The Rock News - Fall 2025

THE ROCK SENIOR BALANCES STRAIGHT A’S ­­­–

ACADEMICS, ATHLETICS, AND APPRENTICESHIP. See Page 36

News

FALL ’25

TABLE OF CONTENTS

04 06 09 10 12 13 14 18 20 22 25 26 31 32 34 36 40 44

A Word From the President Messages to the Rockhurst Alumni Community Pierson, Jr. ’84, Neugent ’22 Reflect on Alumni Awards Alumni Spotlight: Ken Felter ’68 Ignatian Heritage Society Creates Lasting Impact Spectacular Co-Chairs Announce “Raising The Rock” Alumni Accomplishments Alumni Marriages, Births, In Memoriam A Word From the Principal Faculty/Staff Members (Re)join Rockhurst Counselor Shares Reasons for Return to The Rock Large Freshman Class Boosts Enrollment Sixteen Seniors Earn National Merit Program Recognition Harvest Food Drive Reaches New Heights – and Weights The Unique Journey of Three Seniors Senior Embraces One-of-a-Kind Rockhurst Experience Hawklets Excel Outside of Classrooms Fall Sports Make Postseason Pushes

On the cover: Ethan Guenther ’26 became the first Rockhurst student to undertake a co-op internship during the school year.

He is an intern at Burns & McDonnell where he takes on a full workload in addition to his school requirements.

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Members of the Alumni Board of Governers gathered for a photo following the group’s meeting in August 2025. (L-R) Kevin Farrell ’92, Todd Schieffer ’90, Spencer Hardwick ’07, Michael Nigro ’01, Andrew Miller ’16, John Oades ’67, Nick Scott ’97, Blaise Gassman ’16, Martin Radosevic, Jr. ’16 (RHS faculty/staff), and David Sandvig III ’16. Not pictured: Henry Thomas ’06.

National Alumni Association Board of Governors Mr. Spencer H. Hardwick ʼ07 President

Mr. Andrew J. Miller ’16 RockConnect Committee Co-Chair

Mr. Nick A. Scott ’97 Alumni Recognition Committee Chair

Mr. Todd A. Schieffer ’90 Vice President

Mr. Michael L. Nigro ’01 At-Large Member

Mr. Blaise A. Gassman ’16 Secretary; RockConnect Co-Chair

Mr. John R. Oades ’67 Volunteer Committee Chair

Mr. Henry J. Thomas ’06 Nominating and Governance Committee Chair

Mr. Kevin B. Farrell ’92 At-Large Member

Mr. David C. Sandvig III ’16 Development Committee Chair

Philanthropy & Engagement Office Mark S. Blanck, Jr. ’98 Vice President of Philanthropy & Engagement mblanck@rockhursths.edu 816.363.2036 x533 Adrianne A. DeWeese, CFRE Assistant Director of Philanthropy adeweese@rockhursths.edu 816.363.2036 x536 Turner R. “Robbie” Haden ’09 Director of Communications & Branding rhaden@rockhursths.edu 816.363.2036 x552 Moira Kelly Healy Director of Engagement mhealy@rockhursths.edu 816.363.2036 x582

Diane J. Marty, EdD, CFRE Executive Vice President of Strategic Planning & Vice President of Philanthropic Investments dmarty@rockhursths.edu 816.363.2036 x538 Martin J. Radosevic, Jr. ’16 Director of Community Engagement martinradosevicjr@rockhursths.edu 816.363.2036 x530 Timothy R. Reidy ’02 Archives Director & Faculty Member treidy@rockhursths.edu 816.363.2036 x255

Meredith L. Suarez Director of Alumni Engagement msuarez@rockhursths.edu 816.363.2036 x537 Loretta Verbanic Gifts & Stewardship Specialist lverbanic@rockhursths.edu 816.363.2036 x555 George J. Weir Director of Data & Analytics gweir@rockhursths.edu 816.363.2036 x539

Sylvia M. Smith Auction Consultant ssmith@rockhursths.edu 816.363.2036 x588

This publication includes updates from May through November 2025.

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A WORD FROM THE PRESIDENT

Dear Rockhurst Community, We’ve had a really tremendous Fall semester at Rockhurst! When considering the well-rounded nature of the programs we offer, it seems that, at every turn, our young men inspire us with achievement which is a result of their hard work. On theater stages, on sports teams, in choral assemblies, with robotics teammates, leading peer retreats for freshmen and juniors, or scoring nationally-ranking scores on objective academic testing, we are blessed with a great school year underway at Rockhurst. Thanks be to God. And still, we are working to implement elements of our strategic vision to build upon our strength. Last year we announced our commitment to meet 100% of exhibited need for financial assistance for families, making affording Rockhurst possible for any family. We have worked to establish a vision and plan for implementation of a virtue curriculum and improved counseling

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support for our young men. We will soon launch a pilot transportation program. We are piloting some ‘experiential credits’ in our curriculum to help students with the application of their learning. We have established a Hawklet Leadership Fund where benefactors can support the variety of activities that make up Rockhurst’s daily school. Our teams and clubs have hosted family Masses, and team service projects living out our mission through those smaller Rockhurst communities within our school.

And, he noted that his high school teacher told them that being a disciple wasn’t a 2,000-year-old idea but that they could be disciples right here, right now. He said he felt his heart on fire for Christ.

The world needs the leadership and gifts present in our young men. And, our young men are growing up in a world that is right in their face! They are exposed to so much of the world they live in, both the beauty and the evil. Morality gets pulled apart by relativism and secularism forgets to include God as the source of our existence. It would be easy in a polarized world to live in despair.

At that same assembly, Mr. Emmet Pierson, Jr. ’84, who had been recognized as our Alumnus of the Year and who, when introduced, listened to his résumé being presented for tremendous work he has done in community development in very significant ways over many years. He could have chosen to speak to the young men touting the accomplishments he should be rightly proud to have helped the Kansas City community build. Instead, as he encouraged them to listen to the call to service as “men for others”, he shared a failure among all the successes of his hard work, and a failure which was quite public.

But if you were at Rockhurst for daily school you’d observe: • The rhythm of our young men as they work to pursue their intellectual formation; • 50,000 lbs. of food offered during Harvest Food Drive, with servants’ hearts and spirited competition between classes; • Pep Assemblies and student sections filled with joy, creativity, and spirit; • Student leaders taking responsibility for the Faith formation of their fellow Hawklets on Freshmen Retreat or Kairos; • Artistic talent in abundance, community service in all quadrants of our area.

You would understand that Rockhurst’s culture is far from a despair that the world might seem to impose upon us.

To the contrary, our young men, thanks to the guidance of their faculty, moderators, and coaches, are living in the optimism of hope. And, at the center of that, are a couple of very important reminders about Jesuit education at Rockhurst High School.

First, Christ is the center of the purpose of our existence.

Second, growing up is a process made up of many, many moments. Our alumni didn’t have a magic “grow up” button and neither do our young men today. Accompanied by Christ, alumni experienced formation and now reflect upon its impact.

This fall, two among our alumni were back at school speaking to our students. And, I was so appreciative of two very important messages they delivered to today’s Hawklets.

At our Homecoming Mass, Fr. Phil Cooke, S.J., ’85, let the boys know that a good part of his own awakening to a call to follow Christ came in his high school theology class, when then Fr. Jim Knapp, S.J., wrote in large letters on the chalkboard: DISCIPLESHIP.

Being invited to the excellent, the high standard, the stretch goal and to see oneself as worthy of greatness as promised in Christ, so long as all glory and honor is returned to God, is very important.

And he encouraged them by saying something to the effect: “Being a ‘man for others’ and working to be a leader doesn’t always mean you’re going to be successful.” In the context of receiving this honorific award, Mr. Pierson offered amazing humility as part of the encouragement to what St. Ignatius identified in his Prayer for Generosity – to give and not to count the cost.

These were two important messages: • You are called to be a companion of Christ to aspire for greatness; • And while you achieve great things, along the way, there are times you may not be successful.

In my gratitude for all the goodness of our first semester, these two alumni helped remind us that total human formation, leadership development, and Faith, are made up of many, many moments. So long as we walk with Christ, we are successful in the eternal goals of total human formation, even amidst all the greatness experienced in our community, we also experience the failure of what it means to be human. In both, we can lead.

Our prayers for you and those you love.

One in Christ, For Others. God bless,

David J. Laughlin President

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MESSAGES TO THE ROCKHURST ALUMNI COMMUNITY From the President of the National Alumni Association: To my fellow Rockhurst alumni across Kansas City and around the world, It is a true joy to greet you in my first letter as President of the Alumni Board of Governors. My name is Spencer Hardwick, Class of 2007, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve in this role and to walk alongside such a dedicated and spirited alumni community.

Spencer Hardwick ’07 Alumni Board of Governors President

Rockhurst has been shaping me for most of my life. My parents first heard the name “Spencer” at a Rockhurst High School graduation, and years later, as a five-year-old, I told them I wanted to attend Rockhurst myself. By the time I arrived as a freshman in the fall of 2003, that hope had already been a part of my story for a long time. From the moment I stepped onto campus, the faculty, staff, coaches, and community helped deliver on the promise I sensed as a young student. The formation I received continues to influence how I lead, serve, and approach my work today.

Since graduation, I have had the chance to work in several fields. I spent time as a classroom teacher, worked on Wall Street, helped run a small nonprofit, and later served in administration with a national one. I now serve as Vice President of Institutional Excellence at University Health, where I oversee K through 12 programming and organizational culture efforts across the hospital. My focus is on helping teams stay strong and aligned while serving the diverse and remarkable patients of Jackson County.

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I joined the Board of Governors a few years ago as a way of beginning to repay what Rockhurst has given me.

I hoped to offer a fresh perspective and help strengthen an already powerful alumni base by engaging more of our younger graduates.

Our primary aim this year is to build on the legacy of the Board of Governors by creating more pathways into alumnihood for graduates at every stage of life. As you read this letter, I invite you to reflect on the question, “How am I positioned to uniquely impact Rockhurst at this stage of my life?”

In recent years we have expanded engagement through programs like the Emerging Hawklet Award, Alumni Fantasy Football Collective (AFFC), and thoughtful updates to our Fr. Puricelli, S.J., All Alumni Night and Spaghetti Dinner. We will continue to refine our programming and welcome your partnership as we strengthen the bonds that make this community so special.

