the weekly Monday night candle vigils, and Amanda Hilger started bringing her ukulele along to incorporate songs into the vigil. Junior Kayla Brion encouraged students to go after school on Tuesdays. But it is the two lives saved (so far) that really inspire the students. On a recent Tuesday, Miss Birkel and six other seniors were praying the Rosary at the clinic during seventh period, despite an intimidating bodyguard who spoke rudely to them. During the third decade, they saw a

young woman leave the clinic and stretch her arms to the sky. The woman got into her car and started to leave, but sat in the clinic driveway for a time before rolling down her window. “We were expecting her to yell at us like some other girls did about 20 minutes earlier,” said Miss Birkel. “Instead, she said ‘Jesus loves you. I couldn’t do it, you are doing a great thing.’ This is an experience that has helped all the students realize that they are making a real difference. Mrs. Benes is thrilled to see the success of yet another spiritual endeavor at Pius X. “The weekly prayer vigils at Planned Parenthood are one reflection of a greater spiritual revolution that is going on at Pius X right now,” Mrs. Benes said. She mentioned several other programs, including Pack the Chap, overnight Eucharistic Adoration, a Eucharistic procession and Mass with Bishop James Conley, and St. Valentine’s Day letters written anonymously by girls and sent to every boy in the school, encouraging them to pursue chastity, chivalry and Christian masculinity. And that’s just the highlights. “The Holy Spirit has been at work in so many ways this year!” Mrs. Benes stated. She continued, “What strikes me about all this most is that I can see our students really taking ownership of their faith, as they are choosing to do many of these things… They go to Planned Parenthood to pray because they want to save lives and pray for all those hurt by abortion.” To acquire an invitation to Miss Ullman’s Facebook group, search for “Block Walk” (no “the”) and send your request.

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athletic highlights

Congratulations to Coach

Charf and the Pius X Baseball team for claiming the State Runner-Up Title!

At the State Tournament, the Thunderbolts beat Gretna (3-2), Omaha Gross (11-0), and Omaha Skutt (9-2), before losing in the championship game 3-2 against Norris. The team lost only one game in the regular season. Varsity team members include: Jon Brakenhoff, Sam Donlan, Cole Felber, Matt Foley, Nolan Hakel, Mike Helman, Tyler Hooper, Ryne Kortum, Devin Krenk, Gabe Larsen, Daniel LeDuc, Tony McWilliams, Zach Pettit, Rex Raetz, Sam Raun, Alex Schleppenbach, Jake Schleppenbach, Tom Schneider, Travis Sedlak, Alex Utrup, Brandon Utrup, Nolan Walker, and Fletcher Zornes. Student Manager: Harry Zornes. The Pius X Baseball Team is coached by Head Coach Troy Charf and Assistant Coaches P.J. Book, Patrick Collins, Brian Drake, Austin Elm, and Mike Thedinga. Photo courtesy of Pius X Yearbook Staff.

Congratulations to the

Congratulations to Pius X Baseball Coach Troy Charf ’92 who was named the Ralph Beechner Coach of the Year at the KFOR Sportscasters Club All-City Recognition Banquet. Charf just completed his 14th year teaching history at Pius X. He has been coaching baseball for 19 years, including eight as Pius’ head coach, racking up 136 wins, six state appearances, two state runner-up titles and the state championship in 2012.

Congratulations to

the Pius X Boys on claiming the runner-up title at the Nebraska High School State Golf Championship.

Pius X Boys Bowling Team for their third straight Nebraska High School State Championship.

The Pius X Boys Golf Team placed second at the NSAA Boys Golf Championships with a score of 587 points, just behind Omaha Creighton Prep with a score of 568. The Bolts posted the best State Tournament score (587) ever by a Pius X team. Team members include: Keevan Statz (3rd-tie-7075-145), Grant Schumacher (7th-tie-74-73-147), Nick Higgins (12th-72-77-149), Joel Bittner (13th-tie-73-77-150), and Jack Burmeister (19th-tie-79-73-152). The Pius X Boys Golf Team is coached by Mr. Tom Seib.

The Pius X Boys Varsity Bowling Team easily made the transition to Class A, winning the 2012 State Championship. The title marked their third straight state championship and the fourth title in five years. The Pius X boys team members include Nick Schuller, Will Thorpe, John Masinelli, Colin Koehler, Jon Post, and Peter Masinelli. The Bolts are coached by Rod Machacek.

The Boys JV Bowling Team who captured the Class A Nebraska High School Bowling JV State Championship. Team members include: Will Schlautman, Connor Schlautman, Isaac O’Gara, Axel Malmstrom, and Daniel Pham. They are coached by Pius X alumni Drew Miller and Derrick Gossard.

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The Girls JV Bowling Team finished Runner-Up at the Class A Nebraska High School Bowling JV State Championship. JV team members are: Kelsey Brichacek, Kayla Brion, Becca Laurell, and Ryanna Odom. The JV Bolts are coached by Mary Lierz.

The Girls Varsity Bowling Team that finished RunnerUp at the Class A Nebraska High School Bowling Federation Varsity State Championship. Varsity team members are: Jessika Lierz, Kelly Machacek, Hanna Baumert, Katie Petersen, Meghan Straub, and Kristen Machacek. The Bolts are coached by Rod Machacek and Shalima Zalsha.

athletic highlights

Congratulations to Coach O’Boyle and the Pius X Boys and Girls Track Teams for claiming the State Runner-Up Titles!

At the Nebraska State Track & Field Championships the Thunderbolts took 2nd Place with 75 points, just behind Millard West with 80 points. Placing at State were: Ellie Beiermann (4th/3200 Meter Run), Sarah Kottwitz (6th/800 Meter Run), Kathryn Krick (2nd/400 Meter Dash & 4th/200 Meter Dash), Natalie Kurtenbach (6th/3200 Meter Run), Maddie Simon (3rd/100 Meter Hurdles & 2nd/300 Meter Hurdles), Alyssa Thavenet (1st/800 Meter Run & 8th/400 Meter Dash), Kristy Wieser (4th-tie/High Jump), 400 Meter Relay (7th/Kaela Samek, Madison Haney, Maddi Essay, Kathryn Krick), 1600 Meter Relay (1st/Kathryn Krick, Maddie Simon, Alyssa Thavenet, Maddi Essay), and 3200 Meter Relay (1st/Alyssa Thavenet, Sarah Kottwitz, Megan Drozda, Tarin Van Slyke).

Congratulations to all of the Pius X Seniors who will be playing athletics at the collegiate level. 37 Pius X seniors signed letters of intent in 2012-2013!

At the Nebraska State Track & Field Championships, the Thunderbolts took 2nd Place with 75 points, just behind Kearney with 83 points. Placing at State were: Caleb Cowling (1st/Triple Jump; 1st/ Long Jump; & 3rd/100 Meter Dash), Sam Dolezal (10th/Shot Put), Jimmy Hansen (7th/100 Meter Hurdles & 6th/300 Meter Hurdles), Jacob Holtmeier (1st/800 Meter Run - Class A Meet Record), Garrett Teel (1st/400 Meter Dash & 3rd/200 Meter Dash), 1600 Meter Relay (2nd/Jimmy Hansen, Garrett Teel, Caleb Cowling, Mitch Grosserode), and 3200 Meter Relay (1st/Mitch Grosserode, Chad Berens, Bryan Butler, Jacob Holtmeier).

Congratulations to the Pius X

Wrestling Team, that had three state medalists. Tyson Cisneros placed third, Alex Schriner placed fourth and Sam Dolezal placed fifth. Tyson Cisneros

Alex Schriner Sam Dolezal

Congratulations to the Pius X Trap Pius X student athletes, faculty, coaches, families and guests attended a ceremony on Wednesday, April 17, to honor students signing athletic letters of intent to play intercollegiate athletics. The ceremony marked the largest group of Pius X graduating seniors – 32 today and 5 others this past Fall, for a total of 37 student athletes – to commit to a sport at the collegiate level.

Team for winning first place at the Cornhusker High School Trapshoot.

The Cornhusker High School Trapshoot is the largest of its kind in the nation with 1,365 high school shooters participating. The Pius #1 trap team placed first out of the 303 Senior squads by shooting a 663 out of 750. They also placed fourth in the 16 yard event with a 354 out of 375 and third in the handicap event with a 309 out of 375. Joshua Borzekofski also place second high overall male with a 138 out of 150. This is the first time the Pius Trap Club has won high overall team at State. Pictured (l-r) are: Aaron Lafler, Josh Borzekofski, Adam Greitens, Coach Dave Tunink, Adam Erskine, and Andrew Rempe.

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pius essentials

Chess Club Named State Champions The Pius X Chess Club captured the Division II High School Chess Championship. Members of the state championship team were Robert Bryant, Carl Endrulat, Thomas Hafner, Philip Hanigan and Liam Kruse. The club also took second place at the Omaha Central 12th Annual Chess Tournament, with team members Thomas Hafner, Robert Bryant, Phillip Hanigan and Jacob Miller. Hafner took Pius X State Championship Chess Team 1st place at this tournament with Bryant placing third overall. Hafner also placed 2nd at the Nebraska Scholastic State Individual High School Chess Tournament. The club is sponsored by Mr. John Cox.

Academic Decathlon Team Claims State Runner-Up Title In only its third year of competing, the Pius X Decathletes earned a second place finish in the large school division at the State Academic Decathlon Competition. Pius X students earned 36 medals, including six first place medals. Stephen Kotopka earned the 3rd Highest Overall Place of All Schools. He also earned 1st place awards in Science/Social Studies, and Speech. Also earning 1st place awards were Philip Hanigan - Economics; Nathan Kramer - Economics and Art; and Daniel Beals - Science/Social Studies. Other team members earning awards at the state competition include: Claire Henrichsen, Catherine Krueger; Abby Miller, Jerome Schmidt, Alec Kreikemeier, and Isaac Logsdon. The Pius X Academic Decathlon Team is coached by Mrs. Margaret Kaiser-Woodward, Ms. Mary Jo Kopf and Mrs. Ann Kotopka.

Students Selected for All-State Band & Chorus Each year, more than 2,000 of the best high school musicians in the state audition for the Nebraska All-State Band, Sam Baker Chorus, Jazz Band and Orchestra, sponAlec Talbott sored by the Nebraska Music Educators Association. Griffin Knotwell Selection as a member of these groups is one of the highest musical honors attainable in Nebraska. Sam Baker, Griffin Knotwell and Alec Talbott were selected to the All-State Chorus and Jenna AltJenna Altman man was to the All-State Band. Congratulations to these Pius X students for being selected to these elite groups!

WordStruck Goes Live Pius X’s WordStruck, under the leadership of Pius X senior writing instructor, Mr. Jeremy Ekeler ’97, has evolved to meet today’s literacy: instant, world-wide and varied. WordStruck has created one of the nation’s only student-centered writing cooperatives: WordStruck.net. This was made possible with the generous support of Pius X Alumna Bridget (Ellingson) Bredenkamp ’98, owner of Design by Bridge. The heart of WordStruck continues to be the prose and narrative that has been the basis of the senior writing class and of the traditional WordStruck literary magazine. “Students have told me that WordStruck.net has met them halfway - most are now doing their reading on their mobile devices and online,” Ekeler notes. The creation of WordStruck.net has allowed for full color graphic design, photography, sketch work, painting, musical performances, monologues, and even mini-documentaries to be included as part of the overall literacy emphasis. “If a student has a creative passion, we are willing to take a look at it,” said Ekeler. “It’s tough to get through our submission process. Being accepted is a big honor, and that challenge seems to be firing up students.” “For year one, I’m really proud of what we’ve done because we’ve combined our traditional high standards with something that’s ahead of the curve: a prestigious writer co-op,” Ekeler adds. “Pius writers and artists are second to none, and the instant publication format exposes their work to the world.”