With that said, we look forward to deepening our connection with you. Your ideas and insights on how we can best serve you and our alumni community are always welcome.

Rock State,

Spencer Hardwick ’07 Alumni Board of Governors President

From the Director of Alumni Engagement: Dear Rockhurst Community, After finishing my master’s degree, I moved home to the Chicago suburbs for a short time. One chilly afternoon while out shopping, I bumped into my childhood best friend – home for a visit after years of living and teaching in Japan.

Eventually, she invited me back to her childhood home – the place where her parents still lived and where I’d spent countless days growing up. We pulled out old photo albums and laughed over the moments that had shaped our earliest years. Even though our adult lives had taken us in very different directions, stepping into that house felt like returning to my truest self. It was familiar and grounding, full of the kinds of memories that remind you exactly who you are.

That feeling – the comfort of coming home – is exactly what Reunion Week at The Rock brings to so many of you each year.

We kicked off this year’s celebration with the Homecoming Mass, celebrated

by Rev. Phil Cooke, S.J., ’85 where we honored Emerging Hawklet Daniel Neugent ’22 and Alumnus of the Year Emmet Pierson, Jr. ’84.

New this year, “Coffee with Dave” featured President David Laughlin sharing updates about current Hawklets.

Alumni followed student-led campus tours and wrapped up the day with a reception in the Outdoor Lab Classroom.

On Thursday, we welcomed back our Golden Hawklets, alumni in the great Classes of 1974 and earlier, for

a celebration of lifelong brotherhood.

In addition to the great bites and conversation, Phil Murphy ’73 received a birthday blessing, a new tradition from our new Principal, Rev. Stephen Kramer, S.J. Friday night brought well over 300 alumni and friends to the Reunion Tailgate and Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony on the Al Davis, Jr. Field, followed by a commanding 35-0 Hawklet victory over Bishop Miege. The week rounded out with the annual Alumni Soccer Match, Alumni Mass and Reception, and a host of individual class gatherings. A special shout out to the great Class of 1975, which celebrated its 50th Reunion at the home of Pat and Owen Zidar ’75, with over 120 members of their class and guests in attendance.

Meredith L. Suarez Director of Alumni Engagement

And for those living outside of Kansas City, we also hosted seven out-of-town events from coast to coast this fall.

What I hear most often after reunions is the same word: amazed – amazed at the changes on campus, at the experience today’s students are having, at the community that remains as strong as ever. But most of all, amazed at how it still feels like home.

I look forward to creating new memories with you in 2026!

AMDG,

Meredith L. Suarez Director of Alumni Engagement

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Spencer Hardwick ’07, Lester Ratcliff ’84, Steve Redmond ’04, Emmet Pierson, Jr. ’84, and Allen Roberson ’84 were among the nearly 200 attendees at the Fr. Puricelli, S.J., All Alumni Night on Nov. 6, 2025.

Members of the great Class of 1970 enjoyed a reception and dinner together at the Hawklets Center as part of Alumni Reunion Week.

Seven former Hawklets were inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame on Sept. 26: (L-R) Jeff Koons ’04 (football/baseball), Brad Martin ’02 (tennis), Guerin Smith ’02 (tennis), Alex Sweetin ’09 (soccer), Jon Benson ’10 (swim & dive), Matt Benson ’10 (swim & dive), and Mick White ’10 (swim & dive).

Celebrating its 50th Reunion, the great Class of 1975 gathered for Mass and dinner at the home of Pat & Owen Zidar ’75.

The great Class of 2005 returned for its 20th Reunion, and took a field trip to Ward Parkway Lanes to relive their days of Lifetime Sports.

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Pierson, Jr. ’84, Neugent ’22 Reflect on Alumni Award 2025 Alumnus of the Year – Emmet Pierson, Jr. ’84 Emmet Pierson, Jr. ’84 shared the following words to his fellow alumni at the Fr. Puricelli, S.J., All Alumni Night on Nov. 6, 2025.

It is with immense gratitude and genuine humility that I stand before you today as the 2025 Alumnus of the Year, a recognition that marks not just a personal milestone but a deeply meaningful affirmation of the values instilled in me here at Rockhurst High School. At Rockhurst, faith, service, scholarship, and “men for others” are not just mottos, they are the foundation for a life well-lived.

As President and CEO of Community Builders of Kansas City, I’m entrusted with a bold mission to ignite and fuel equity, access, opportunity, and advocacy across our city’s oftenmarginalized urban core. Over the past few decades, our team has invested over $300 million in urban renewal, striving to turn blighted streets into vibrant neighborhoods, food deserts into neighborhoods with fresh groceries, and forgotten corners into hubs for economic possibility.

But leadership is not about titles – it’s about action.

As alumni, we have an inherited tradition. One rooted in service, courage, and conscience. Today, I challenge each of us to not celebrate the distinctions that we earn, but to measure our lives by the impact that we have on others.

Our city, our nation, and our world needs builders. Builders of hope, opportunity, and justice.

This award is not mine alone. It belongs to every young man who looks up and dares to imagine a better tomorrow.

May we continue to build it together.

Emmet Pierson, Jr. ’84 and Daniel Neugent ’22 were celebrated as the school’s Alumnus of the Year and Emerging Hawklet, respectively, at the all-school Homecoming Mass and Alumni Recognition Ceremony on Sept. 23, 2025

2025 Emerging Hawklet – Daniel Neugent ’22 Daniel Neugent ’22 shared the following words to current Rockhurst High School students at the Homecoming Mass and Alumni Recognition Ceremony on Sept. 23, 2025.

It was an honor to receive the Emerging Hawklet Award, but it wasn’t an honor I was necessarily expecting. I think it’s easy to get caught up in all of the things we have going on in life, and for me, it was actually an important reminder to slow down and acknowledge achievement instead of pushing for the next goal.

Throughout my college experience, I always have my mind focused on what’s next. This can help me achieve goals, but it can quickly lead to burnout, as I’m not reflecting on how far I’ve come. A recommendation I would give to all students at Rockhurst is to take time to reflect on how far you’ve come just by being at this prestigious high school. Receiving the award is a reminder that the things I’m doing in life do have impact, and that I have to keep pushing forward even harder.

This year I’ve had the opportunity to partner with Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas and build an inventory system for their food pantries. Believe it or not, one of the things that was brought up when deciding to hire me was the fact that Rockhurst had given me this great honor. As a student at Rockhurst, you’re attending an institution that is looked up to in your community. I’m proud to be even more closely connected to a place that is so well-respected, and I’m thankful for the people I’ve met through Rockhurst. Friends such as Aris Vinsant ’17 and Parker Bunch ’22 are people I plan on surrounding myself with for the rest of my life, and I wouldn’t have had that without Rockhurst.

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Alumni Spotlight: Ken Felter ’68 Felter is a “true believer” in the value of education, especially a Jesuit education. A belief that he attributes to his parents. During Felter’s Rockhurst years, his father was a career Army officer stationed at a base 20 miles south of Kansas City. He vividly recalls the sacrifices that his parents made so that he and his eight siblings could attend the best schools wherever they lived. For Felter, that was Rockhurst High School.

Ken Felter ’68

“Think about who you are today, and then reflect where your skills, discipline, and attitudes have been developed. I think that many alumni will agree that it started at Rockhurst High School.”

This is the message shared by Ken Felter ’68 to his fellow alumni about their alma mater, from some 1,400 miles away where Felter now lives in Cambridge, MA. In fact, Felter has not lived in the Kansas City area since attending Rockhurst, the start of what he characterizes as an “educational journey” that next led him to Boston College (BC), where he earned a joint M.A.-B.A. in Economics in four years and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa and was selected as a Scholar of the College, and then to Harvard Law School, where he graduated cum laude.

He describes his Rockhurst years as “transformative.” Felter observes that, not only did Rockhurst prepare him to thrive and succeed academically in higher education, but, then and now, a Rockhurst education also emphasizes “educating the whole person”, “connecting learning with lives”, and, perhaps most importantly, being “service-oriented” by assisting those who have not enjoyed the advantages and opportunities of those fortunate to attend Rockhurst.

Felter has been a trial lawyer for over 50 years, specializing in intellectual property (e.g., patent) disputes and

complex commercial litigation. Among many other awards and recognitions, he is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, which is recognized as the preeminent organization of trial lawyers in North America. But, recalling the “service-oriented” emphasis of his Rockhurst experience, he notes that his most rewarding work as a lawyer was serving on the Board of Directors for over 30 years and as President and Chairman of Greater Boston Legal Services, which offers pro bono legal services to low-income individuals and families confronting life-changing legal problems, and his several-year tenure on the Massachusetts Access to Justice Commission.

Felter now teaches full-time. He leads tutorials in the Economics Department at Harvard University and is a Visiting Professor and teaches upper-level seminars in the Economics Department at BC. He is also a member of the Teaching Faculty and a Trial Advisor in the Harvard Law School Trial Advocacy Workshop.

Ken Felter ’68 added the Class of 1968 Endowment Fund tile to Rockhurst High School’s fully-funded scholarships board in November 2018, during the class’s 50-year reunion celebration.

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Alumni from throughout New England gathered for an event in Cambridge, MA hosted by Ken Felter ’68 on Nov. 18, 2024. Felter soon announced the New England Scholarship Fund in 2025 to encourage area alumni to support Rockhurst’s tuition assistance programs.

Thinking as an economist, Felter trumpets the advantages of education, especially the excellent education that he received at Rockhurst, BC and Harvard.

He points out the well-founded causal link between education and “upward mobility” because education creates “career opportunities” and “higher income potential.” He quickly adds that education also promotes “personal growth and development,” including “practical skills,” “critical thinking,” and “increased awareness” of the world we live in.

benefit the Hurtado Scholars Program, which supports prospective students from inner-city diocesan schools who apply to Rockhurst and then continues to support them financially and academically throughout their four years at The Rock. The success of the campaign to raise the contributions necessary to endow the fund was boosted when he pledged to match up to $100,000 of his classmates’ gifts.

To date, the Hurtado Scholars Program has assisted 142 young men and their families.

To actualize his belief in the value of education, Felter has endowed a full professorship in the Economics Department at BC and has also started two funds at BC; one assists Economics PhD candidates to present their papers at conferences and the other provides stipends to enable them to focus on completing their doctoral dissertations rather than working part-time or taking out student loans.