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empowering students

Academic Team Honors Received

Pius X seniors Ben Swanson and Rose Medill have been named to the Omaha World Herald Eastern 1st Academic Team. Senior Ben Swanson, Mary Mary Driewer Driewer & Rose Medill was named to the newspaper’s 2nd Academic Team. Each year, the Omaha World-Herald selects the All-Academic Team, comprised of the top scholars graduating from Nebraska and western Iowa high schools. Driewer and Swanson will be attending Notre Dame University in the fall, pursuing languages and mathematics, and engineering, respectively. Medill plans to pursue a degree in chemical engineering at the University of Oklahoma.

Students Named to “Best of the Class”

Seniors Alexa Birkel and Katie Krick were chosen to represent Pius X at the 10th Annual “Best of the Class” salute on May 2. The event honored some Katie Krick & of Nebraska’s top Alexa Birkel academic achievers. Wearing their caps and gowns, Birkel and Krick joined top high school students in the area, as event sponsor Channel 8 KLKN-TV crews recorded them for

Pius X Student Awarded Scholarships to Study Economics in Arizona, California Pius X Junior Carly Twehous has been accepted to the Vernon L. Smith High School Workshop in Experimental Economics at Chapman University in Orange, Calif., to be held June 23-29. The workshop is both a rigorous academic experience and a remarkable opportunity to meet other high-achieving students from around the United States. Participants are selected from rising high school juniors and seniors, and involvement in the week-long sessions is covered free of charge – including all materials and a daily lunch. Additionally, for those students living outside of Southern California, the International Foundation for Research Carly Twehous and Geography in Experimental Economics (IFREE) and the Thomas W. Smith Foundation have generously provided funds to teacher, Mrs. Shiela Sievert Chapman University to reimburse flight expenses, and to provide for housing in university residence halls and three meals a day. Twehous’ sponsor is Pius X Geography Teacher Shiela Sievert, who recommended her for this unique opportunity to delve into the field of Economics. “Carly is one of the most focused and forward looking students I have ever had the pleasure of teaching,” Sievert notes. “She has future, far-reaching goals, and she is doing everything possible to set herself on the path to making those goals a reality.” Twehous credits Sievert – who was her freshman Geography teacher – with helping her and other students find unique opportunities to learn and explore outside of the classroom. In addition, Twehous has been accepted to the Foundation for Economic Education (FEE)’s 2013 Anything Peaceful seminar from June 10-13 in Prescott, Ariz. The scholarship awarded by FEE covers the cost of tuition, room, and board during the seminar. Twehous is looking forward to both of these opportunities that will expose her to Economics studies, which she knows will be critical as she pursues a double major in International Relations and English after high school. Carly is currently researching her college possibilities throughout the United States with options to study abroad.” upcoming commercial announcements featuring the honorees. After posing for filming and photographs, students were treated to a short program and a luncheon provided by Raising Canes. The program hosts were Channel 8 Eyewitness News anchors Rod Fowler and Vanessa Brown, and Southeast Community

College President of Student Senate Sarah Heier gave the keynote speech. In addition to KLKN-TV and SCC, the event was made possible by U.S. Cellular and Heartland Chevy Dealers, with additional support from Lincoln Electric System, Super Saver, Roberts Dairy, and Pepsi.

Pius X Senior Rose Medill Named National Merit Scholar Finalist Pius X senior Rose Medill has received the honor and academic distinction of being named a 2013 National Merit® Scholarship Finalist. Medill is among approximately 1.5 million juniors in more than 22,000 high schools across the country that entered the 2013 National Merit Scholarship Program before being named a Semi-Finalist this past February. Among those, Medill joins approximately 15,000 students to achieve the distinction of Finalist in this prestigious program. The National Merit® Scholarship Program is an academic competition for recognition and scholarships that began in 1955. High school students enter the National Merit Program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®) and by meeting published program entry and participation requirements.

“I was so excited and practically speechless,” Medill says of her reaction to having been selected as Finalist, placing her among the top 1% of graduating seniors in the country. In addition to her academic achievements, Medill has excelled in golf, track, Student Council, STEM Club (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), and Literature Club, of which she currently serves as president. Medill credits hard work, disRose Medill pictured with guidance counselors Claire Stramel, Connie Freudenburg and Jan Frayser after receivcipline learned through balancing her studies with athletics and other ing word that she was a Finalist for the National Merit Scholarship. activities, and strong academic preparation at Pius X for helping The university awarded Medill a National her to achieve such a distinction. After graduation, Medill plans to pursue Merit Scholarship covering tuition, room and board, textbooks and an opportunity a degree in chemical engineering at the to study abroad. University of Oklahoma in Norman, OK.

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faculty notes

DeWispelare Earns Award

The National Forensic League (NFL) awarded Pius X Speech Coach Mr. Nolan DeWispelare the Donus D. Roberts Quad Ruby Award. This prestigious honor is given to NFL coaches who attain their 1,000th NFL coaching points. Points are earned every time a student competes, based on ranking within a round of competition (better ranks and certain events earn more points). A coach receives 1/10 of each point that the team earns. As of Jan. 21, the Pius X Speech Team has earned 10,662 points since DeWispelare has been coaching. Under his coaching, the Speech Team has had 12 state qualifiers (3 medalists) and 4 national qualifiers (one 3rd place finish). DeWisperlare is in his fifth year of teaching English and Competitive Public

Speaking at Pius X. He is also the Student Newspaper Advisor and Head Boys and Girls Tennis Coach.

Roberts Presents at Regional Conference

Spanish Teacher Miss Amy Roberts presented her paper, “Keeping It In The Target Language”, at the Central States Conference on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (CSCTFL) in Columbus, Ohio, March 1416. Founded in 1969, the CSCTFL is a regional foreign language organization serving 17 states. The conference attracts 1,500 participants from around the U.S. and the world, stimulates research in second language learning and teaching, and provides a forum for the exchange of ideas. Roberts collaborated with professor and mentor Dr. Adeline Moeller from the

University of Nebraska-Lincoln, working on the project together since Fall 2012. Miss Roberts recently shared, “This research has sparked curiosity within me and has fueled my love for learning.” The paper details ideas, methods and best practices to help teachers achieve and maintain the Target Language in their class. According to Miss Roberts, “Research has shown that the exposure of the language and an immersion based curriculum and classroom environment is key to successfully acquiring a new language. Many teachers are uncertain that this can truly be done at the high school level and are unsure how to create such an environment.” The paper will be published in the Central States 2013 Report. Miss Roberts received her Masters of Art in Education (MA) from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in the Spring of 2012. She has been teaching at Pius X since the Spring of 2010 when she was a student teacher. Miss Roberts is also the sponsor of Club World Aid and the Girls JV Soccer Coach.

Elsener, Stramel Retire from Pius X High School English teacher Katie Elsener and Guidance Counselor Claire Stramel retired from Pius X High School at the end of the 2012-2013 school year. Elsener has taught English at Pius X for the past 24 years, serving as department chair for 22 of those years. Her love of American Literature has inspired students throughout her career at Pius X. Elsener also has served as a senior class sponsor for several years. A 1972 graduate of Pius X, Elsener received her undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Her husband, Mark, graduated from Pius X in 1971, as did their four sons Mark ’93, Michael ’94, John ’97, and Jeff ’02, and two daughters-in-law Leah (Groepper) ’95 and Sarah (Wilhelm) ‘96. The Elseners have a third daughter-in-law, Maggie (Pedersen), and six grandchildren, with a seventh due this summer. “I was fortunate to teach the literature I love,” Elsener reflects on her time at Pius X. “I am certified to teach both English and history, so I enjoy the combination through literature. It has been a privilege to be led by an outstanding administration, teach with deeply committed teachers, learn from my insightful students and receive support from the large Pius family.” Elsener says she will greatly miss the energy of the classroom, the challenges of

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lesson planning, the smiling faces of students, and laughing with friends. “I am sad to leave my ‘neighborhood’, the 250 hallway,” she says. “We have a routine I will sorely miss.” As for her post-retirement, Elsener notes that her husband is retiring in November. “We are anxious to spend time with our growing family,” she says. “Our sons’ families bring great joy to our lives. Grandchildren are precious.” She and her husband plan to travel and will take advantage of free time to do so. She also has joined a book club with some recent Pius X retirees, Sally Burt, Peggy Wilkins and Jane Connealy. “I intend to follow the example of Henry David Thoreau,” Elsener says, “and ‘live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived.’” A native of Dodge City, Kan., Stramel will be retiring after working at Pius X for the past seven years as a Guidance Counselor. He is a 1959 graduate of St. Mary of the Plains High School in Dodge City, and received a bachelor of science in Social Studies from St. Mary of the Plains College in 1963. He went on to receive a master’s degree in Guidance and Counseling from Emporia State Teachers College. Stramel’s first teaching position was at

Falls City Sacred Heart where he taught History, English and Physical Education and coached football, basketball and track. It was there where he met and married his wife of 46 years, Sharon. The couple then moved to Columbus, Neb., in 1967, where they both taught and coached at Scotus Central Catholic High School, before moving to Omaha in 1971 where he coached and was a Guidance Counselor at Rummel High School which later changed to Roncalli High School. For the next 27 years, Stramel left academia to work as a training administrator for a Caterpillar dealership and Allied Chemical manufacturing. After the plant was closed in 1998, he went back into education, serving as a Guidance Counselor for Valley High School in Valley, Neb., before arriving at Pius X High School in 2006. “My fondest memories here at Pius are too numerous to mention,” Stramel reflects, giving high praise to the school’s support staff, teachers, administrators, parents and students. “I will always remember how polite and respectful the students have been. It has been a real treat. My friends in Omaha have questioned my sanity when I tell them I work at Pius and commute each day.” The Stramels have three children and nine grandchildren. “We do not have any specific plans after retiring,” he says. “But I will try to find a part-time job to keep busy.”

building a strong foundation

Pius X

FOUNDATION

Michelle Birkel

Director of Development

Give to Lincoln Day Chemistry Lab Goal: $175,000 Total Raised: $108,609 *before matching and bonus funds

Dear Friends, Greetings from the Pius X Foundation! On May 19, our largest class ever - 289 students - graduated from Pius X. This class was one of great faith and leadership; they were great role models for the underclassmen. This class will definitely be missed!. We now have 9,662 alumni located all over the world. The Pius X tradition of excellence continues to be alive and strong, which you will see in this issue as 69 of our graduates have parents who are Pius X alumni. Very few schools have a tradition of three-generation family lineage like we do. What a blessing. Our chemistry lab is going to get a face lift thanks to many parents, alumni and friends of Pius X who participated in Give to Lincoln Day on May 16 and donated toward this great cause. Thus far, over 441 donors supported Pius X through the Give to Lincoln Day campaign, sponsored by the Lincoln Community Foundation. A grand total of $2,125,327 was raised for 250 nonprofit organizations in Lancaster County in just a 24 hour period. Lincolnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mayor challenged residents to help raise $1.5 million on Give To Lincoln Day, promising to do the Harlem Shake if they met that goal. The generous people of our community shattered that goal and helped raise more than $2.1 million to benefit local nonprofit organizations. The mayor and his cabinet taped the Harlem Shake at their recent meeting in May. To view this on YouTube, go to: http://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=VE0yMOXcOEk. Demolition began quickly after school was dismissed Pius X has received for the summer break. $107,609.31 in donations Construction crews have through Give To Lincoln Day. already removed the old Ranking #2 (out of 250) in fixtures and have broken number of unique online donors, through the back wall of Pius X also ranked #1 in the classroom. amount raised out of all the nonprofits that participated. This amount does not include any bonus or matching funds that we will be receiving from The hand-made fume hood in the Lincoln Community Room 202 will be replaced with Foundation in the next functioning and safe fume hood couple of weeks. THANK alike the one installed last summer in YOU! We have wonderful Room 200. support from our alumni, parents and the Lincoln community and we cannot thank everyone enough! Due to this overwhelming support, construction on the new lab and integration of technology has already started and will be done by the time school commences in the fall. Room 202 is still the original lab from 1956, the year the school opened its doors. The addition of needed technology, The old experiment stations will be replaced with modern including laptops, iPads, and electronic tables that will allow for additional hands-on learning lab equipment, will create a learning opportunities for students. environment that supports Pius Xâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s future curriculum goals and our overall school improvement plan. We will keep you posted on our progress. If you would still like the opportunity to donate to this important project, $55,000 is still needed to reach our $175,000 goal. Checks may be made payable to the Pius X Foundation and sent to 6000 A St., Lincoln, NE 68510. You may also donate online at www.piusx.net/ foundation. We have certainly been blessed this past year. If you will be around this summer for a Pius X reunion or if you just want to stop by to see our new improvements, we invite you to contact our office to schedule a tour. We would love to see you!

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2012-2013 Scholarship Recipients

Zenaida Adame

Dillon Foundation Scholarship

Alisha Bevins

Harold and Cecilia Sherman Scholarship

Marcus Cisneros

Patrick Schafers Memorial Scholarship

Melanie Cordry

Stephanie L. Fiedler Memorial Scholarship

Alexandria Fiedler

J.F. Houser Citizenship Scholarship in Honor of Donald J. Houser

Breanna Incontro

Dr. Mary & Kevin Case Scholarship

Aaron Lafler

John Liescheski Memorial Trap Scholarship

Carmen Alcalde

Liam and Lorraine Barr Memorial Scholarship

Doug Brandstetter

J.F. Houser Citizenship Scholarship in Honor of Donald J. Houser

Tyson Cisneros

Patrick Schafers Memorial Scholarship

Natalie Cordry

Steve H. Grosserode Scholarship in memory of Marcella Grosserode

Halley Gaucher

Glenn and Ann Miller Memorial Scholarship

Bernadette Johnson

Dillon Foundation Scholarship

Marisa Landwehr

Michael Anderson Memorial Scholarship

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Ashley Alexander

Vince Aldrich Memorial Scholarship

Simon Bruckner

Charles Shandera Memorial Scholarship

Aidan Clarke

Dillon Foundation Scholarship and Charles Shandera Memorial Scholarship

Bailey Dostal

R. Scott Wickham Memorial Scholarship

Mark Gibbs

Joanne B. Easley Memorial Scholarship

Mark Kilts

Dillon Foundation Scholarship

Vivian Le

Charles E. Chace Memorial Scholarship and Dillon Foundation Scholarship

Jose Al-Kafaji

John Liescheski Memorial Scholarship

Rachel Bruns

Pius X Foundation Scholarship and Dillon Foundation Scholarship

Lydia Clarke

Glenn and Ann Miller Memorial Scholarship

Brianna Dostal

Pius X Foundation Scholarship and Dillon Founation Scholarship

Abigail Goodwin

Dillon Foundation Scholarship

Avery Koelzer

Dillon Foundation Scholarship

Emilee Linebaugh

Optimal Dental Scholarship

Nathali Beltran

Kathryn Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Gara Memorial Scholarship

Phuong Thao Bui

Dillon Foundation Scholarship

Colton Clark

George Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Boyle Scholarship

Carl Endrulat

Dillon Foundation Scholarship and Pius X Foundation Scholarship

Adam Greitens

John Liescheski Memorial Trap Scholarship

Jaelle Kondohoma

Catholic Daughters of the Americas, St Charles Court #472 and Dillon Foundation Scholarships

Caitlin Mattison

Steve H. Grosserode Scholarship in memory of Marcella Grosserode and Dillon Foundation Scholarship

Katherine Benal

Dillon Foundation Scholarship

Sarha Buzi

Dillon Foundation Scholarship and Pius X Foundation Scholarship

Madison Clark

Charles Shandera Memorial Scholarship and Dillon Foundation Scholarship

Harry Endrulat

Pius X Foundation Scholarship

Crystal Harvey

Dillon Foundation Scholarship and Pius X Foundation Scholarship

Prisca Kondohoma

Catholic Daughters of the Americas, St Charles Court #472 Scholarship

Cari Mazour

Kristin Bottger Memorial Scholarship

Mary Benes

Jeff Dodd Memorial Scholarship

David Cao

Dillon Foundation Scholarship

Dylan Codr

Kathi Krause Memorial Scholarship

Nicholas Esparza

Dillon Foundation Scholarship and Pius X Foundation Scholarship

Brian Havlicek

Dillon Foundation Scholarship and Richard and Dorothy Burke Memorial Scholarship

Nicholas Kramer

Dillon Foundation Scholarship and Pius X Foundation Scholarship

Darrick Mazour

Kristin Bottger Memorial Scholarship

Sara Benes

Clint Eckhout Memorial Scholarship

Max Church

Harold and Cecilia Sherman Scholarship

Alison Cordry

Steve H. Grosserode Scholarship in memory of Marcella Grosserode and Dillon Foundation Scholarship

Adriana Fernandez

Robert T. Roach Memorial Scholarship and Dillon Foundation Scholarship

Rox Horn

Glenn and Ann Miller Memorial Scholarship

Kaylin Kreikemeier

Dillon Foundation Scholarship

Kelly McCarthy

Glenn and Ann Miller Memorial Scholarship

building a strong foundation

Scholarships Ensure Catholic Education for All

“Y

ou have absolutely changed my life and you have showed me a true act of love and kindness. Pius X has been a big and great part of my life, even though I’ve only been here for a year and a half. I have met amazing people and more importantly been a part of a loving family that stretches from one hallway to another,” wrote one Pius X sophomore in a scholarship thank you letter. His sentiment was echoed over and over, as more than 80 students wrote letters to our endowed/named scholarship donors, and to special scholarship grantors. The letters, while containing each student’s uniqueness, carried a common theme - a deep appreciation and gratitude for the gift of a Catholic education and Pius X High School. “Pius has helped shape my moral and educational values and intensified my personal relationship with God.” ~ Pius X senior “I have felt a growth in my faith while attending Pius X...I love that every day Pius offers Mass and confessions after school. I also attended the FCT (Fellowship of Christian Teens) retreat this past fall. This experience was truly a blessing and an inspiration for me to see all the teens who love God above all else and are not afraid to show it.” ~ Pius X freshman Our student’s thank you letters demonstrate the importance of protecting Catholic education for all students. The cost of a Catholic education, even with successful efforts to keep tuition affordable, is still a burden for many families. Thank you to all of the individuals and families who have so generously Jacob Meyers Steve H. Grosserode helped hundreds of students attend Pius X High Scholarship in memory of Marcella Grosserode and Dillon School. Foundation Scholarship

Paul Meza

Bank of the West Scholarship

Elizabeth Pautz

Dillon Foundation Scholarship

Seth Root

Dillon Foundation Scholarship

Faith Villamonte

Dillon Foundation Scholarship and Mary Elizabeth Brake Memorial Scholarship

Sophia Meza

Pius X Foundation Scholarship

Annet Pelayo

Jim and Merle Briggs Memorial Scholarship and Dillon Scholarship

Matthew Russell

Dillon Foundation Scholarship and Don Kelley Scholarship

Rebecca Villamonte

Charles Shandera Memorial Scholarship

Geovanni Moreno

Dillon Foundation Scholarship

Kathyrn Petersen

Paul & Rosemary Reinsch Scholarship

Paul Styron

Steve H. Grosserode Scholarship in memory of Marcella Grosserode

Quentin Vrbka

Dillon Foundation Scholarship and Eileen Hartmann Memorial Scholarship

Cassie Nguyen

Dillon Foundation Scholarship

Natasha Pierce

Pius X Foundation Scholarship

Sarah Styron

Steve H. Grosserode Scholarship in memory of Marcella Grosserode and Dillon Foundation Scholarship

Bryan Warday

Paul & Rosemary Reinsch Scholarship

This year, $31,800 was generously awarded to 71 students through the Pius X Foundation’s scholarship program (endowed scholarship and special scholarship grants), with an additional $8,888 being awarded to 44 students by the Dillon Foundation. This is only a portion of the students who need assistance. More than 40% of those applying for tuition assistance did not receive a scholarship. Additionally, the endowed named scholarships do not provide full tuition assistance. The average scholarship award is approximately $425, about 1/3 of the cost of tuition. You can protect the future of Catholic education for all students by donating to one of the endowed scholarships or to Pius X Foundation’s general scholarship fund. As a scholarship balance increases, so does the financial help students receive. To donate to an existing scholarship or establish a new endowed scholarship, please contact Michelle Birkel at the Pius X Foundation at 402.488.1046. You may donate directly to an existing scholarship by sending a check in the enclosed envelope or safely and securely on-line at www.piusx.net. Simply click on the Donate Now link.

Kelcie Meyers

Steve H. Grosserode Scholarship in memory of Marcella Grosserode

Jason Nguyen

Dillon Foundation Scholarship and Charles E. Chace Memorial Scholarship

Thomas Rajewski

John Michael Foley Memorial Scholarship

Margaret Tasler

Marilue Becker Scholarship

Scott Wenzl

Matt Grosserode Memorial Scholarship

Alberto Meza

Dillon Foundation Scholarship and Bank of the West Scholarship

Tanner Nguyen

Dillon Foundation Scholarship

Pamela Ramirez

Jesus Meza

Bank of the West Scholarship

Nicole Olson

Dillon Foundation Scholarship and Monsignor Dawson Scholarship

Alysa Rempe

Dillon Foundation Scholarship

Pius X Foundation

Roger Torres

JohnMark Townsend

Pius X Foundation Scholarship

Fletcher Zornes

Adam McCabe Memorial Scholarship for Kindness

Linda Sloup Memorial Scholarship

Harrison Zornes

Mary Elizabeth Brake Memorial Scholarship

Karina Meza

Bank of the West Scholarship

Nicole Owens

Dillon Foundation Scholarship

Arleth Rivera

Dillon Foundation Scholarship

Peter Tran

Dillon Foundation Scholarship

Sullivan Zornes

Dillon Foundation Scholarship and Pius X Foundation Scholarship

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building a strong foundation

Wish List Gifts Help Keep Tuition Affordable Pius X is proud to have one of the most affordable tuition rates in the nation ($1,500 vs. $8,900 average nationally). You can ensure that Pius X remains affordable for every student and their family through a tax-deductible gift to the Teachers’ Wish List. The wish list items are added by teachers and include student resources, products, or services that are not covered by the traditional school budget. Partial funding of an item is gladly accepted. You can donate, safely and securely, online at www.piusx.net (click the Donate Now button) or by going directly to https:// www.piusxdonatenow.net/. To donate by check, please send your gift to: Pius X Foundation, 6000 A St, Lincoln, NE 68510. In the memo line, please indicate which item you prefer to fund.