Felter’s most recent initiative to connect dispersed alumni to current and future Rockhurst students is the New England Scholarship Fund. Launched in January 2025 with the goal of raising $300,000 from donations and pledges by alumni with any connection (e.g., birthplace, residence, school) to New England (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont), this fund will permanently endow one or more scholarships for students who rely on tuition assistance to attend Rockhurst.

Despite the geographic distance, Felter’s connection and dedication to Rockhurst remain strong. He served on the Strategic Visioning Group and now serves as Co-Chair of the Academic and Professional Success Committee of the President’s Advisory Committee, whose main mission is to help plan to ensure Rockhurst’s future success.

To celebrate their golden anniversary in 2018, Felter and his classmates created the Class of 1968 Endowment Fund to

To jump start this fund-raising campaign, Felter has once again created a challenge, pledging to match up to $150,000 of alumni gifts. As of the time of publication, the fund has passed the halfway point of the overall goal. This is the first-ever regionally based fund in Rockhurst’s history, and Felter hopes that it will serve as a model to incentivize

alumni located in different regions across the country to connect or re-connect with the school by starting similar local funds.

While Felter is the major supporter of these initiatives, he recognizes that everybody’s financial situation differs. He encourages each alumnus to consider how his Rockhurst education has benefited him throughout his working life and then to support The Rock to the extent that he can.

To young alumni, Felter says: “Get in the habit of giving back to Rockhurst.

No amount is too small to begin. As you advance in your careers and earn more, you can increase your donations.”

For older alumni who have successful careers and are financially secure, Felter enjoins: “When you think about giving to your favorite charities and non-profits, consider adding Rockhurst near or at the top of the list. Even if you have not donated in the past, get started now by donating to an existing fund-raising campaign and continue by making yearend annual gifts going forward.”

Over time and distance, what Felter learned at Rockhurst still resonates with him. It continues to inspire him to stay connected. From him, his parting words ring true: “You can get or stay involved with Rockhurst wherever you live. Take the necessary first step and connect or re-connect.”

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Ignatian Heritage Society Creates Lasting Impact

Barb and Jon Haden ’75 are longtime benefactors of Rockhurst High School, including Jon’s service as Chairman of the Board of Trustees from 2016-2019. They continue to support current and future Hawklets through naming Rockhurst in their estate plan.

The Barb and Jon Haden ’75 Family has many ties to The Rock: (L-R) Ashley and Robbie Haden ’09 (Rockhurst’s Director of Communications & Branding), Beth Haden, Jon and Barb, Annie and Patrick Tweedy ’04, and Tracy and Geoffrey Peterson.

Barb and Jon Haden ’75 have long been supporters of the mission of Rockhurst High School. They have been generous benefactors for four decades, and have spent countless hours volunteering and championing on behalf of the school.

Jon began his service on the Board of Trustees in 2009, following the graduation of their son (Robbie ’09) from Rockhurst. Jon served on the Board for 10 years, concluding with his tenure as the Chairman of the Board from 2016-2019.

“We have seen the difference that a Rockhurst experience makes in the lives of its students, including our son,” shared Jon. “And we are committed to help ensure that future generations will have the opportunity to benefit from the educational, leadership and spiritual growth afforded by The Rock.”

To this end, in addition to lifetime giving, Barb and Jon have included Rockhurst High in their estate plan, as part of Rockhurst’s Ignatian Heritage Society.

“We believe it is important in our gift planning to acknowledge those institutions that have played a significant role in our lives and the lives of our family.”

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Explore how you can join the Ignatian Heritage Society by making an estate gift.

Contact: Mark Blanck ’98 Vice President of Philanthropy & Engagement mblanck@rockhursths.edu 816.363.2036 x553

Spectacular Co-Chairs Announce “Raising The Rock” Dear Rockhurst Community, It is with immense joy and profound purpose that we, your 2026 Spectacular Auction Co-Chairs, have decided to lead this year’s event, “Raising The Rock”!

We need your help to make this night a success. There are many ways to participate and contribute to our mission of tuition assistance:

For the Legacy Co-Chairs among us, the decision is deeply personal, rooted in a tradition of commitment to the school that has shaped not just our lives, but those of our families. We are driven by a desire to give back to the institution that provided our sons with the transformative Rockhurst experience, ensuring that the same opportunity is available for future generations regardless of financial circumstance. It’s about securing the legacy of this incredible community.

• Underwriting: Help us cover event costs directly so that every dollar raised goes to tuition assistance.

What excites us most this year is the collective spirit the theme “Raising The Rock” embodies. It is a powerful reminder that our strength lies in unity and shared purpose. Witnessing the community come together to support tuition assistance for families in need is a truly inspiring testament to our values. The direct impact of this fundraising is real: it allows a diverse group of young men to walk the halls with our sons, creating a richer, more vibrant educational environment for everyone.

• Donating an Item: Contribute unique items or experiences to our silent and live auctions.

• Volunteering: Lend your time and talents ahead of the event to assist with planning and logistics.

• Attending the Event: Join us for a night of celebration, community, and giving back!

Stay tuned for more details on how to get involved and purchase tickets.

Warmly, Your 2026 Spectacular Auction Co-Chairs Julie Walker Browne & Pete Browne ’85, Susie & Chuck Caisley, Kristin & Greg Kratofil ’92, Colleen & Bill Teasdale ’93

We still cherish memories from last year’s auction – the electric energy in the room, the friendly bidding wars, and the overwhelming generosity that exceeded all expectations. It was a night of shared laughter and heartwarming connections.

This year promises to be even more special. We are focusing on unique experiences and opportunities for connection, aiming to create new memories that will last a lifetime. With the proceeds going directly to tuition assistance, your participation has a direct and immediate impact. Together, we will “Raise The Rock” higher than ever before, ensuring the Rockhurst experience is accessible to all deserving students.

Thank you for your unwavering support and generosity.

We cannot wait to celebrate with you!

Scan the QR Code to watch a 90-second recap of the 2025 Spectacular to see the type of incredible night you won’t want to miss in 2026 – ”Raising The Rock”!

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ALUMNI ACCOMPLISHMENTS In September, Ingram’s Magazine published its annual list of “The 2025 Ingram’s 250: The Most Powerful Business Leaders in Greater KC”. The list included 13 alumni of Rockhurst High School: David Brain ’74 (Founder, Enfinite Capital), Michael Brown ’75 (Chairman/CEO, Euronet Worldwide), Steve Reintjes ’75 (President/CEO, NKC Health), Rob Adams ’80 (Partner, Shook, Hardy & Bacon), Paul Thompson ’80 (Chairman/CEO, Country Club Bank), Bill George ’82 (CEO, WHC Worldwide), Tom Spencer ’85 (Head of Sales, Zinnia), Peter Mallouk ’88 (CEO, Creative Planning), Brad Oddo ’90 (CEO, BASYS), Michael Hoehn ’94 (President/CEO, ASI), Brad Batz ’95 (President/CEO, Fike Corp.), John Owen ’95 (President/CEO, AirShare), and Tim Dunn ’96 (Chairman/CIO, JE Dunn Construction).

Dr. Rick Pribyl ’66 will have his legacy as a Kent Whittaker ’53 was honored with the

Excellence in Legacy Giving Award by the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Greater Kansas City Chapter. Whittaker received the award due to his generous gift to the UMKC School of Law – an endowed estate gift of $3.5 million, which is the largest in UMKC Law history.

Larry Marnett ’65 is the Dean Emeritus

of the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine Basic Sciences, the Mary Geddes Stahlman Professor of Cancer Research, and a university distinguished Professor of Biochemistry and Chemistry.

This fall, he was celebrated by more than 70 of his former graduate students and postdoctoral scholars from across the globe for a three-day festivity of Marnett’s 50 years in academia.

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soccer coach and teacher live on in the new name of the Blue Valley School District soccer field at Switzer District Athletic Complex. It is now called Rick Pribyl Field. A fixture in the district for over three decades, Dr. Pribyl taught English and coached boys and girls varsity soccer at Blue Valley North and Blue Valley Northwest High Schools. He earned 764 career varsity wins and eight State Championships and was the National Boys Soccer Coach of the Year in 2007 and the National Girls Soccer Coach of the Year in 2013. Dr. Pribyl passed away on Dec. 11, 2024.

Joe Barloon ’85 was confirmed as United States Deputy Trade Representative and Ambassador to the World Trade Organization (WTO) on Oct. 8. Barloon has been a Partner at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP and Affiliates in Washington, D.C. for more than 25 years. He also served as an Adjunct Professor at Georgetown University Law School from 2022-2024.

Peter Mallouk ’88 was named the UMKC

Kansas City Entrepreneur of the Year and a Bloch Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame Inductee. Mallouk is the President of Creative Planning, a wealth management firm overseeing $640 billion in assets (following the recent acquisition of SageView). He was recognized for his work as a philanthropist focused on financial education and youth opportunity.

Cory Egan ’00 was named the Managing

Frank Pileggi ’89 is the Founder of Pileggi

Adam Balentine ’01 was named President,

Painting in Overland Park. In October the company was voted the Best of Johnson County – Painting Company. Founded in 2004, Pileggi Painting handles interior and exterior painting for commercial and residential, staining services, and wood rot repair.

Capt. John Arvin ’92 made national news

in September when he surprised his daughter as the pilot of her flight home from her honeymoon. Capt. Arvin is a pilot with Southwest Airlines and had told his daughter, Addison, and husband that he would pick them up at the Phoenix airport after their flight home from Cancún, Mexico. But Capt. Arvin then surprised the couple at their Cancún terminal as the pilot of their flight back to Arizona.

Director in St. Louis at MMG Real Estate Advisors. Egan brings 15+ years of multifamily expertise and a record of driving results. He is an experienced Co-Founder/Owner with a demonstrated history of working in the real estate, health, payment, and media industries.

National Business Insurance at Marsh McLennan Agency. Over the last 11 years, Balentine has served as Shareholder, Director of Insurance Operations at Thomas McGee Group and National Director, Commercial Lines Growth & Strategy, SVP at Risk Strategies Company.

Jordan Bastable ’03 is the Co-Founder

of LongWater in Dallas, TX, an alternative asset management firm focused on the lower middle market. He recently testified before the U.S. House Committee on Small Business Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Tax, & Capital Access. His message was that private equity only prospers by helping businesses grow – never by hollowing them out.