Above: A mellophone is needed for Pius’ marching band program. Right: Pius X teacher Mr. Matt Chaffee uses a document camera to graph a math problem.

2013-2014 Teacher/Staff Wish List Band Yamaha Marching Mellophone (2 @ $1,125) 12 New Color Guard Uniforms (Flag Corps) New uniforms for Percussion Section due to increased number of students in Marching Band Foreign Language Department DVD camcorder (2= @ $350) Childrens Spanish books (story or chapter, ages 8-14) Poster – Ser vs. Estar Mini-posters (2 @ $3.25) Class incentive – Idiom bookmarks Hands On – Eyespy (3 @ $37.95) Conversation Cards Poster- las emociones Hands on – Food Sets with Activity Packet DVD – “Children of the Earth” Spy Rabbit DVDs (movie download) Spy Rabbit DVDs (activity packet download) English Department American Literature Fellowship Additional computer for Wordstruck 55 copies of paperback novel for literary circles

$2,250 $1,675 $2,200 $700.00

Any donation $20 $7 $12 $114 $26 $17 $95 $40 $6 $5 $4,821 $1,519 $400

Fine Arts Wireless headsets for Pius Players (10 @ $500) (microphone pieces that clip into student’s hair)

$5,000

Math/Business Department TI 30XIIS Scientific Calculators (30 @ $10.88) TI 84+ Graphing Calculators (3 @ $94 each) SMART SDC-330 Document Cameras (3 @ $800) Religion Student Response System (clickers) ($3,150 total, but have received a $1,000 donation)

$327 $2,820 $2,400 $2,150

Social Studies Department Student Response System (clickers)

$3,000

Science Department Anatomy in Clay Skeletal Models and Curriculum

$3,000

Youth Ministry Department Funding for FCT retreat

Any donation

Entire School Business Computer Lab workspace improvement

$7,490

Friends of Pius X Appreciation Reception Sunday, August 4, 2013 Outstanding Alumni Award – Dan Elsener ’73

Distinguished Stewardship Award – Monsignor Liam Barr

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building a strong foundation

Band Program Gifted with an Endowment by Sophia Werning

Mr. Mike Murphy has been directing the Pius X band for more than 28 years, conducting Marching Band, Symphonic Band, Concert Band and Jazz Band. Additionally, Pius X offers courses in music theory, music appreciation and the history of Jazz. Photo courtesy of the Pius X Yearbook Staff.

Thanks to a generous donation from two anonymous benefactors, Pius X High School recently established an endowment to benefit the school’s band department. The $55,000 gift - $5,000 to meet immediate needs and $50,000 toward an endowed fund - will establish long-term, ongoing support for the thriving Pius X musical education department. Band Director and music instructor Mike Murphy – now in his 28th year of teaching at Pius – describes his reaction as “overwhelmed” upon hearing about the gift that will to go toward upgrades to musical supplies, equipment and instruments used by students in the band program. “I didn’t really know how to react – it was stunning,” Murphy recalls. “It is such a wonderful feeling to know that there are people out there that appreciate our band department to that extent.” Murphy notes that approximately 30% of the student population at Pius X is involved in band or choir, exceeding the national average for a school of a similar size. He also points out that the endowment will be of tremendous benefit as the program continues to grow and that it will help attract even more students in the coming years. Pius X’s band program anticipates its largest ever enrollment – 126 students – in the upcoming 2013-14 school year. “The fine arts are vitally important in education,” Murphy says. “Through them, we teach beauty, creativity, and how to express ourselves and our emotions. Music touches our emotional core like nothing else.” The initial gift of $5,000 went toward the purchase of a bassoon and a drum set to be used for jazz band. “A bassoon is a very important part of a band,” Murphy

explains, noting that the high cost of the and his wife, Mrs. Murphy,” the anonyinstrument exceeds what he would expect mous benefactors note. “They work tirean individual student or family to purlessly to help each student find their best chase on its own. “We have been without and truest potential in music.” a bassoon as the old school-owned instruThe donors say they appreciate that all ment wore out many years ago,” Murphy students who desire to be part of the Pius notes. “Now with a new instrument we X band program – whether it is those can once again utilize a bassoonist in our who join as a hobby or extra-curricular bands beginning next year.” The purchase activity, or those who desire a future caof a new drum set for the jazz band rereer in music – are embraced by Murphy. places a 25-year-old “Our children have set. found a great mentor in “The fine arts are vitally In establishing Mr. Murphy,” the donors the endowment, recall, adding that their important in education. the benefactors students’ fondest high expressed equal ap- Through them, we teach beauty, school memories are the preciation for what close bonds they enjoyed creativity, and to express the musical arts can fellow band members ourselves and our emotions. with offer Pius X stuand teachers during comMusic touches our emotional petitions, athletic events, dents. “Studies have shown that children and road trips. core like nothing else.” exposed to music Murphy expressed tre~Mike Murphy, Pius X Band Director and art achieve mendous gratitude to the higher grades and anonymous donors. “I are less likely to experiment with drugs offer a heart-felt thank you,” he says. “I and alcohol,” the donors explain, adding know my students well, and know they that students can experience the joy of feel so appreciated that someone thinks self-expression, positive self-esteem, and they are worthwhile.” He adds: “We ouracceptance through music. selves know the worth of the program, The donors also emphasize that forbut it’s nice when other people validate malized music training teaches students that.” the value of teamwork, the rewards of Disbursement from the newly eshard work, and the discipline needed to tablished endowment will begin in achieve a successful performance. More2014-2015, with funding earmarked for over, the musical arts provide opportuniupgrades to department music supplies, ties for positive peer-to-peer engagements instruments, uniforms, and other needed and friendships that can last throughout improvements. Donations to the new the challenging high school years. band endowment at Pius X can be made Murphy himself earns high praise any time, and would enable the fund to from the donors for dedicating his life’s grow and provide more funding to the work to his music students for more than band department in the future. You can a quarter of a century. “The reason why donate online to the Band Endowment at the Pius band is so dear to our hearts is www.piusx.net or by contacting Michelle because of the band director, Mr. Murphy Birkel at 402-488-1046.

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building a strong foundation

You Can Protect Catholic Education, Give an Everlasting Gift For most college students, the farthest thing from their mind is their last will and testament, who they could bless with a gift from their estate someday, and how they could make an everlasting impact. But Austin Menke ’10 is not your typical college student. He’s already finding ways to give back to Pius X High School by volunteering at the annual Homecoming Tailgate, annual Phone-A-Thon, ThunderBOLT Fun Run and BOLT, among other activities. He also recently informed us that he has named Pius X as the beneficiary of his life insurance policy. Austin’s gift makes him the newest and youngest member of Pius X’s Legacy Society. The St. Pius X Legacy Society honors those individuals who either plan to give or have given a gift upon their death to financially secure the future of Pius X. In March of 2012, the Pius X Foundation received $121,364.04 from the Mahoney Trust. Over 20 years ago, an estate gift was given to the Lincoln Diocese by the Mahoney Trust to benefit Pius X and several other organizations. Only interest and dividends were distributed annually to these entities for 20 years. The assets were then divided with the Pius X Foundation receiving 1/6th of the assets. You can protect the future of Catholic education and Pius X High School. You can give almost any type of planned or deferred gift, including will bequests; naming Pius X as the ben-

Legacy SOCIEty

No information received

1963 - 50th Class Reunion Sept. 6-7, 2013

Friday evening gather at Hillcrest Country Club for social hour at 6:30 p.m. and dinner at 7 p.m. On Saturday, celebrate Mass with Msgr. Vap at 4 p.m. in the Pius X Chapel followed by a school tour. Dinner in the Pius X Commons at 5:30 p.m. including a short program and the Husker football game.

1968 - 45th Class Reunion No information received

1973 - 40th Class Reunion July 26-27, 2013

Join your class for cocktails and munchies on the patio at Firethorn on Friday evening. Saturday evening will feature a “Barn Party” at Jolene Stransky-Ness’.

1978 - 35th Class Reunion No information received

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Keith and Pat May Austin Menke Fr. Michael Morin Paul and Rosemary Reinsch Guy and Faie Saunders Howard and Doris Schiefelbein Clara Sullivan + Verlyn and Sheila Westra Richard A. Wiese

+ denotes deceased

*All individuals are encouraged to consult with a professional advisor before entering into any charitable or planned gift agreement. Please contact Michelle Birkel at michelle.birkel@piusx.net or call her at 402.488.1046 to visit with both you and your advisor as you consider your legacy gift to Pius X High School. If you have already included Pius X in your will, please contact the Pius X Foundation at 402.488.1046.

eficiary of a trust, retirement account, or life insurance; gifting real estate; or creating a life income agreement (trust, charitable gift or annuity). Your gift will impact the future, ensure that a Christ-centered education remains affordable for all students and their families, and leave a lasting legacy.

Class Reunion Schedules 1958 - 55th Class Reunion

St. Pius X

The following individuals and couples have come forward and shared the wonderful news that they plan to remember Pius X with a planned gift and promote the idea of planned giving toward our school. Anonymous (11) Steve & Patricia Grosserode Aloysius F. & Dorothy Ballweg + Gary & Kathy Hoebelheinrich Paul and Michelle Birkel Jim Houser Terry Connelly Mike Hughes Jack and Margy Dawson Rachel Jensen Msgr. James Dawson Fr. John J. Keefe Jenny Dawson Meyer Mary Joan Linebaugh Robert Duden Don and Laurie George & Joanne + Easley Luensmann Mary Fenton + Mahoney Trust + Dr. Carmen Hill Grant

1983 - 30th Class Reunion July 26-27, 2013

Friday at 8 p.m. gather at Red 9. On Saturday, the class will celebrate Mass at 5 p.m. in the Pius X Chapel, followed by a tour of the school and a class get-together.

1988 - 25th Class Reunion July 19-20, 2013

Details to come.

1993 - 20th Class Reunion Aug. 2-3, 2013

From 7-10 p.m. on Friday gather at The Grata Bar, then show your Green & Gold Spirit on Saturday morning at the ThunderBOLT Fun Run. Then enjoy a tour of Pius X at 3 p.m. followed by Mass at 4 p.m. in the Chapel. From 5-7 p.m., there will be light appetizers and a cash bar for social time in the Pius X Commons. Beginning at 7:30 p.m., there will be an appetizer buffet ($25) and cash bar at the Single Barrel.

1998 - 15th Class Reunion No information received

All Honor Year Reunion All reunion class members (whether your class is having a reunion or not) are invited and welcome to attend the All Honor Year Reunion on August 3rd. Please plan to join us and celebrate your time at Pius X. More details about the reunions are available online at http://alumni.piusx. net/reunionschedule.htm. If you would like to organize a class reunion or need assistance, contact Kristin (Edwards) Heath ’91, Alumni Director, at 402.488.0931, ext. 10132 or kristin.heath@piusx.net.