George Meiners ’84 and Ryan Bennett ’04

were named to KC Business Journal’s list of CFO of the Year honorees. There were just 16 executives included from across the city.

Meiners has served as the Vice President and CFO of Mechanical Breakdown Protection Inc. since 1998. Bennett is the CFO of VanTrust Real Estate; he joined the company as Controller in 2012 and was named CFO in 2022.

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Mike Comiskey ’03 began his new role

as the Director of Soccer Operations & Player Development with Sporting KC. Comiskey previously worked at Rockhurst High School for eight years, serving as the Director of Admissions & Marketing for six years and the Director of Alumni Relations for two years. With Sporting KC, Comiskey oversees many off-the-field player aspects of the club’s professional, second team, and academy programs.

Jeff Mason ’09 was named the Associate

Athletic Director - Annual Fund & Premium Seating at the University of Houston.

Mason went to Houston after 15 months in Hattiesburg, MS as the Associate AD Revenue Generation at the University of Southern Mississippi. Prior to that, Mason spent 11 years at the University of Central Missouri working in the athletic department.

Rob Healy ’14 was named the Head Coach Patrick Cohen ’05 was recognized as a

member of a Forbes 2025 Best-In-State Wealth Advisors team. Cohen is the Executive Director and Financial Advisor with The Ferguson Smith Cohen Group at Morgan Stanley in Kansas City. He has been with the group for over 14 years.

Zach Frisch ’05 and Conner Teahan ’07

announced the launch of Teahan Frisch Wealth Management. Both have the title of Senior Vice President, Wealth Management Advisor with Merrill Lynch in Kansas City, and both have been named to the Forbes’ lists of Top Next-Generation Wealth Advisors and Best-in-State Wealth Advisors. Team members also include Chris Teahan ’17 and Marcus Teahan ’19.

Max Kaniger ’09 is the Founder and

CEO of Kanbe’s Markets, which provides access to fresh, healthy foods in KC’s food deserts. Kanbe’s was named to United Way of Greater Kansas City’s Impact 100 Partners for the second year in a row. In 2024, Kanbe’s served 247,082 Kansas Citians and redirected more than one million lbs. of fresh produce.

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of Lancer Lacrosse prior to the 2025 LAKC season. Healy was the Defensive Coordinator for Rockhurst High from 2022-2024, helping the Hawklets to a 47-3 combined record and back-to-back-toback LAKC Championships. In his first season with Lancer Lacrosse, he led the team to a record of 9-2 that culminated in a 7-6 upset championship victory over his former team.

Dr. Jake Lynn ’17 graduated from Baylor Medical School and was a member of Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA), the National Medical Honor Society. Dr. Lynn was chosen to receive the “Excellence in Medicine” Award, and moved forward with his career doing his residency in Orthopedic Surgery in Fort Worth, TX.

John Pileggi ’19 is the Co-Founder of

LaborTech Solution, a full-scale digital partner helping small businesses and service-based companies attract leads, automate operations, and grow online. On Oct. 10, the company celebrated its twoyear anniversary. Earlier this year, Pileggi was able to focus on LaborTech full-time after his work as an Urban Planner for 3.5 years.

Riley Rader ’19 was promoted to Vice

President at Block Real Estate Services, LLC. Rader specializes in commercial real estate with emphases in office leasing representation and investment sales. He was also named on the 2025’s Heave Hitters by the Kansas City Business Journal, recognizing him as one of KC’s top commercial real estate brokers.

Mason McCall ’22 obtained his

commercial pilot certificate from the FAA. He graduated from the University of Central Missouri aviation program in May 2025 with a B.S. in Aviation Technology, and then started working on his multiengine certification from UCM. McCall also works part-time at the Kansas City Downtown Airport as a ground worker servicing jets.

Will King ’22 was selected as the Big 12

Men’s Golf Scholar-Athlete of the Year.

He became the first Kansas golfer to win Scholar-Athlete of the Year honors from the Big 12. King holds a 4.0 GPA while majoring in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, while also having the highest percentage of counting rounds for a Jayhawk squad that qualified for NCAA Regionals. Two months later, King was the Champion of the 115th Kansas Amateur Match Play Championship.

Alex Hogan ’24 was the 2025 Kansas

City Amateur Golf Champion. Hogan, a sophomore on the University of Kansas Golf Team, shot rounds of 69 and 70 for an overall score of 139 (-5) at Creekmoor Golf Club for the victory.

Owen Lawson ’20 was the punter for the

University of Albany in the 2025 football season. He used his performances to benefit the Melodies Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders at the Bernard & Millie Duker Children’s Hospital at Albany Med. Lawson recruited four companies to match his own donation of $20 for every punt he had the landed inside the 20-yard line, was fair caught, or over 50 yards.

Cashius Howell ’21 is a senior defensive

end for Texas A&M. At the end of the regular season, Howell had 11.5 sacks in 12 games. He led the SEC in sacks for the 2025 regular season, and was second in all of FBS. Howell was named the SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week four times in 2025. He is a projected first round selection in many 2026 NFL mock drafts.

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Alumni Marriages

Births

Henry Thomas ’06 and Stephanie Willis

Blaine Barnard ’01 and Johanna, a son, Leo

Michael Gude ’07 and Gabriela Dominguez

Daniel Kovac ’06 and Mallorie, a daughter, Whitleigh Elise

Joseph Connor ’11 and Micaela Firszt

Matt Murphy ’06 and Emily, a son, Walker John

Kevin Oyler ’11 and Shelby Olson

Scott Bluhm ’07 and Natalie, a daughter, Ellie Emerson

Thomas Mavec ’16 and Sara Watkins

Ryan Miller ’08 and Hannah, sons, Cal Grady and Mack Robert

Tim Wilkerson ’16 and Abigail O’Grady

Rex Redlingshafer ’08 and Beth, a daughter, Margaret Elaine

Jacob Wilson ’16 and Kimberlynn Harms

Sean Wirtz ’08 and Emily, a daughter, Nora Elizabeth

Jake Lynn ’17 and Caroline Rogers

Danny Cunningham ’09 and Ryann, a daughter, Cook Billy Linscott ’09 and Lindy, a son, Andrew Samuel Nate Scheelhaase ’09 and Morgan, a son, Noble Zion Alex Sweetin ’09 and Tori, a son, Louis Michael Jack Evans ’10 and Rosie, a son, William Joseph Thomas Keenan ’10 and Audrey, a son, Thomas Archibald Michael Watson ’10 and wife, a daughter, Jacquelyn JoAn Ian Bowles ’11 and Megan, a son, Anderson Gregory Scott Herring ’11 and Robin, a daughter, Emma Marie Curran Steck ’13 and Kelly, a daughter, Margaret Louise Blaise Gassman ’16 and Lizzie, a daughter, Adeline Grace Cullen O’Dear ’16 and Brenda, a daughter, Cicilia

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In Memoriam

Alumni

Friends

Ken Fligg, Jr. ’51

Joe Doyle ’74

Christen Bihara

Mary Kratofil

Jack Moore ’51

Tom Lillis ’78

Frank James Bosco, Jr.

Mary Krchma

Dr. Fred Nobrega ’52

Jake Lynch ’00

Marilyn Anne Bosco

Joe McLiney

Andrew Kramer ’53

David Kinerk ’02

Daniel Brock

Marlene Miceli

James Gleeson, Jr. ’55

Jonathan (Jon) Paul Schleicher ’11

Marta Buser

Tim Monsees

Herb Cheray

Eileen Monteil

Carolyn Dierks

Laura Morris

Margaret Donnellan

Matt Musick

Peter Simone ’63

Ervin Dreiling

Fr. Louis Oldani, S.J.

Dan Connealy ’64

James Eddy

Albert Perez

Daniel Wall ’65

James Gentner

Andrew Reichmeier

James Kinerk ’65

Jeanne Kelly Giroux

Rita Schwarz

Jerry Hopkins ’66

Doreen Haughton

Salvatore Sciara

Frank Schockey ’67

Judy Healy

Dan Sexton

Leonard Hughes, III ’70

Richard Honan

Barbara Struemph

Terry Malley ’70

Mickey Hosman

Richard Teahan

Ron Schaffer ’70

Fr. Jack Hunthausen, S.J.

Chas Tulipana

Michael Spence ’72

Lenny Jurden

Anita Wagner

Sandra Kauffman

Bill Worland

Richard Kramer ’56 Paul Schlitzer ’58 Jim Tierney ’59

Jacob Kuckelman ’15 Thomas Gates ’18

Marion Kelsey

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A WORD FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Fr. Stephen Kramer, S.J., shared the Gospel reading at the all-school Homecoming Mass on Sept. 23, 2025.

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Dear Rockhurst Community, As the new Principal of Rockhurst High School, I am thrilled to introduce myself to the Rockhurst alumni community.

My name is Fr. Stephen Kramer, S.J., and I hail from St. Louis, MO, where I was raised in a devout German Catholic family as the youngest of six children, tied for last with my twin sister.

I graduated from St. Louis University High School in 1996, where I first encountered the Jesuits. With a lifelong passion for the classroom, as both student and teacher, I have pursued education throughout my 20 years in the Society of Jesus, whether it was the years spent teaching or the years spent in pursuit of Master’s degrees in Theology and Ignatian Spirituality.

Jesuit formation has taken me across the globe. I’ve taught mathematics, history, theology, ESL, and sciences in diverse settings: from Belize’s national prison and Krakow, Poland, to Regis Jesuit High School in Denver, De Smet Jesuit in St. Louis, and most recently, Jesuit High School in New Orleans, where I served as a theology teacher before becoming the Prefect of Students (Disciplinarian).

Arriving at Rockhurst in July, I succeeded Fr. Vincent Giacabazi, S.J., a friend from my novitiate days. Although a St. Louis native, returning to the Midwest in Kansas City truly feels like coming home.

The people are exceptionally welcoming, and the food is outstanding. Rockhurst also holds a family connection: my older brother, Fr. Mark Kramer, S.J., taught here as a Regent.

In these first months, I’ve been deeply impressed by the excellence of our faculty and staff, the warmth of the welcome, the quality of education, the profound commitment of our students to service as “men for others”, and the talent on our athletic fields.