2003 - 10th Class Reunion Aug. 2-3, 2013

Details for Friday evening to come. Show your Green & Gold Spirit on Saturday morning at the ThunderBOLT Fun Run. Then enjoy a tour of Pius X at 3 p.m. followed by Mass at 4 p.m. in the Chapel. From 5-7 p.m., there will be light appetizers and a cash bar for social time in the Pius X Commons. Details for the remainder of Saturday evening to follow later.

1958 1963 1968 1973 1978 1983 1988 1993 1998 2003 2008 1958 1963 1968 1973 1978 1983 1988 1993 1998 2003 2008

All Honor Year

Reunion Saturday • August 3, 2013 Make it a Reunion Weekend! Friday - class gatherings Saturday ThunderBOLT Fun Run

8 a.m. - 1 mile • 8:30 a.m. - 5K Holmes Lake Park

with prizes for top winners, best class participation and best showing of Green & Gold Spirit

All Honor Year Reunion

3 p.m. - school tours • 4 p.m. - Mass 5 - 7 p.m. - appetizers & cash bar featuring the Golden Thunderbolt Club honoring the classes of 1957-1962

For more information, contact:

Kristin (Edwards) Heath ’91 Alumni Director 402.488.0931 • kristin.heath@piusx.net

sunday Friends of Pius X Appreciation Reception

2 - 5 p.m. - honoring Dan Elsener ’73 Outstanding Alumnus and Msgr. Liam Barr - Distinguished Stewardship

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alumni today

A Family Tradition S

ince Pius X first opened its doors on October 1, 1956, thousands of students have proudly walked our halls, and more than 9,300 have earned diplomas. As the years pass, we are able to claim new alumni whose parents have also shared in our 57 year history. To celebrate this legacy, we are honored to feature graduates of the Class of 2013, who followed in their parent’s footsteps, instilled with values and knowledge from a Catholic education.

Amy (Hall) Alexander ’93

Nancy (Strizek) Allder ’84

Ashley Alexander

Kevin Aylward ’72

Ann (Morin) Baker ’75

Danielle Aylward

Rob Benton ’82

Tammy (Cook) Boeselager ’83

Adriana Benton

Tracy (Neumayer) Chapelle ’90

Kathleen (Oenbring) Dolezal ’79

Richard Gossard ’76

Shelby Chapelle

Kaitlin Fosler

Makala Gossard

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Patricia (Schmidt) Clarence ’79

Pat (Koerner) Drozda ’81

Mona (Parra) Gossard ’77

Lisa (Smith) Andersen ’88 Dale Allder

Louis “Pete” Beau ’72

Sam Baker

Cody Boeselager

Anna Clarence

Kristian Anderson ’87

Dylan Andersen

Tracy (Vandervort) Boman ’85

Veronica (Birch) Cordry ’89

Nicholaus Beau

Thomas Boman

Megan (Harper) Cowling ’90

Dorothy Hanigan

Jenna Breiner

Teresa (Easley) Hansen ’82

Kelsey Engstrom

James Hansen

Diane (Urbanovsky) Breiner ’79

Daniel Curran ’72 Caleb Cowling

Steve Engstrom ’86 Zachary Duden

Richard Hanigan ’80

Kelsey Benes

Mark Breiner ’78

Alison Cordry

Laura (Malone) Anderson ’88

Bob Benes ’82

Jonathan Beau

Robert Duden ’83 Megan Drozda

Ashley Anderson

Geoffrey Harrison ’81

Kevin Curran

Susan (Seiker) Foley ’78

Paige Harrison

Matthew Foley

Pat (Weitzel) Harrison ’81

alumni today

Karen (Steele) Haug ’78

Mary Jo (Wood) Hussey ’69

Shawn (Tracy) Kean ’82

Pat Higgins ’83 John Haug

Patrick Higgins

Tracy (Hicks) Higgins ’84

John Hyland ’68 Joseph Hussey

Reece Hyland

Tom Kopf ’75 Matthew Kean

Jason Lierz ’92

Maggie Kopf

Deidre (Webb) Malmstrom ’79 Jessika Lierz

Jenny (Polivka) McNeese ’91

Ian Malmstrom

Michelle (Conradt) Mennenga ’93 Treyton McNeese

Ronald Polivka ’86 Daniel Polivka

Susan (Bourke) Reinhart ’77

Mary (Elsener) Pynes ’80

Angela (Martin) Root ’86 Alyssa Reinhart

Randy Houser ’83

Nancy (Cook) Hyland ’69

Kathleen (Hruby) Kopf ’82

Maureen (Costello) Mattern ’80

Chelsea Mennenga

Jacklyn Jablonski

Jody (Langan) Kreikemeier ’87

Margaret Mattern

Seth Root

Kaylin Kreikemeier

Diane (Morgan) Mattison ’78

Martha (Vestecka) Miller ’75

Daniel LeDuc

Ashley (Kremers) Houser ’90

Scott Jenkins

Margaret (Hanigan)LeDuc ’78

John McDermott ’80 Caitlin Mattison

Maggie McDermott

Rich Morris ’83 Hannah Miller

Claire Morris

John Regan ’79 Anna Regan

Ken Sedlak ’86 Nicholas Schuller

Carol (Clifford) Jenkins ’80

Joe LeDuc ’79

Timothy Reed

Jane (Shandera) Schuller ’74

Olivia Houser

Gregg Jablonski ’83

Todd Reed ’88 Jonathan Pynes

Dana Houser ’90 Garrett Houser

Travis Sedlak

Mary (Vuchetich) Reifschneider ’73

Lynda (Smith) Sloan ’86

Marie Reifschneider

Mandy Sloan

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alumni today

Sara (Ludwig) Stejskal ’77

Jackie (Wolsleger) Varicak ’87

Alexander Stejskal

Michaela Varicak

Ed Woolman ’79 Katherine Woolman

Janice (Harre) Swanson ’85

Ben Swanson

Lisa (Lierz) VerMaas ’82

Vicki (Saffer) Woolman ’79

Joan (Hanigan) Tasler ’83

Michael Vestecka ’79

Connor VerMaas

Shelly (Kidwell) Theil ’90

Margaret Tasler

Thomas Thorpe ’75 Jocelyn Theil

William Thorpe

Gregory Wenzl ’84 Dillon Vestecka

Patty (Essay) Zemunski ’78

Scott Wenzl

Troy Zornes ’90 Katelyn Zemunski

Jenny Zornes ’92 Fletcher Zornes

March Madness Thunderbolt Style The 9th Annual Alumni Basketball Tournament - March Madness Thunderbolt Style - was held on March 15-16 at Pius X High School. Over 300 alumni made up 38 teams this year, with almost every year from 1983-2012 represented. The Alumni Basketball Tournament is an important fund raising event for Pius X. Thank you to all who participated, volunteered, and cheered on Aldrich Division-1987 our players! Congratulations to this year’s winning teams: Forycki Division- 2010A: Jack Burt, JJ Jara, Trevor Johnson, Dustin Oberembt, Stuart Sucha, Sam Thiele and Andrew Curran; Seib Division1989: Dave Potthoff, Jeff Nichols, Ed Easley, Bill Kouma, Lee Hunsacker, Ted Cambell, Chris Kodad, and John Boudreau; Anderson Division- 2005: Justin Hart, Mark Nave, Ben Searcey, Drew Soukup, Kelley Division-1987 Jordan Wagner, and Eric Witler; Kelley Division- 1993: Mike Barrett, Brian Benes, Shane Breitfelder, Ramon Guerra, OJ LaPointe, Jason Moore, Seth Odgaard, Brian Olmer, and John Sand; and Aldrich Division- 1987: Jimmer Noel, Doug Nebel, Matt Moser, Todd Carkowski, Phil Lang, John Love, Tony Hill, Russ Dolezal, Dan Oberemt, and Ron Schell. On Saturday, March 16, hamburgers and brats were provided for all the players and spectators from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. in the Commons. Thank you to our wonderful kitchen staff for serving our players and guests! After the final games, the teams and their families headed to Dino’s Eastside Bar & Grille for more catching up with their classmates. Fun was had by all.

Mark your calendar for the 2014 tournament: March 21-22!

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Kay (Pike) Wenzl ‘86

Seib Division-1989

Anderson Division-2005

Forycki Division: 2010A

alumni today

Bits & Pieces 1960s

Lazaro Roberto Mesa ’66 retired last June from Miami Dade Public Schools. He was a Clinical Social Worker working with students at risk. He is married to Gloria and his son Alain is an actor in Los Angeles.

1970s

The Class of 1977 celebrated 35 years by having a reunion the weekend of June 23, 2012. They celebrated the event on Saturday evening at the Oasis Room for fun, food and dancing. On Sunday, they toured Pius X High School and let the memories surface with their guide, classmate Don McKee. Since our 35th Pius X 1977 reunion in the summer of 2012, the Lincoln residents gather once a month to keep our friendships going. Pictured below are: (front, l-r) Mona (Parra) Gossard, Tom Sweeney, Deborah McGinn, Erin (Duggan) Pemberton, (back, l-r) Bill Sabata, Bob Creal, Bob Borer.

Congratulations to Fr. Michael Morin ’78, former superintendent of Pius X High School, who celebrated the 25th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood on May 28th. Fr. Morin is currently the pastor at Sacred Heart Parish in Lincoln.

1980s

Jim Barta ’80 is married to Ann Waring (Omaha Westside). They have four children: Kacy, Bridget, Sydney and Jack. The Barta family resides in the Ozarks of southwest Missouri. Jim still loves the outdoors - fishing, hiking, camping, and is a Husker fan forever. He always looks forward to Pius X Homecoming games when possible. Stacey Jacob Klimek ’89 is a training specialist with the Ne-

braska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). She has worked for DHHS since October 1995, and has been a trainer since 2000. Stacey developed and provides adoption training for all of the children and family services specialists throughout the state. Stacey was selected by the Nebraska Adoption Conference 2012 planning committee to receive the Friends Of Adoption Spotlight Award. The award was established in 2012 to recognize individuals, families, and organizations in Nebraska who have had a positive impact on adoption for Nebraska children in foster care. A Friends of Adoption Reception was held on the evening of August 9, 2012 to recognize those recipients. Stacey lives in Omaha with her two children DJ (age 12) and Kierstin (age 6).

Sr. Anne Marie Receives Spirit Award

Congratulations to Sr. Ann Marie (Zierke) ’98 for receiving the Spirit Award from Spirit Catholic Radio 102.7 FM. This award is given to a person who represents and witnesses the spirit of evangelization that is the mission of Spirit Catholic Radio. Sr. Ann Marie has been interviewed several times on the “Daybreak” program, and also leads a group of Pius X students whose discussions of various issues pertinent to teens are periodically broadcast by Spirit 102.7 FM. The award was presented at the St. Luke Society Dinner held in February. Sr. Ann Marie is a Marian Sister of the Diocese of Lincoln and has been teaching Theology classes at Pius X. She has been reassigned and will be teaching this next year at David City Aquinas.

1990s

drome Foundation, Inc. Andy was also recently featured in a New York Times article for his work with an east coast pharmaceutical company that has developed a new innovative drug for the condition Short Bowel Syndrome.

2000s

Zachary A. Brester ’06 graduated recently from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio as an Air Force Airman.

A big congratulation goes out to Bridget (Divis) Easley ’99. Bridget was the first woman to cross the finish line in the 2013 Lincoln half-marathon, just 5 months after delivering her second baby. Bryce Benes ’00 was the first place winner of the Culinary Challenge Competition in Reno, Nev. He is a Chef at Orange Coast College, Costa Mesa, Calif. He studied culinary arts at Southeast Community College Lincoln. Andy K. Geisler ‘02 has received the Army’s Keith L. Ware Award for journalistic excellence. The award and competition are named in memory of Army Maj. Gen. Keith L. Ward, former Army Chief of Public Affairs who was killed in 1968 while commanding the 1st Infantry Division in Vietnam. Andy is a broadcast journalist assigned to the 1st Styker Brigade Combat Team at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, and has been in the military for two years. He is also a 2010 graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Andy Jablonski ’05 was featured recently on the 10/11 News in a feature story about his non-profit organization, Short Bowel Syn-

Joshua McDougall ’06 is finishing up his Bachelor of Music degree, with K-12 Certification, from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Congratulations to Carly Peetz ’06, who was selected as one of the elite girls high school soccer players of the last 25 years. Nate Polak ’08 was also selected to be on the boys third team. Laura Vinci ’07 graduated from the University of Kansas in 2011. She was immediately accepted into the top-ranked MBA program at Virginia Tech, where she did a year of full time study. During the summer of 2012, Laura was selected to be an intern at an innovative marketing firm in Charlotte, N.C., Concentric Marketing. The internship went very well and the company offered her a fulltime position. Laura accepted the promotion and now lives in Charlotte where she balances her classes along with her full time job as an assistant account executive. Laura will receive her Masters of Business Administration later this year (2013).

Hannah (Anderson) ’09 and Josh Casey were married on September 10, 2011 in Lincoln, Neb. They currently live in Omaha, Neb., and they welcomed their new sweet baby boy, Arthur Scott Casey, into the world on September 21, 2012. Raymond “Ryan” Smith ’12 graduated from US Army Basic Training at Ft. Benning, Ga., in November 2012. This photo was taken with his Dad, Steven Smith ’84 the day before Ryan graduated. Congratulations Ryan and thank you for serving our country! Army National Guard Pvt. Casey R. Rozell ’12 has graduated from basic infantry training at Ft. Benning in Columbus, Ga.

2010s

Shannon Kelly ’12 is a freshman at The University of St. Thomas. She starred in the production of Once Upon a Mattress as Princess Winnifred.

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Thunder

1 Mile & 5K

BOLT Fun Run

3rd Annual

Pius X High School

August 3, 2013 8 a.m. - 1 mile • 8:30 - 5K Holmes Lake Park Registration available online at: www.piusx.net/alumni Select: Events - ThunderBOLT Fun Run or go to:

is Andrew Appleget and Chr ter Border in the lead with Hec them in Sanchez ‘74 gaining on the background.

The sole sisters fro art, Shelly Sullivanm St. Teresa Parish - Sara Stewand Emily Hoeller.

http://alumni.piusx.net/fun_run.htm

Thanks to our sponsors! Peter Morin, M.D. Family Practice

Mr. Lee’s Chinese

Early Deadline: July 12 $20/adult • $12/child (ages 6-12) 5 & under free • After July 12: $25/adult or $17/child; no t-shirt guarantee

• Packet pick-up to be held Aug. 2 from 4-7 p.m. at Pius X High School. • Late registration - 7 a.m. Saturday at Holmes Lake. • Children 5 & under may participate for free, a t-shirt would cost $10 each. • Strollers allowed in the 1 mile ONLY. No dogs are permitted. • Prizes will be awarded in the 5K run to the top three male and female finishers and the top finishers (male and female) in each age division. Prizes will also be awarded for best reunion class participation and the best show of Green & Gold Spirit by a Running Thunderbolt.

For more information, please contact:

Dr. Dan J. Tomes

Classes of: 1973 • 1983 • 1993 • 2003 26 U piusx.net

Kristin (Edwards) Heath ’91 Alumni Director 488.0931 • kristin.heath@piusx.net

alumni today

In Remembrance Susan (Phillips) Crosland ’70 passed away on November 2, 2004. She was the sister of Patricia (Phillips) Henshaw ’65, James Phillips ’67 and her twin sister Kay Phillips ’70. We had just learned of her passing in April. She was in a motorbike Crash in Thailand.

Miriam “Dee” Pope Fullerton ’64 passed away on November 29, 2012, in her home, surrounded by her family. She is survived by her children; Kevin (Kathy) Fullerton, Mark Fullerton, Chip Fullerton (Amy Rezny); 5 grandchildren; 1 great grandson.

Don Borer ’83 passed away on November 26, 2011. He is survived by his mother, Judy Emeigh; his father, Alvin Borer; and his sister, Theresa Borer.

James J. Chermok, 80, passed away on December 1, 2012. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Irene; one son, Mark ’77 (Miriam); two grandchildren; one great granddaughter.

Frank “Murph” Tinius, 90, passed away on Nov. 26, 2012. He is survived by his children; George ’62 (De), Mark ’67 (Karen ’67), David ’70 (Karla); 6 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.

Births

Daniel Haden ’03 and Katelan Cronin ’04 were blessed with the birth of a daughter, Monica Lea, born July 23, 2012. The couple and their daughter live in Atchison, Kansas. Dan is the Activities Director for Benedictine College and Kate is a 7th grade Special Education teacher and Head Cross Country coach for the Atchison Public School district. Kelly (Kipper) ’00 and K.T. Schultze ’00 welcomed their new baby girl; Chloe Mae on September 22, 2012. She joins big brother Carson (3).

James “Jim” George Sasse, 62, passed away peacefully on November 30th, 2012. Jim is survived by his wife, Teresa (Vavrina) Sasse ’70; Children; Karen Sasse-Dahlgren and Tony Dahlgren, Shelly Andersen, Sarah Sasse-Kildow and Kristopher Kildow, Jamie Sasse and Ben Waldbaum, and Kayla Sasse; and 10 grandchildren.

William Ropp ’83 and his wife Mary welcome their new baby last year! Braxton Roy Ropp was born on February 1, 2012 and joined his siblings; Britney 11, Bruce Wayne 9, Brianna 6. Gina (Morgan) ’00 and her husband Jesse Weir welcomed their daughter Allie Joan on November 10, 2012. This is their first child. They reside in Kansas City where Gina and Jesse are in residency at the University of Kansas Medical Center. Bridget (Divis) ’99 and David Easley ’98 welcomed their second son, William

Rob Sebek, 65, passed away on November 30, 2012. Rob is survived by his wife of 44 years, Karen; and four sons and their wives, Greg and Dawn, Mike and Brenda, Russ and Jaymie and Jeff and Angela; and 14 grandchildren including Briahtia Sebek ’15. Marjorie A. “Marge” Krause, passed away on December 1, 2012. She is survived by her children: Bob Krause (Terri), Judy Schmidt, Jacque Ossian ’65 (Mike), and Ron Krause ’72 (Sue); 11 grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; a sister, Sr. Susanne Slominski; and a brother, Fr. Leon Slominski. Gayle Elizabeth O’Gara passed away on December 7, 2012. Gayle is survived by her husband Robert ’57; three children; Julia Senesac (Guy W.), Erin Heimann ’94 (Paul), and Scott O’Gara; and four grandchildren.

Joseph on November 20, 2012. William joins big brother Ethan (4). David and Bridget reside in Lincoln, Neb. Bridget (Ellingson ’98) and Eric Bredenkamp welcomed a daughter; Eve Kathryn on December 21, 2012. They have two other daughters, Ivy and Ada. Seth Odgaard ’93 and his wife Mary welcomed their new baby boy on January 15, 2013. Isaiah Joseph weighed in at 7 lbs. 11 oz. and was 20.25” long. Mary was the Choir director/ teacher here at Pius X High School before deciding to be a stay-at-home mom.

Eugene C. Streeter, 85, passed away on December 10, 2012. He is survived by his children; Mike ’68 (Jennifer), Mary Hinman ’69, Kevin, Jacquelyn Blum ’76, Tom ’79, and Jeanne Opp. Elizabeth A. Gillming, 84, passed away on December 17, 2012. She will be dearly missed by her children, Wendi Gillming ’74, Jon Gillming, Tanya and Corey Mitchell; five grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. Josephine M. Klein, 92, passed away December 16, 2012. She is survived by her children; Roger (Sandy) Klein, Norman (Kathie) Klein, Arthur (Tracy) Klein; sonin-law, Ron Prochaska; nine grandchildren including Matthew Klein ’10; and 14 great grandchildren. Peg (Knopp) Hannah ’62 passed away on December 24, 2012.

Sara (Odgaard) ’91 and her husband Tom Fritsch welcomed their new baby girl on February 21, 2013. Cecelia Maria was born weighing 5 lbs., 10 oz. She joins her older siblings; Veronica (7), Gabriel (4) and Matthias (1). Susan (Kapler) ’98 and Jeremy Ekeler ’97 welcomed Henry Joseph Ekeler on May 20, 2013 weighing in at 9lbs 1oz, and has been showered with gifts and love from his older sisters; Charlotte (4 in June, and pictured here) and Marion (2).

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alumni today Aaron M. Frisbie, 20, passed away on December 29, 2012. He is survived by his parents, David and Kathleen ’78; brothers, Brian (Jennifer) and Matthew (Chelsea); aunts and uncles including; Mary Baker ’71 (Thomas ’71), Diane Horak ’73 (Mick ’73), James Franssen ’74, Tim Franssen ’76, and John Franssen ’83. Preceded in death by his brother, David Jr., grandparents, and uncle, Lonnie Franssen ’87. Delores J. Wagner, 83, passed away on December 28, 2012. Delores is survived by her children, William ’68 (Margy Maxiner ’71) Wagner; Linda (Claude) Baker, Carol (Larry) Furasek and Betty (Bryan) Dickey; 11 grandchildren including Michelle Furasek ’97 (Tony Reinke ’97), Jennifer Wagner ’97, Michael Furasek ’99, David Wagner ’01, Mark Furasek ’04 and Kristen Wagner ’04; and 14 great grandchildren. Otellia (OT) Marie Hogan ’62, passed away on December 29, 2012. She is survived by husband, Eugene T. Hogan, Sr.; her children; David (Terri) Delisle,

Marriages Tiffany Waddle ’03 and Jared Wadell were married June 16, 2012 in Lincoln, Neb. Alyssa Kucera ’04 married Joe Stivrins on Sept. 8, 2012 in Aptos, Calif. The couple resides in Oakland, Calif., where Alyssa is a designer at Avila Design and Joe is completing his degree in computer information.