As Principal, my goals are rooted in doing all things for the greater glory of God. I come as someone who wishes to articulate all that is already good here, to deepen that goodness, and to fan it toward God’s greater glory. I desire to promote an ever-deepening unity in the Rockhurst brotherhood and family, centered in Christ, as President David Laughlin has called us to do. I hope to help foster a community where students, faculty, and families encounter God’s uniting love through rigorous education, world-changing service, and lifechanging spiritual growth.

Fr. Stephen Kramer, S.J., was announced as the new Principal of Rockhurst High School in March 2025, and began his service in July.

I’m eager to join with you all, the alumni of Rockhurst, in building upon the already great legacy of such an impressive institution.

Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam,

Fr. Stephen Kramer, S.J. Principal, Rockhurst High School

Interested in a Jesuit vocation?

Learn more at www.beajesuit.org

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FACULTY/STAFF MEMBERS (RE)JOIN ROCKHURST Rockhurst High School was pleased to welcome, or in some cases reintroduce, 11 new faculty/staff members for the 2025-26 academic year.

Andra Bessenbacher joined the Rockhurst community in 2012 as a Rock Mom, and now joined the faculty/staff ranks in 2025.

She and her husband (Steve ’86) have three sons who are alumni: Patrick ’16, Michael ’20, and Brian ’23. Bessenbacher recently taught at Prince of Peace Catholic School in Olathe, and is now teaching Freshman Theology at Rockhurst. She is also Coach Bessenbacher, as she joined the Swim & Dive staff as an assistant coach in 2024 and continued her role within the AquaHawks this fall.

Mark Blanck ’98 returned to his alma mater (again) in December 2024, and began his first full year serving as the Vice President of Philanthropy & Engagement. Blanck previously worked in Rockhurst’s Advancement Office (now P&E) from 2010-2020 as the Director of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving, and then Director of Major Gifts. He went on to continue his educational fundraising efforts at UMKC as the Director of Major Gift, Health Sciences and the University of Saint Mary as the Vice President of Advancement.

Jason Britsch, S.J., came to Rockhurst as another member of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits). He hails from New Orleans, LA and graduated from Jesuit High School before attending the University of Dallas. He made the decision to join the Jesuits as a Novice in 2020. Earlier this year, he earned his Masters in Philosophy. At Rockhurst, Mr. Britsch will teach Scripture I & II and volunteer with the Pastoral Ministry and the Hurtado Scholars Program.

Doug Bruce ’67 is back for his third stint as a Rockhurst teacher. He first began as an RHS educator in 1978 The Rock and remained until 2007, undertaking roles as Math teacher, Head Basketball Coach, Assistant Track & Field Coach, and Athletic Director throughout his three decades. Coach Bruce then moved to Colorado and taught at Vail Christian High

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School until 2020. He returned to KC and rejoined the Math Department as a part-time teacher for the 2021-22 school year. Now he’s back again, part-time teaching two AP Calculus AB classes.

Fr. Stephen Kramer, S.J., was announced as the new Principal at Rockhurst High School in March 2025. He graduated from St. Louis University High School and then SLU with a degree in Philosophy and Letters, and later earned Masters degrees from Boston College in Divinity and Theology with a focus on Ignatian Studies. Fr. Kramer has served in a variety of roles in his 18 years in the Society of Jesus, most recently as the Prefect of Students and Special Assistant to the President of Jesuit High School in New Orleans, LA, as well as a teacher of Theology, History, and Mathematics. He joined the Rockhurst community in July following his Tertianship program (Jesuit formation) in Nairobi, Kenya.

Sandra McHenry began her work in the Business Office as the Controller and Director of Finance Aid in November 2024, and is enjoying her first full school year at Rockhurst. McHenry joined The Rock from C K Enterprises, Inc. where she was the Controller and oversaw responsibilities of month-end close, journal entry preparation, account analysis, and explanation of variances. Ms. McHenry has over 30 years of accounting experience.

Mary Catherine Newman is another familiar face here at The Rock. Newman served as a College Counselor at Rockhurst High School from 2001-2007. Following her time in RHS College Counseling, she turned to being a full-time mom, which included raising Evan ’25. Now, after Evan went off to college, Newman returned as a School Counselor. Of note, she recently went back to school to earn her Masters in Social Work in 2024.

Rockhurst’s new faculty/staff members for 2025-26 included: (front row) Fr. Stephen Kramer, S.J., Sandra McHenry; (second row) Greta Sonnenberg, Andra Bessenbacher, Doug Bruce ’67; (third row) Martin Radosevic, Jr. ’16, Mary Catherine Newman, Mark Blanck ’98; (back row) Jason Britsch, S.J., Steve Redmond ’04, and Capt. Jim Swoboda.

Martin Radosevic, Jr. ’16 returned to his alma mater nine years after graduating from The Rock, filling the school’s new role of Director of Community Engagement within the P&E Team. His professional work includes Director of Sports Information at West Virginia Wesleyan, and Assistant AD of Athletic Communications at both Fairmont State University and University of Louisiana Monroe. In his Rockhurst role, Radosevic elevates the student experience by creating relationships with Rockhurst parents, alumni, and the external community.

Steve Redmond ’04 had a great Rockhurst experience as a student, and wants all young men across Kansas City to have the same opportunity. Redmond is the new Director of Admissions and Marketing, alongside Beth VanDyke. He came back to Rockhurst following a variety of career experiences, including real estate, small business operator, coach, and mentor. Most recently, he was a Specialized Teaching Assistant at Lakeview Middle School in the Park Hill School District.

Greta Sonnenberg carries a name very familiar to the Rockhurst community – as countless Sonnenberg men have attended The Rock, dating all the way back to the 1920s.

However, Ms. Sonnenberg is excited to be the first in her lineage to teach at Rockhurst by joining the school’s extensive Fine & Performing Arts Department as the Assistant Choral Director. She most recently served as the Vocal Music teacher at Fire Prairie Upper Elementary.

Capt. Jim Swoboda is Rockhurst’s new Director of Security.

He is a retired Kansas City Police Department Captain who has 27 years of experience with the KCPD. His leadership has extended into the Violent Crimes Division, Robbery Unit, Fugitive Apprehension Unit, and also the Information Management Unit where he implemented technology upgrades. Capt. Swoboda also has substantial community engagement experience with the department. His son, Griffin ’27, is a current Hawklet.

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“Rockhurst continues to be a home away from home for me and so many others in this community.”

-Steve Redmond ’04 Director of Admissions and Marketing

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Counselor Shares Reasons for Return to The Rock The following was written by Mary Catherine Newman, Rockhurst High School Counselor

A recent journaling prompt read: “Create a ‘mind map.’

Choose a word, a person, or a favorite place. Map the associations and memories that appear in your mind.

Follow where it leads.”

events, CYO games, and his senior service days at Operation Breakthrough. There’s an AMDG brotherhood that remains – that welcomes them home – even in their chapters beyond State Line Road.

“Rockhurst,” I wrote, and the spokes of connection, people, and life moments inked their way across the page – as a former employee, as a parent, as a returning colleague.

My newest Rockhurst role, as a School Counselor, feels like a gift and opportunity – “to find God in all things” in working with students and families, in collaboration with colleagues, in witnessing one’s story unfold as we “care for the whole person.” That’s the sort of mission and energy that encourages a return, a remembering of what makes a place so special given what’s been fostered and takes root.

I thought about Ignatian fellowship evenings that solidified lifelong friendships during my initial years here. I recalled conferences and learning opportunities with other Jesuit educators. I remembered the faces of students that I got to know through retreats, school days shared, and community expanded through service trips. I heard in my heart Tom Norman saying, “God is good, all the time. All the time, God is good!”

Words around my son’s Rockhurst years came to mind as well: classes, teachers, and coaches that made an impact, families we came to know around a sport loved, Mother/Son

Mary Catherine Newman worked as a College Counselor at Rockhurst High School from 2001-2007. She returned to the RHS community as a Rock Mom in 2021 as her son Evan ’25 entered as a freshman and a four-year baseball player. Following Evan’s graduation in the spring, Mary Catherine rejoined the faculty/staff as a School Counselor.

A couple weeks into my son’s freshman year in college, he called and offered, “Thank you for where I went to school.

What I experienced at Rockhurst is really showing up where I am now.”

I love that what took shape during his high school years continues to infuse well beyond. Follow where it leads, indeed.

The Newman Family celebrated Evan’s graduation as a member of the great Class of 2025: Doug, Evan ’25, Julia, and Mary Catherine.

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LARGE FRESHMAN CLASS BOOSTS ENROLLMENT Rockhurst High School’s Class of 2029 stepped on campus at 261 Hawklets strong – the biggest freshman class in over a decade.

This comes off of the heels of two smaller classes of 201 and 220 in 2023 and 2024, respectively. A cause for the decline over those two classes? The Great Recession. Students in the current sophomore and junior classes were born in 2008

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and 2009, when there was a drop in the U.S. birth rate, and therefore not as many incoming freshmen 14 years later.

But the Class of 2029 is strong in number and geographical diversity. Students come from 66 different ZIP codes across the metro and represent 68 different feeder schools. Many are new to the Rockhurst community, while over 100 of them are the son and/or younger brother of a Hawklet.

Following their first Freshman Class Mass with the parents, members of the Class of 2029 were cheered on by upperclassmen as they made their way to the performance gym for their official welcome to The Rock.

The group was welcomed to The Rock for Freshman Orientation on Aug. 18 for their first day on campus. It began with a Mass for all freshmen and their parents. Upperclassman volunteers served as greeters and guides as the new Hawklets

met their Guidance Counselors, learned more about each of their classes, received IT and MacBook help, completed a scavenger hunt, and heard about some of Rockhurst’s deep history and traditions.

All members of the Class of 2029 will complete four Freshman Days For Others throughout the year. During the first service day on Aug. 19, one of the groups of Hawklets cleaned up hundreds of illegally dumped tires on the Blue River Trail.

The following day, while the upperclassmen had their own orientations, the Class of 2029 set out to serve the community.

As has become part of the freshman experience in recent years, all Hawklets embark on four Freshman Days For Others (FDFO) throughout the school year – two in each semester. The students head to one of a dozen local organizations to assist with cleaning, organizing, and other labor-intensive projects.

One typical location for a group each time is the Blue River Trail, where Rockhurst students will clean up trash that is oftentimes illegally dumped. At the first FDFO this year, a group of 40 freshmen that was sent to the trail came upon hundreds of car tires that had been dumped. These Hawklets got their first taste of being “men for others” as they retrieved the tires and stacked them to be appropriately removed.