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Clint (Susanne) Delisle, Jeff (Kelly) Delisle, Matt (Kristine) Delisle, Thomas Hogan, David Hogan, Daniel Hogan, Eugene T. Hogan, Jr., (Jennifer), Scott Jensen; Angie (Jerry) Parker, Michelle Harkless; 24 grandchildren; and 15 greatgrandchildren. Alice G. Kipper, passed away on January 1, 2013, and William J. Kipper passed away April 7, 2013. They are survived by their son, Dennis ’71 (Maureen Aksamit ’72) Kipper; daughters, Sharon (Pat) DiBiase, Joann (Larry) Hanus, Patty (Tom) Schroer; eight grandchildren including Fr. Nicholas Kipper ’98, Kelly ’00 (Ken ’00) Schultze, Tim Kipper ’03 and Jon Kipper ’11, and three great grandchildren. Mildred L. (Eschen) Leif, 88, passed away on January 1, 2013. She is survived by her husband, Clarence; children; Barbara (Rodney) Luft; Michael (Sharon) and Daniel ’81 (Michelle); and five grandchildren. Preceded in death by her son; David ’79. Floyd “Louie” Nicholas Lenz, 85, passed away on January 3, 2013. He is survived by his children; Daryl (Linda), Allen ’80, Connie (Edward) Weisser ’74, and Sister Mary

Brandon Schlautman ’08 and Malaina Huebert were married on Dec. 29, 2012 in Henderson, Neb. Brandon and Maliana are May 2012 graduates of Nebraska Wesleyan University. Brandon received his Bachelor’s Degree in Biology with minors in Chemistry and Spanish. He will receive his Master’s Degree in Plant Breeding and Genetics at University of Wisconsin Madison. Malaina received her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education.

Bernadette ’83; 13 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Preceded in death by his son, Bruce ’75. Ernest T. Davis, 92, passed away on January 3, 2013. He is survived by his wife, Jean; two sons, Lars (Lucinda) Davis, Mark Davis; four grandchildren including the following Pius X graduates, Michael Davis ’04 and William Davis ’12; and three great-grandchildren. Robert G. Avey ’59, passed away on January 5, 2013. He is survived by his wife, Twila; his children; Matt Dorann) Avey and Jill (Aaron) Barksdale; brother, Bill (Margaret) Avey. Armiltia Margaret Fletcher, 66, of Branson, Mo., passed away on January 2, 2013. Armiltia is survived by her husband, Terry Fletcher; children, Armiltia M. Fletcher ’84; Scott E. Fletcher; Deborah L. Avey; Cindy A. Fletcher; Scott D. Fletcher; Brad A. Fletcher; eight grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Vincent Sean “Pops” Cain, 60, passed away on January 5, 2013. He is survived by his wife, Dot Cain; daughter, Ahsha Morin (Chuck); 3 grandchildren, sisters, Kathleen Cain ’66 and Kelly Cain; brothers, Dan ’69 (Kathy) Cain and Keenan (Peggy) Cain. Sophie R. O’Donnell, 84, of Lincoln, passed away on January 8, 2013. Sophie is survived by her husband, Joe; one daughter, Nancy ’74; two sons, Pat ’67 and Mike ’69 (Margitta); several grandchildren including Kyle ’05, Tanya (Mitchell) McCoy ’08, and Michelle ’10; and great grandchildren. Laurel Ilene Leighton Sahlie, 90, died January 9, 2013. She is survived by her children; Jim (Rose) Sahlie, Deb (Leonard) Cernik, Beckie (Steve) Stec, Teresa (Fred) Nelson, eight grandchildren including Mary Cernik ’13, 14 stepgrandchildren and two great granddaughters.

Wilbert Vogel, 90, passed away on January 11, 2013. He is survived by his children; Rose Ann (Francis) Sindelar, Kenneth (Carol) Vogel, Gerald (Linda) Vogel, James (Mary Jean) Vogel, Dale (Jolene) Vogel; 19 grandchildren including the following Pius X graduates; John Vogel ’04, Cassandra Vogel ’06 and William Vogel ’09, and nine great grandchildren. Larry G. Dvorak, 73, passed away January 13, 2013. He leaves behind his wife of 26 years, Marianna (McEntarffer) Dvorak ’64; four children and spouses, Sheila (Matt) Becker, Laurie Dvorak, Larry C. and Quyhn Dvorak; two step-sons, Dan (Jayme) Moore, Roy (Nicole) Gibbons; and seven grandsons. Faye M. “Holly” May, 90, passed away on January 19, 2013. She is survived by her daughter and special friend, Holly Herrod and Terry Fitzgerald; grandson, John Herrod ’92; granddaughter and husband, Patty & Mike Mook; and one great grandson. Donna F. (Stoneman) Alesio, 66, passed away on January 24, 2013. She is survived by her husband of 47 years, Mike ’61; daughters, Ann ’84 (Mike Keeling), Amy ’87, Michelle Jenkins ’90 (Dan), Nicole (Codah Gatewood); sons, Ted ’86 and Matt ’94 (Angela). Donna had seven grandchildren. Zanis “John” Cepurnieks, 65, passed away on Jan. 19, 2013. He is survived by his wife, Melody (Delaney) ’65; son, Shawn; step-sons, Ryan and Chad Cepurnieks; four grandchildren, and a great granddaughter. Patricia A. (Flaherty) Kunc ’67 passed away on January 14, 2013. She is survived by her daughter, Pammy (Peter Durin); sons, Brian C. Terry (Beth Terry), Matthew, Corey (Tanya Terry); 13 grandchildren; brother, Jack Flaherty ’70 (Laurie Flaherty); nieces and nephews.

alumni today Reza Rafat, 57, passed away on January 26, 2013. He is survived by his wife, Christina (Schuchart) ’68; daughters, Jennifer Rafat and Melissa Rafat; stepchildren, Korene Flaming and Brent Harsin; 11 grandchildren. Vernon M. Roesler, 86, passed away Jan. 24, 2013. He is survived by his wife, Janile; children, Michael (Jane), Max and (Grace), Mark (Christine), Monty (Sandy), Marlin (Denise), Matt (Renee), Marsha Burda (Dale), Mary Bailey (Dave); 31 grandchildren including Lucas ’06 and Corrine ’09; and 28 greatgrandchildren. Kathi Sue (Beck) Shadley, 64, passed away on January 24, 2013. She is survived by her husband, Jim Shadley; children, Stacey Anderson (Jon), Brandon Floyd (Amy), Teresa Smith (Gentry), Michelle Kreifels (Doug); ten grandchildren including Jordan Kreifels ’03, Austin Kreifels ’11 and Dylan Kreifels ’14; and one great-grandchild. Everett J. “E.J.” Dawson, 86, passed away January 27, 2013. E.J. is survived by his wife of 60 years, Irene L. Dawson; daughters, Nancy (Terry) Kracht, Diana (Kevin Johnson) Dawson, Janice (David) Hastreiter; 4 grandchildren including Sarah (Hoffa) Rathbun ’99; two great grandchildren; and two step grandchildren. Lona Joyce Uerling, 71, passed away January 27, 2013. She is survived by her beloved husband of 50 years, Don; by children; Michael ’91 and Michelle ’96 (Travis) Schumacher, and a granddaughter. David Mohr, 93, passed away on February 4, 2013. He is survived by his daughters, Kathy Jackson ’73, Joyce Gottsch (Mike); three grandchildren; five great grandchildren; one great-great grandson. Leo Strieder, 75, passed away on February 1, 2013. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Carole; Children, Patricia Holscher ’83 (Paul), and Michael Strieder ’87 (Kristy); four grandchildren, and a great granddaughter.

Donovan “DJ” John Buechel ’69, passed away on January 26, 2013 after a short but courageous battle with cancer. He is survived by his mother, Doris; and siblings; Kathy ’66 (John) Carmichael, Barb Wiggins ’71, John ’72, Larry (Randee), Jerry (Jeannette), and Tom (Patti). Valentine G. “Val” Kennedy, 92, passed away on Febuary 6, 2013. Val is survived by her children, Tim (Tracy) Kennedy, Joan Kennedy, Barbara ’69 (Thomas) Horn, Mark Kennedy ’73, two granddaughters; one grandson and one great grandson. Julie Lynn Elwood Reddish, 50, passed away on February 8, 2013. She is survived by her husband; Robert Reddish ’80; eight children, Felicia Henderson, Benjamin, Madelynn, Rebekah, Micah, Ellie Rae, Elayna and Nikolaus; and her two day old granddaughter. Richard A. “Korny” Kornfeld Sr., 81, passed away on February 12, 2013. He is survived by his wife, Catherine; son, Richard (Dixie) Jr., daughter, Rachel (Patrick) KornfeldLambrecht; six grandchildren including Alexis Franssen ’07. Celestine E. Bouc, 95, passed away February 17, 2013. She is survived by her children, Dorene Casey, Jan Savoie, Don (Nancy) Bouc, Cheryl Bouc; 12 grandchildren including the following Pius X graduates; Laura (Casey) Weidner ’82, Wendy (Casey) Jordan ’84 and Kelly Casey ’86; and 23 great-grandchildren. Loretta L. Walla, 77, passed away February 17, 2013. She is survived by husband, Ludvik; children and spouses, Darrell (Heather), Rick (Kris), Chris (Suzanne), Linda (Brian) Ohnoutka, and Julie; nine grandchildren including Travis Ohnoutka ’15; and one great grandchild.

Thomas M. Grosserode ’72 passed away on February 19, 2013. He is survived by his daughter, Teresa (Jason) Smith; sisters, Joanne ’70 (Kim) Bennett, Jane ’76 (Rocke) Loken; sisters-in-law, Becky Grosserode and Joann Grosserode ’78; several nieces and nephews including Christi (Doxon) ’90, Mike Doxon ’95, Patrick ’98, Danny ’07, Tara ’09 and Mitch Grosserode ’16. Preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Dorothy; brothers; David and John ’78; nephew Matt ’00. Donald Joseph Flynn Sr., 1955 graduate of Cathedral High School, passed away on February 21, 2013. He is survived by his children; Don ’78 (Julie (Hoover) ’81) Flynn Jr., Mike (Christie), Deb Flynn ’76, Patty Gray; 10 grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. Darrell E. Gross, passed away on February 23, 2013. He is survived by his wife, Ann; children; Deborah (Dave) Eilers, Kylee Graham, Donelle Pringle, Mark Mitchell (Jennifer), Casey (Shannon) Mitchell; mother, Ruby Gross, 12 grandchildren including Maris Mitchell ’15. Leona Alta Grossnicklaus, 92, passed away March 3, 2013. She is survived by her children: Lee (Charlene), Tim (Jan), Gene (Snookie), Van and special friend Diane, Susan (Harlan) Schrock, Ann (Mike) Landerfield, Allan (Kimberly) and Jane (Bill) Straube; 18 grandchildren including Brooke (Landerfield) (Aaron ’99) Keller ’00; 29 great grandchildren; and three great-great grandchildren. Constance “Connie” C. Arnold McKee, passed away March 5, 2013. She is survived by her husband, Donald McKee; children (spouses), John (Tammy) Arnold, Mike (Denise) Arnold, Marie (Mike) Miller, Dan Arnold, and Monica (Jeff) Barber, five stepsons and their families which include Don McKee ’77 and his daughters Hilde ’12 and Myra ’14, 11 grandchildren