Just two weeks prior, KCTV5 had done a report on the nearly 500 tires that had been tossed down a hillside next to the trail.

The station was eager to cover the Rockhurst students’ efforts to solve the problem.

“An important lesson was taught at Rockhurst today on being a force for good in the community,” shared the news anchor.

He went on to share the details of the clean-up and find out why it’s part of the Rockhurst experience.

“We remind the boys that they have an obligation and responsibility to the community to serve and to help,” said Rich Sullivan, Rockhurst faculty member and FDFO chaperone.

Rockhurst looks forward to this big group of motivated young men being part of its student community for the next four years, and then living as “men for others” as alumni.

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Upperclassman leaders in the junior and senior classes volunteered to serve as a greeting committee for the newest Hawklets arriving for Freshman Orientation on Aug. 18, 2025.

Brendan Ortbals ’26, Student Body President, tested Berke Somasegaran ’29 on his Rockhurst knowledge with Rock Trivia questions for the freshman class.

The freshman class of 261 students gathered in the gym during Freshman Orientation to hear about the school’s history and the campus layout.

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“Students enter as boys still trying to find their way, and our hope is that they leave as ‘men for others’ who know how to pursue the best path in life. I’m blessed to witness that transformation here!”

-Lari Bunch Communication Arts Faculty Member

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The nine National Merit Commended students are: (front row) Reilly Eagan ’26, John Ignatius ’26, Trip Kratofil ’26, Bennett Lembke ’26; (back row) Mannix Palan ’26, Carson Lucido ’26, Daniel Anderst ’26, Will Fanning ’26, and Jake Bond ’26.

Rockhurst’s seven National Merit Semifinalists, pictured between President David Laughlin and Principal Fr. Stephen Kramer, S.J., are: (front row) Shiv Patel ’26, Tom Fimmen ’26, Landon Christopher ’26; (back row) Nolan Fellows ’26, Andrew Hayes ’26, Daniel Colombo ’26, and Cooper Clifft ’26.

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SIXTEEN SENIORS EARN NATIONAL MERIT PROGRAM RECOGNITION Sixteen Rockhurst High School seniors were recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Program. Seven were named National Merit Semifinalists and nine were named National Merit Commended Students.

More than 1.3 million juniors entered the 2026 competition last school year by taking the 2024 PSAT, which serves as the initial screen for program entrants. Around 57,000 earned the highest index score to qualify for National Merit Scholarship Program recognition. Of those top students, approximately one-third, or about 16,000, are named as Semifinalists.

Looking forward to February 2026, some 15,000 Semifinalists will be notified that they have been selected to Finalist standing.

Each Hawklet Semifinalist shared a reflection on the honor and his post-Rockhurst plans.

Landon Christopher ’26: “For many years of my life, I have focused on academic excellence in everything I do. I am very excited to have been chosen for this prestigious program and all the benefits now allotted to me, and I look forward to the opportunities it will open up for me as I progress onto college. After my time at Rockhurst, I hope to study aerospace engineering and astrophysics.”

Cooper Clifft ’26: “The National Merit Semifinalist selection is a testament to my hard work and dedication for the past three years at Rockhurst. It is truly an honor to receive such a prestigious award, and it is a reflection of the exemplary education that Rockhurst has provided me. I plan to major in either chemistry or biology and pursue a career in medicine.”

Daniel Colombo ’26: “This honor means a lot to me. I view it primarily as a way to express gratitude for all the support I have received from my friends, teachers, and especially from my parents. I hope to study math and music, and as of right now I also want to go to medical school and become a doctor.”

Nolan Fellows ’26: “I’m proud to be recognized as a National Merit Semifinalist and it is an honor to be acknowledged among six of my Rockhurst peers that I’ve grown to respect and admire. After graduating from Rockhurst I plan to pursue a degree in science or engineering; I am currently most interested in mechanical or electrical engineering.”

Tom Fimmen ’26: “Being selected as a National Merit Semifinalist means that all my time and efforts on my academics are finally paying off. After Rockhurst I hope to study mechanical engineering and then become a lawyer.”

Andrew Hayes ’26: “National Merit Semifinalist is an academic achievement, and I hope it helps get me into the college of my choice where I plan to study finance and economics. I think law school is a possibility as well.”

Shiv Patel ’26: “For the most part, this honor is a reflection of my progress since freshman year, but also an example of the work I put in for success. I wish to pursue medicine, particularly in the fields of cardiology, orthopedics, or pathology.”

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HARVEST FOOD DRIVE REACHES NEW HEIGHTS – AND WEIGHTS No one’s ever gonna beat the performance of the Class of 2025.

Jeb Koetting ’25 posted this playful Instagram comment on Thursday, Nov. 13 after the official Rockhurst account posted an update for the 2025 Harvest Food Drive. At that point, with 24 hours remaining, current students had donated 19,000 lbs. of canned goods during the annual week-long food drive.

Koetting, the Student Government Association (SGA) Vice President from last school year (and now a freshman at Colgate University), was confident that the new Rockhurst regime wouldn’t be able to pass the record mark of 40,000 lbs. that had been set one year ago.

You were saying?

Cohen Robinson ’26 posted as a response on behalf of all current Hawklets the next day, after an additional 30,000 lbs. of canned goods were brought in on Friday morning – creating a new Harvest Food Drive record of 50,000 lbs. of donated food.

In many ways, that’s the spirit of Rockhurst: friendly competition for a positive impact.

While there are bragging rights on the surface, at the root of it all, students are led to understand that the goal is to help those in need.

“Our priority this year was not simply to beat last year’s record, but also to inform the students more than ever before the importance of their generosity and donations,” said Brendan Ortbals ’26, SGA President. “Coming off of a record-breaking

Catholic Charities was one of eight local food pantries that had their trucks loaded with donations from Rockhurst.

year, we were even more challenged to break it again. The energy, spirit, and coordination amongst all classes was there.”

The recipient agencies benefiting from the Rockhurst students’ generosity included Bishop Sullivan Center, Catholic Charities, Christ The King Parish, Redemptorist Social Services, St. Elizabeth Parish, St. Francis Xavier Parish, St. Therese Little Flower Parish, and Seton Center.

The seniors in the Class of 2026 led the way, both in enthusiasm to get the word out about Harvest Food Drive, as well as actually bringing in the cans. The class of 199 Hawklets accounted for nearly half of the total – 24,230 lbs. to be exact.

That came out to 122 lbs. donated per senior… or basically the average weight of a freshman in August.

“Rockhurst students answer the call to serve those less fortunate because we take the time to reflect and be grateful for everything we have directly in front of us,” remarked Ortbals.

“Because we are able to take this time, we can sympathize with those who have less and create a desire within ourselves to share what we have and give what we can.”

Seniors in the Class of 2026 donated more than 23,000 lbs. of food, spearheaded by SGA members (L-R) Tom Fimmen ’26, Liam Conway ’26, Brendan Ortbals ’26, Brennan Murphy ’26, Henry Coppinger ’26, and Michael LaSala ’26.

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Looking ahead to November 2026, the question is: will the new seniors go for a third straight record-breaking year?

For the sake of many neighbors who rely on these local food banks, we hope (and can confidently say) the answer is “yes.”

Students brought in food donations by the truck-full on Friday morning, with over 30,000 lbs. collected on the final day.

ROCKHURST STUDENTS ANSWER THE CALL TO SERVE THOSE LESS FORTUNATE…

Members of the Students Government Association (SGA) led the Harvest Food Drive efforts, which resulted in a new record of 50,000 lbs. of canned goods donated in one week.

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CIVIL WAR, 8,000+ MILE JOURNEYS, AND AN UNBREAKABLE BOND:

Inside the Unique Journey of Three Rockhurst Seniors In 2008, Ahmed was born in Sudan, a country ravaged by a seemingly endless flow of violence. Sudan’s political strife was a constant shadow over Ahmed’s young life. In one instance, his home was taken over by soldiers. His family fled the country when Ahmed was just a toddler.

“I moved when I was two years old to South Sudan because of the war.

And then, from there, I went to Kenya,” Ahmed said.

Kenya is where Abdalla’s journey began.

Story adapted from a Prep News article by Ivan Burns ’26, Prep News Editor

Every day at Rockhurst, hundreds of students fill the bustling halls of the school. Each of these individuals has a unique story to tell. However, for seniors Hamid (Mo) Abdalla ’26, Baradin (Bahar) Ahmed ’26, and Asende Welongo ’26, life has been vastly different than their fellow Hawklets.

Throughout journeys that took them thousands of miles from where they began, the trio has encountered a lifetime full of challenges and exceptional moments. Ultimately, each represents a distinct perspective, forged by the dangerous, unpredictable, and irreplaceable adventures of their lives.

Together, this trio forms an unbreakable bond that has changed the lives of students, families, and the community of Rockhurst High School.

All three boys were born in different places in Africa between 2007 and 2008. All were affected by violence and economic hardship common across the continent. From their birth, all three experienced a turbulent upbringing.

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“I was born in Kenya,” he said. “Growing up in Kenya, life was pretty hard, just not having the resources to live. School wasn’t always the best, we always had to work extra hard just to support the family. Everybody’s just trying to find a job or just trying to live for themselves.”

Abdalla and his family fled to different places in Africa during his adolescence, including Sudan and, eventually, Tanzania.

Welongo’s upbringing was very different to Abdalla and Ahmed’s, even though he experienced similar day-to-day tribulations.

“I was born in Tanzania. My parents had fled from a war in Congo,” he said. “I was there until I was about nine years old.”

While Welongo, unlike Ahmed and Abdalla, never moved from his home country during his early years, he had his fair share of hardships.

“The hunger was insane. Every day that we went through we would have to figure out a way to get some food.”

Food insecurity in Africa has many causes. Frequent military conflict, as well as unreliable economic depression all factor into the region’s widespread food droughts.

“Just living day to day was hard,” Abdalla said.

In many of these African countries, violence can be just around the corner.

“I think in Africa you can get killed anytime,” Abdalla said. “Everybody’s just trying to survive.”

For the trio, education also reflected the challenges of everyday life. Oftentimes, children in Africa are crammed into small rooms and forced to use inadequate academic materials due to a lack of educational funding.

“When I was in Kenya, it was hard learning English because you’re in a class with over 70 people, and the teacher cannot help each person] individually. So I’d been going to school in Kenya for five years and I couldn’t even spell my name,” Ahmed said.

“But then, when I came to the USA, I learned how to spell my name in the first two weeks.”

Priorities in Africa are often defined by everyday procedures. With many people focused on living day-to-day lives, education and planning for the future can be pushed aside.

“In Africa, most people didn’t really have dreams of what they could do because there’s not many things that they were capable of doing,” Welongo said. “There wasn’t much of that because people were all just planning how to work or make some money.”

“When we were freshmen, a lot of the upperclassmen took care of us.

Wherever we went, they respected us, they presented us in a good way, and it means a lot,” Ahmed said. “So, you know, we’re just trying to pass that thing down to the younger students.”

The trio continues today as an integral part of the student body, forging connections with all kinds of students.

Their laid back and friendly demeanors cause fellow Hawklets to gravitate to them.

Hamid (Mo) Abdalla ’26, Baradin (Bahar) Ahmed ’26, and Asende Welongo ’26 each endured a unique path that led them to Rockhurst High School as freshmen in 2022 (pictured).

Lack of education made the transition to the U.S. hard for the trio. In 2016, with their families, Abdalla and Ahmed immigrated to Kansas City from a Tanzanian refugee camp. Welongo, on the other hand, immigrated to Erie, PA with most of his family. He still has a few siblings in Africa.

“The U.S. has always been a dream,” Abdalla said. “I think, even living in Africa, everybody was just talking about the U.S., how everybody wanted to come to the U.S.” The new home was a culture shock for the boys. They experienced and saw things they had never imagined before.

Welongo said coming to America had an almost mystical quality to it.

“To be honest, I thought the U.S. was like heaven, because it was up in the sky. I didn’t know life outside of Tanzania or where I was, so when we were flying I just saw a plane and I thought we were going to heaven.”

Even with its advantages, the U.S. still provided problems for Abdalla, Ahmed, and Welongo. In the unfamiliar territory, the main challenge the boys faced was the language barrier.

“I couldn’t understand anybody that was around me,” Ahmed said. “It felt like I was missing out. It felt like I wasn’t known. It felt like I was not associated with.”

During their first years in the U.S., the trio continued to battle their way through the challenges of learning English. Watching television was a key way they learned the language.

In 2018, Welongo moved from Pennsylvania to Kansas City. This move eventually led to him meeting Ahmed and Abdalla through Global FC, a soccer team created for immigrants.

The three have been connected to Rockhurst soccer all four of their years here. Welongo, in particular, has played varsity since he set foot on campus, playing an invaluable role in the team’s success. In 2024, he led the team in goals, and in 2023 and 2022, he played a key role in Rockhurst’s consecutive State Championships.

Overall, the experiences presented in this story are not shared to cast the three as victims. Instead, they’re intended to highlight the strength of these young men. As a result of their struggles, the trio have gained a wise perspective on the world.

“A lot of kids, they take a lot of things for granted,” Abdalla said. “I say this because a lot of kids just don’t understand what it’s like living outside the U.S. and what those people are going through.

“So, I think, here in the U.S., we just have a lot here – we’re blessed. We’re blessed to have a good life. We just need to be a little cautious and just be a little mindful that not everybody has what we have.”

Now, more than three years into their Rockhurst experience, the brothers have embarked on their senior year.

“So far, my experience has been really great,” Abdalla said. “Coming here was one of the best decisions ever. I think getting the education from Rockhurst right here has also changed me in a lot of ways.”

The boys have enjoyed their time at Rockhurst, even though it has been something new for them. The trio mentioned that, during the early stages of their Rockhurst lives, they always knew upperclassmen had their back.

Scan the QR code to read the full Prep News story by Ivan Burns ’26,

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SENIOR EMBRACES ONE-OF-A-KIND ROCKHURST EXPERIENCE

Ethan Guenther ’26 became the first Rockhurst student to undertake a co-op internship during the school year. He is an intern at Burns & McDonnell where he takes on a full workload in addition to his school requirements.

It’s 7:00 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 17 – the first day of Fall Break.

Undoubtedly, most every Rockhurst High School student is still sound asleep, enjoying the start of a four-day weekend following the end of the first quarter.

But not Ethan Guenther ’26.

The senior is driving west on I-435 from his home in Lee’s Summit as he does every weekday morning. But unlike the other 860 Rockhurst students, Guenther stops a half-mile short of the school and joins 4,000 adults heading to their jobs at Burns & McDonnell.

Guenther is the first Hawklet to undertake a co-op internship while still completing his studies as a Rockhurst student. In part, thanks to the Rockhurst alumni community.

As a junior, Guenther realized the expansiveness of the Rockhurst professional network and contacted Meredith Suarez, Director of Alumni Engagement, to seek out alumni connections in the engineering world. That led him to Blaise Gassman ’16, a Power Grid Solutions Engineer at Burns & McDonnell, who is also a co-chair of RockConnect, Rockhurst’s alumni professional network.

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Gassman encouraged Guenther to apply for the company’s high school internship – a very coveted position, as there is just one spot offered each year. After sending in his résumé and three rounds of interviews, Guenther was selected among 50 high school applicants.

Even at just 17 years old, his résumé is eye-catching. His academic achievements include completing nine AP courses, seven Honors courses, and five Advanced courses while maintaining a cumulative GPA of 4.095; winning Rockhurst’s AP Spanish 4 and AP Calculus Awards; being named an AP Scholar with Distinction, the college board’s highest honor; earning a 34 composite score on the ACT; and being named a National Merit Commended Scholar.

Outside of the classroom, Guenther co-founded a window washing business with classmate David Prier ’26 which had more than 120 residential clients. The duo then pivoted to focus on commercial buildings, leading a team of a dozen salespersons and window washers. While working for one of his clients, Guenther accepted a side gig in land acquisition where he would purchase and rezone land for development.

At the end of his stint, he had done over $10 million worth of acquisition and development for the company.

Somehow with more room on his plate, Guenther was also a four-year soccer player for Rockhurst. By his senior year, he had earned a starting midfielder role for a top-five team in the country.

Balancing soccer training and the window washing business, Guenther then started his position at Burns & McDonnell in mid-July working nine-hour days at the office. In partnership with Mike Wickenhauser, Assistant Principal for Curriculum, Instruction and Supervision, Guenther was able to create a co-op schedule during his senior year between Rockhurst and one of the largest design firms in the world, where he is viewed as just another full-time employee. He handles design work for clients, assists in internal improvements in the client testing lab, and oversees confidential projects.

“Ethan’s internship at Burns & Mac has provided a good opportunity for us to pilot an independent student and internship class as we look to integrate more experiential learning and pre-professional opportunities for our students,” said Wickenhauser. “We are very hopeful that this pilot experience will help us design a scalable and sustainable coop or internship class for qualified students with appropriate partner organizations.”

On school days, Guenther will typically start his office work around 7:30 a.m. and work until about 11:00 when it’s time to join his classmates at The Rock. But the workload doesn’t get any easier. His five classes in first semester include AP Calculus, AP Physics, AP Comparative Government, Honors English, and Catholic Faith In Practice.

Work, school, practice. All part of a full, demanding, and fulfilling day.

“I don’t think there’s another high school where you can get the same academic experience in this type of culture, mixed with this caliber of athletics and co-curriculars,” said Guenther. “It’s just a special place.”

Guenther also encourages his Rockhurst brothers to start thinking about their futures at a young age. He founded and is President of the Early Careers Club, where interested students listen to guest speakers, learn how to create and bolster a résumé, and tap into the Rockhurst alumni network.

A final recent addition to the senior’s juggling act was starting a private trading group, Deltahaus Trading Group. He educates others on how to trade perpetual options and futures based on market indicators and news indicators. Clients will then transition from paper trading to a funded account, and then to being self-funded.

The schedule and responsibilities are a lot to handle, but Guenther enjoys the challenges. He will continue challenging himself academically at Vanderbilt University, where he plans to double major in Electrical Engineering and Economics.

It’s now 5:00 p.m. and Guenther is packing up for the weekend along with his co-workers who are anywhere from five to 50 years older than him. Most will head home to their families, but Guenther is going just down the road, back to Rockhurst.

He has a soccer match in two hours.

Along with his academic studies, professional internship, starting and running companies, Guenther was a starting midfielder for the Soccer Hawklets.

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“To work at Rockhurst is to stand inside a tradition that calls each of us to something greater than ourselves. I feel honored to walk these halls, and even more grateful that my son will be here and learn what it means to be a ‘man for others.”

-Dr. Tiffany Rinne Director of Library Services

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“Teaching at Rockhurst gives me the opportunity to form students not only in knowledge, but in character – guiding them to become thoughtful, compassionate leaders grounded in justice and service.”

-Martin Radosevic, Sr. Mathematics Faculty Member

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HAWKLETS EXCEL OUTSIDE OF CLASSROOMS

Conner Vickers ’26, with the help of his Rock Golf teammates, led efforts to raise $17,000 for Pete’s Garden through his charity golf tournament, “Chippin’ For The Garden.”

The Speech & Debate Team won the Outstanding Large Delegation Award at the Washington University Model United Nations Symposium (WUMUNS) in St. Louis

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Rockhurst High School students’ commitment to excellence extends far beyond the classroom. Co-curricular participation and community service beyond the required honors are a staple for most students.

These are just a few of the many highlights between August and early December 2025.

• Conner Vickers ’26 planned, organized, and ran the “Chippin’ For The Garden” Golf Tournament at Oakwood Country Club on Oct. 9. With the help of his Rockhurst Golf teammates, Vickers raised $17,000 through the event to support Pete’s Garden, a local nonprofit that aims to reduce food waste in KC by recovering surplus food and converting it into free, healthy, take-home meals for families in need.

• Sixteen members of the Rockhurst Choir Program auditioned for the Kansas City Metro All-District Choir.

Over 400 students in the area auditioned, and 11 Hawklets were selected to perform at the All-District Choir Festival in late-October. Those singers are Atticus Carlson ’26, Will Fanning ’26, Rory Lewellen ’26, Henry Scheiderer ’26, Tristan Batobalani ’27, Vinny Gronberg ’27, Sam Robinson ’27, Valerian Huston ’28, Robert Milligan ’28, Charlie Tietjen ’28, and Ronan Ursick ’28. Lewellen and Scheiderer were also selected for the KC Metro All-District SATB (Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass) ensemble, and are eligible to audition for the Missouri All-State Choir.