including, Caroline Barber ’09, and Charlie Barber ’12; and four great grandchildren. Paula Cronin, 85, passed away March 8, 2013. She is survived by her husband of over 62 years, Robert; her children; Dave (Karen) Cronin, Kathy Kruger, Dan (Cheryl) Cronin, and Steve (Paula) Cronin; eight grandchildren including Nate ’01 (Suzie) Cronin, Katelan ’04 (Dan ’03) Haden and Tyler Cronin ’06; and two great grandchildren. Juana “Jane” Sanchez Cruz, 75, passed away March 12, 2013. She is survived by her children; Alex, Salvador “Tony” (Patricia), Felix (Constance), Luis (Diane), Rey and Victor Cruz; eight grandchildren including Joseph Cruz ’04 and Dalton Cruz ’08; and nine great grandchildren. Preceded in death by parents; a sister and two brothers, including Ken Sanchez ’62. Louise Ann (Leddy) Crawford, age 86, passed away March 12, 2013. She is survived by her daughter Sheila (Crawford) Gunther ’67. Frank B. Kadavy, 89, passed away on March 13, 2013. He is survived by wife, Maxine; his children; Cal ’74 (Terri), Dallas, Bonnie Kadavy ’67 and Susan DuPont ’69; step-children; Ted Triplett, Sandi Ren (Jim), Peggy Wright (Ronnie); brother, Louis Kadavy; sister, Ann Foral; and many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Duane Henry Vosika passed away March 10, 2013. Duane is survived by his wife, Carolyn Rhode Vosika; children, Mark Vosika; Susan Kaspari ’76; Nancy Vogler ’78; Michael ’79 (Debby) Kaspari; Thomas Kaspari ’83; Daniel Kaspari ’85; grandchildren; and brother, Eugene and Jane Vosika. Edgar Allen Rinaker, 1, passed away on March 14, 2013. Edgar is survived by his parents; Eric Rinaker ’06 and Erin Hintz, brother; Ethan; sister, Evelyn; grandparents, Joe and Linda Rinaker, and David and Laurie Hintz; uncle, Nate Rinaker ’09;

piusx.net U 29

alumni today aunts, Ashley Loos (Jason), Sara Hintz (fiancé, Robert Jackson); and cousins.

Matt Roettger ’11; 22 great grandchildren; four great-great grandchildren.

Doris A. (Oglesby) Hill, 76, passed away on March 19, 2013. Doris is survived by her husband, Harry; her daughters, Debora (David) Backhus and Mary (Alan) Crook; her sister, Beverly (Larry) Owens; eight grandchildren including Alexandra Crook ’12; and two great-grandchildren.

Harold L. Holland, 91, passed away April 8, 2013. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Betty; sons, Mike (Beth) Holland, Mark Holland; 8 grandchildren including Brian ’02 (Katie) Novotny, Matt Novotny ’03, Eric Holland ’10, Alyssa Holland ’14, 20 great-grandchildren.

George Edward Boumann, passed away March 04, 2013. He is survived by sons, George Douglas ’68, Michael Joseph, Mark Vincent; daughters, Maryal, Marysue (Ty) Russell, Marybeth; Maryclair (Larry) Thomas; Marylouise Bausch, Maryjane Hatch; Marypat (Walker) Birrell, Maryann Spahni ’66; 15 grandchildren; and eight great grandchildren.

Peter L. Kortum, 84, passed away April 7, 2013. He is survived by his wife Clarice, his children; Peter (Mary) Kortum, Michael (Marilyn) Kortum, Mary Ella (John) Clark, Carol Kortum, James (Laurie) Kortum, Mark (Barb) Kortum, John (Tammy) Kortum, Matthew ’90 (Laura) Kortum, Luke (Carrie Smith ’92) Kortum son; 24 grandchildren including Matthew Kortum ’09 and Ryne Kortum ’14 and 18 great-grandchildren.

Louise Ann (Leddy) Crawford, 86, away on March 12, 2013. She is survived by her daughters, Mary; Sheila ’67 (Ron) Gunther; sons and daughters-in-law: Christopher A. (Diane), and Francis (Cindy); six grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Mary Jeanette Priess, 78, passed away March 21, 2013. She is survived by her husband, Lloyd; children, Cheryl Priess-Dickey (Steve), Janell Jellison Poe (Tony), Linda (John) Ficke, Carole (Wayne) Shephard; twelve grandchildren including Caroline Ficke ’04, Caitlin Ficke ’06, Carly Ficke ’10 and Claire Ficke ’13; and six great-grandchildren. Alfred “Fred” D. Kelly, 80, passed away March 31, 2013. Fred is survived by his wife of 56 years, Thais (Champoux); three sons, Mark Kelly ’75 (Lisa Marquette), Craig Kelly ’80, and Todd Kelly ’85. He had three grandchildren: Erin Swanigan ’03 (Ryan Swanigan), Alex Kelly ’05, and Eric Kelly ’06 (Sasha Frazier ’06). Gladys E. Gibbons, 97, passed away April 6, 2013. She is survived by her children; Survivors; Carolee (Larry) Schneider, Marcia (Dean) Beecher, Cindy (Rich) Roettger; 12 grandchildren including Ryan Roettger ’08 and

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Dwain V. Carr, 87, passed away April 8, 2013. He is survived by his wife, Ilene; daughters, Marci Carr, Margie (Dan) Rosenthal; granddaughter, Madison Rosenthal ’11. Delores Smith, age 79, passed away April 8, 2013. She is survived by her children, Connie ’69 (Harry) Petersen, Deb (Doug) Zeigler, and Patrick Smith ’75; three grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Thomas R. “T.R.” Morin, 84, passed away on April 12, 2013. He is survived by his wife, Gayle; children, Thomas ’73 (Carol), Douglas ’77 (Gayle), Father Michael ’78, Stephen ’80 (Lynne), Peter ’81 (Lori ’96), Paul ’83 (Aysel), Karen Morin ’74 (Dan Olivetti ’70), Ann ’75 (Jonathan) Baker; 19 grandchildren including; Theresa Schilmoeller ’05, Elizabeth DeLoux ’06, James Morin ’08, Grace Morin ’09, Hannah Baker ’09, Emma Morin ’11, Lucy Baker ’11, Sam Baker ’13 and Natalie Baker ’15; and five great grandchildren. T.R. was preceded in death by his first wife, Margaret; daughter; Theresa Lee ’71; and daughter-in-law, Mary Morin ’81.

Rudolph W. “Rudy” Strunc, 92, passed away on April 20, 2013. Rudy is survived by his children, William (Iris) Strunc ’66, Robert Strunc, Ann Yeager ’65, Susan (Stephen) Mowers; seven grandchildren; and six great grandchildren. Charles O. Wilkinson, 98, passed away on April 21, 2013. He is survived by his daughter, Ann ’69 (Bob ’65) Vlock; sons, Charles (Susan), James ’71 (Susan), Ronald ’73 (Deborah), John (Beth); 13 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. LeRoy Schumacher, age 84, passed away on April 23, 2013. He is survived by wife, Alvina; sons: Jeff (Laura), Jim (Lesley), Rick (Theresa), Bob (Laurie); and seven grandchildren including Drew ’12 and Grant ’13. Norma E. Wilcox, 88, passed away April 23, 2013. She is survived by her sons, Rodger (Elaine), Clark (Judy) and Wayne; grandchildren, Leia Johnson, Benjamin Wilcox, Lindsay Rogers, Justin Wilcox and Lauren Thursey Wilcox ’11; great grandchildren; and special friend, Jody Wilcox. Beth M. McLaughlin, 92, passed away on April 24, 2013. She is survived by her children; Jean ’64 (Al) Slattery; James ’66 (Corky); John ’67 (Tina) and Tom ’71 (Ursula Jablonski ’71), grandchildren including the following Pius X graduates; Rayna ’03 and Brayden ’01 McLaughlin. Jo Ann Kamas, 83, passed away on April 26, 2013. She is survived by her husband, James; children; Patrice ’68 (Alan) Schuster, Marcia Kamas, James Jr. and Gregg; and three grandchildren. Allen F. Krause, 78, passed away April 29, 2013. He is survived by his former wife, Patricia Krause; sons and daughters-in-law: Chad ’75 (Susie) Krause, Scott ’76 (Elizabeth) Krause, Rick ’78 (Christine) Krause, Michael (Jennifer) Krause; daughters and sons-in-law: Karen ’80 (Jeff) Bechtolt, Ginnelle ’82 (Tim) Ries; 25 grandchildren

including Jesse ’99, Samuel ’06, Eli, Anna ’17, Shelby ’09, Shauna ’12, Justin Kavan ’99, Jake Kavan ’02, Jordin ’01 (Andrew ’00) McCarville; and four greatgrandchildren. Josephine “Jo” Carlson, 88, passed away May 2, 2013. She is survived by her children; Craig Carlson ’66 and Cathy ’70 (Steve) Swartz; grandchildren including Jamie Swartz ’94 and Matthew Swartz ’97. Don Elsen, 91, passed away May 3, 2013. Don is survived by sons, Charlie Elsen and Frank Blaha; son-in-law, Ed Jondle; daughters, Patty Dillingham (Richard), Rhonda Peed (Thomas), Laurie Russell (Mike) and Pam Lawler; 21 grandchildren including Shawn Peed ’00, Shane Peed ’03 and Zach Peed ’10; 46 great-grandchildren; and one great great-grandchild. Loretta Mae (Morrison) Schieuer, 84, passed away April 23, 2013. She is survived by her husband; eight children including Kevin (Heidi) Schieuer and their children Scott ’15, Natalie ’17 and Caroline, of Lincoln, 24 grandchildren, and 23 greatgrandchildren. James R. “Jim” Krcmarik, 77, May 9, 2013. He is survived by his wife, Alberda “Birdie”; daughter, Lorie Chrastil; son and daughter-inlaw, Mark (Carla) Krcmarik; son-in-law, Jim Williams; nine grandchildren including Mason Krcmarik ’12; and five great-grandchildren. Julia Ellen McMichael, 92, passed away May 13, 2013. Julia is survived by her children, Kathy ’66 (Jim) Gordon; Kelly Cidlik ’68; Forrest McMichael II; John (Cathy) McMichael and Peggy McMichael; nine grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Dr. Lee D. Miller, 74, passed away May 17, 2013. He is survived by his wife, Dr. Constance Miller; sons, L. Dee and Dain ’03 (Lisa) Miller; one grandchild; his mother, Christine Willson; two brothers and a sister.

Laura (May) ’91 and David ’89 Reese

Fr. Jim Meysenburg

Lee ’8 Dana (Seil 9 and er) ’92 Hunsaker

mni Kristin (Edwards) Heath ’91-Alu ine her Cat , ’02 h Laura Director, John Zac ler Tasler ’08, Joan (Hanigan) Tas (Schainost) ’89 and ’83, Kelly (Bringman) Harvey Baumgartner ’83, and Lori Swanson (Lieb) ’96 and Peter ’81 Morin

Penny & Joe Bachman, tee - l to r: Ann & Tom Wackel, 2013 BOLT Executive Commit y, Deb Schulte, Ann & Dr. Mike Kotopka, Janet & Kirb Lois & Joe Akers, Ann & Dave Pryor, and Lynne & Tom Albin. Alan & ne Dia h, bac ten Mark Kur

hank you for making BOLT 2013 - Creating a Masterpiece an incredible success. More than 600 guests attended the dinner and auction and raised more than $247,000 - our best year yet! Your support of BOLT will help Pius X to achieve the vital goal of retiring the debt on the new kitchen facilities, and assist the Booster Club with their support of Pius X students involved in athletic and extra-curricular activities. Be sure to mark your calendar and join us for BOLT 2014 on April 19th! ~Deb Schulte, BOLT Director

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