• The Speech & Debate Team traveled to St. Louis to compete in the 18th iteration of the Washington University Model United Nations Symposium (WUMUNS). The Hawklets won the Outstanding Large Delegation Award, and had an impressive 10 students receive individual recognition. Among those were Best Delegate honorees: Connor Clune ’26, Andrew Hayes ’26, Timmy Ottomanelli ’27, and David Colombo ’29.

Eleven Rockhurst Singers earned All-District Choir honors and were selected to perform at the All-District Choir Festival in late-October.

• Rockhurst’s Esports Rocket League Team advanced to the State Final Four in Sedalia. In just the second year of Esports at The Rock, the Overwatch 2 Team went 5-4 and was the District Runner-Up, while the Rocket League Team finished 8-4, won Districts, defeated CBC in the State Quarterfinals, and brought home the 4th Place trophy at State out of 46 schools representing all classes in Missouri.

• Ten students in Computer Science courses across the sophomore, junior, and senior classes traveled to Minneapolis for an educational field trip. Visits and tours included the General Mills World Headquarters, University of Minnesota campus, Minnesota United FC Stadium, and the University of St. Thomas. The group also completed a service project during the trip.

In just its second year, Rockhurst’s Esports Team finished 4th out of 46 teams in the Missouri State Rocket League Competition.

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• A group of 11 Hawklets had the opportunity to participate in the Architecture, Construction and Engineering (ACE) Trade Center Fair at Google’s new Data Center, hosted by JE Dunn Construction on Nov. 6. The students learned about careers in the field, safety protocols, job site prefabrication, client-based relations, and pathways to careers in everything from architecture to pipe fitting.

• The Computer Science & Engineering Department welcomed two professionals in cloud technology to host a soldering workshop. The workshop was for upperclassmen in the Computer Hardware & Operating Systems class, as well as members of the Robotics Team.

Computer Science students had the opportunity to tour the General Mills World Headquarters as part of an education field trip to Minneapolis.

• Representatives from Rockhurst attended the Greater Kansas City Hispanic Development Fund’s 2025 Cambio Para Cambio Closing Celebration for Hispanic Heritage Month. During the month, Rockhurst raised $5,000 for scholarships, which was matched dollar for dollar.

• Led by Mrs. Antionette Ishmael, five students attended the Life & Hope Banquet benefiting the Olathe and Wyandotte Pregnancy Centers.

• Rockhurst’s Lion Dance and Dragon Dance Teams had multiple public performances during the fall. Among them were GloWild at the KC Zoo, the KC Dragon Boat Festival at Shawnee Mission Park, the Moon and Lantern Festival at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, and at Rockhurst’s own Night at The Rock.

Rockhurst representatives attended the Greater KC Hispanic Development Fund’s 2025 Cambio Para Cambio Closing Celebration for Hispanic Heritage Month. They were Ezequiel Hernandez ’26, Gabriel Rojas Bautista ’26, Mr. Marvin Grilliot, David Ramirez ’27, Angel Ramirez ’26, and Manny Morales ’27.

Attendees of the Life & Hope Banquet included Eli Murga ’25, Oliver Arnold ’27, Ethan Alexander ’27, Mateo Reynolds ’27, Quinton Page ’28, and Mrs. Antionette Ishmael.

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• The Future Docklets of America (Rockhurst’s Pre-Med Club) enjoyed a field trip on Nov. 7 to the University of Central Missouri for the college’s STEM Day. The Docklets were able to see a virtual heart beating with the corresponding ECG tracing, use infant and toddler life-like animate mannequins for studying CPR and its effects, and ride in a rover that students built.

• Over the summer, students participated in four Total Ignatian Experience (TIE) service trips. Two were to Robbins, TN for TIE Tennessee, during which the groups partnered with Habitat For Humanity Appalachia to complete home improvement projects. On TIE Kansas City, students spent seven days working with Jerusalem Farm and Pendleton Heights Garden to help KC neighbors in need of assistance. On TIE Tijuana, students helped build houses in underserved communities of Mexico. In total, 52 Hawklets attended one of the four service trips.

The Lion Dance and Dragon Dance Teams performed at several cultural celebrations during the first semester.

Students in the Computer Hardware & Operating Systems class and members of the Robotics Team enjoyed a professional soldering workshop.

Eleven Hawklets participated in the Architecture, Construction and Engineering (ACE) Trade Center Fair at Google’s new Data Center

The Future Docklets of America (Rockhurst’s Pre-Med Club) took a field trip to the University of Central Missouri for the college’s STEM Day.

Over the summer, 52 students volunteered on one of four Total Ignatian Experience (TIE) immersion service trips in Kansas City, Tennessee, and Tijuana (pictured).

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FALL SPORTS MAKE POSTSEASON PUSHES

Soccer Hawklets were the State Runner-Up with a final record of 23-1-1. The team won its 14th consecutive District Champion and had its fifth straight Final Four appearance.

Asende Welongo ’26 finished his RHS soccer career with most of the program scoring records to his name: single season goals (37), career goals (99), and career points (228).

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Coming off of a 2024-25 athletic year where Rockhurst High School’s 13 varsity sports combined for eight District Championships and eight top-three finishes at State (including two State Titles), it would be a tough year to top.

in 25 games this season (previous record was 36 in 30 games); and totaled 228 career points (previous record was 174). He became the first Hawklet ever to be named All-State all four years, and was just the second two-time All-American.

But the 2025 fall sport Hawklets were up for the challenge of setting the tone for this year.

Welongo was one of 14 senior players on the 2025 team. The group helped The Rock to a four-year record of 89-5-3 with two State Titles, a State Runner-Up, a State 3rd Place, and the 2023 National Championship.

Soccer finished the regular season with a record of 18-0-1 and was ranked as the top team in the Midwest and fourth in the country. The Hawklets went on to win a 14th consecutive District Championship and then defeated Glendale 3-0 in the State Quarterfinals to advance to the program’s fifth straight State Final Four.

Rockhurst handled Park Hill South 4-0 to move on to the State Title match versus the defending champions from SLUH. A controversial penalty call in the box gave a penalty kick to the Jr. Bills, which was converted and the difference in the 1-0 final.

Hawklets ended the season at 23-1-1 with a goal differential of +95.

Asende Welongo ’26 rewrote the Rock Soccer record books over his four seasons. The sensational forward scored 99 goals in 91 career games (previous record was 64); scored 37 goals

Swim & Dive was dominant in its regular season. The AquaHawks won 12 of their 13 competitions. The State team included 31 swimmers and divers who were determined to bring the State Championship back to The Rock, after the program’s State Runner-Up finish in 2024.

The AquaHawks trailed Chaminade, the heavy favorite, by 41 points following the dive competition. But the Rock swimmers started chipping away at the lead in the pool. At the conclusion of the 100 Breaststroke, the final individual race, Rockhurst had captured the lead by a half-point.

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The AquaHawks placed 2nd at the State Meet, coming up just 7.5 points behind Chaminade.

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Aaden Lutman ’27 was the individual State Champion in the 200 IM, finishing in 1:52.05. He was also the State Runner-Up in the 100 Breaststroke.

Cross Country qualified for the State Championship Meet for the 19th consecutive season. Rockhurst finished 3rd at Districts and then 8th at State.

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Jack McGovern ’28 became the fourth Rock runner in program history to win an individual State Championship. He won the race in 14:52.20, with the runner-up more than 11 seconds behind. Photo courtesy of Nick Johnson ’03.

That meant that the winner between Rockhurst and Chaminade in the 400 Free Relay would be the State Champion.

Unfortunately, that was Chaminade’s best relay and the Red Devils won the race by four seconds to capture the title.

The AquaHawks’ 2nd Place finish was led by four swimmers who all earned All-State honors in four events: Beau Harmon ’26, Aaden Lutman ’27, Kemper Roberts ’27, and Jonah DeWilde ’28.

Lutman was the individual State Champion in the 200 IM. Cross Country raced its way to a 3rd Place finish at the District Meet, earning a 19th consecutive team qualification to the State Meet, which is the second longest streak in Missouri’s big class. Jack McGovern ’28 was the District Champion, while Jack Morrison ’28, Jake Bond ’26, and Charlie Sullivan ’29 placed in the top-30 to earn All-District honors. The team went on to take 8th at State.

McGovern had one of the most impressive seasons in Missouri XC history, especially for a sophomore. His win at the Gans Creek Classic in September in 14:44.70 was the fastest 5K ever by a Missouri runner on a Missouri course, and made him the fourth fastest runner in state history. He went on to be the individual State Champion – just the fourth ever for Rockhurst.

McGovern then placed 4th at Nike Midwest Regionals (NXR) to qualify for Nike Nationals (NXN) in Portland, OR, becoming the second Hawklet to earn an individual Nationals qualification, and just the sixth ever among Missouri boys. He went on to finish 10th at NXN, and was the top sophomore finisher in the country. McGovern earned NXN All-American honors – just the second in Missouri boys history to do so, joining Zach Herriott ’12, who placed 9th in 2011.

Football dropped to Class 5 for the 2025 season due to a dip in the school’s overall enrollment, but the Hawklets still played one of the hardest schedules in the state. Rockhurst finished the regular season at 7-2, highlighted by a 36-35 overtime win at St. Thomas Aquinas, ending the Saints’ 23-game win streak. Rock cruised to District wins over William Chrisman and Fort Osage before losing the District Championship at Platte County, the eventual repeat Class 5 State Champions, by one score in the final seconds.

Garret Miller ’27 set new program records in completions (163) and completion percentage (66.8%) in his first year starting at quarterback. His 2,221 yards and 25 passing touchdowns ranked second and third, respectively, in program history. Blake Thomas ’27 hauled in 52 receptions on the year, just one short of the Rockhurst record, for 710 yards and 10 touchdowns.

The Football Hawklets’ season ended at 9-3, coming up one play short in a wild District Championship game against Platte County.

Garret Miller ’27 led the Rockhurst offense to 34 points per game and set the new program record for completions (163) and completion percentage (66.8%) in a season.

The junior QB threw for 2,221 yards (2nd most in RHS history) and 25 passing touchdowns (3rd most).

Photo courtesy of Ryan Kelley ’91.

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