2023 Spring Pride Magazine

Pride

A Roncalli Catholic High School Publication | Spring 2023

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Dear Roncalli Catholic Family,

As another school year comes to an end, it allows us an opportunity to look back at the many successes enjoyed by our students and staff.

The students arrived in August with a list of goals and were successful in checking them off, one-by-one, as the calendar turned over eight times.

After the final bell rang on May 23rd and students were dismissed for the final time, I was overwhelmed to see the smiles on our student’s faces. It was a smile that reflected both relief and a sense of a job well done.

Our students showcased hard work, determination and teamwork in all of their activities. Whether it was on the baseball field, at the spring musical or in the STEAM lab, all of our students worked toward a common goal and were determined to see all of the challenges through to the end.

One of the most rewarding things every year is to see our students exemplify a selfless spirit that represents the best of Roncalli Catholic. Throughout the year, they have multiple opportunities to give back to the Omaha community. The passion and love they show during student retreats proves that they are willing to put others before themselves. Our next generation of the Crimson Pride family is ready to carry on the legacy of this incredible school.

I feel blessed to have seen these students grow to reflect the mission of Roncalli Catholic. I would also like to thank you, the valued members of this wonderful family. You make it possible for our students to be able to live out this school’s mission every day.

I ask that you pray for all of our students and staff. We are already looking forward to welcoming both our students and the Roncalli Catholic community back for the 2023-24 academic year in August.

Sincerely,

Sean Keisling President

Table of Contents

PRIDE MAGAZINE is published by Roncalli Catholic High School, Omaha, NE. © 2023. All rights reserved. Materials in PRIDE may be reproduced provided prior permission obtained from the editor and credit is given.

RONCALLI CATHOLIC PRESIDENT: Sean Keisling

RONCALLI CATHOLIC VICE PRESIDENT OF ADVANCEMENT: T.J. Orr, 1996 Alumnus

RONCALLI CATHOLIC PRESIDENT EMERITUS: Fr. Lloyd A. Gnirk

RONCALLI CATHOLIC PRINCIPAL: J.J. Stoffel, 2002 Alumnus

RONCALLI CATHOLIC COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR: Jason Unger

Support from our advertisers make Pride Magazine possible. Please consider joining current advertisers in supporting our Pride Magazine communication efforts. Each issue is sent to nearly 2,500 contacts. The electronic advertisements are linked directly to your own business’ website and readers are encouraged to consider our advertisers. For more information contact Jason Unger at junger@roncallicatholic.org or 402-571-7670 x109

RCHS SPRING SNAPSHOTS

The girls tennis team meets with Coach James McDermott before a meet this spring. This year’s team featured four competitors, Ceceilia Elkjer, Ava Hastings, Caralyn Diamond and Olivia Schraut.

Roncalli Catholic senior Jacob Camp drives a base hit up the middle during a home contest with Omaha Central on April 17.

Roncalli Catholic hosted Prom on April 22 at a View on State. Pictured are Violet Clements (queen) and Wyatt Yetter (king).

2023 World Herald Academic Program award winners (from left) Sean Fenoglio, Nile Langenfeld and Cameron Rohlfsen.

RCHS students had a chance to enjoy a pancake breakfast on March 30 when the “Pancake Man” made an appearance.

RCHS junior Madalyn Harrison gets congratulations from RCHS Principal J.J. Stoffel during the National Honor Society Ceremony on April 13.

RCHS baseball captures runner-up state finish

Crimson Pride baseball team shines at state tournament

The Crimson Pride baseball team went into the first ever Class C state baseball tournament with a record of 10-10 and as the seventh seed.

A week later they found themselves playing in the Class C state championship game against the Malcolm Clippers.

Unfortunately, the Pride were unable to solve Malcolm starter Maddox Meyer and fell by a score of 3-1 on May 19.

Meyer went the distance allowing just two hits and striking out 10 and the Clippers were able to bring an end to the Pride’s Cinderella state tournament run.

The season, like the March and April weather got off to a cold start for the Pride.

The team dropped to 3-6 after a lopsided 13-3 road loss in Wahoo on March 4.

The Pride won five out of their next six games, which included a convincing 12-2 win over Westview in the Bennington Baseball

Classic on April 22.

After a pair of one-run losses to Concordia/ Brownell Talbot/OCA and Bennington, the Pride went into the Class C-5 District Tournament in Springfield with a record of 8-10.

The Pride got great pitching from Jackson Urban and Noah Brisbin in wins over Fort Calhoun and Platteview and a 2-1 win over the Trojans punched the Pride’s state ticket.

The Pride opened the state tournament against the second seeded Plattsmouth Devils on May 13. Urban spun a one-hitter and allowed just five baserunners in the Pride’s 7-0 tourney win. Wyatt Yetter, Cam Rohlfsen and Abel Jimenez-Escobar paced the offense with two hits apiece.

The next game for the Pride came against the third-seeded Central City/ Fullerton/Centura Kernels on May 15. Rohlfsen stayed hot and led the team with three hits, including a double. The Pride offense pounded out 11 hits in the 10-4 victory. cont. on page 5

Charlie Fehringer came on in the third inning and pitched well, working the final four-andtwo-thirds allowing just two hits and no runs.

The Pride lost to Wayne 4-2 on Wednesday afternoon forcing an elimination game with the Devils on Wednesday evening at Westside High School.

The Devils took a 3-2 lead in the bottom of the first inning and led 4-2 going into the top of the seventh inning.

The Pride showed their resilience and pushed across three runs to take a 5-4 lead into the bottom of the seventh inning.

Reliever Jacob Camp got the final three outs and the Pride celebrated the win and the opportunity to play for the first ever Class C State Championship.

Although the title game didn’t end with a state championship for the Pride, Coach Jake Hoover was proud of his squad.

“What a journey this team took us on,” Hoover said. “Time and time again they stayed together and showed they were never out of the fight. I’m thankful for our seniors who led the way and showed the younger guys what it takes to be great.”

Coach Jake Hoover hugs outfielder Josh Chytil.

Pride presented with Class C State Runner-Up trophy.

The Crimson Pride dugout stays engaged and attempts to forge a sixth inning rally in the championship game with Malcolm.

Wisdom

We will confidently approach life’s challenges using experience, knowledge and right judgement to blaze new trails and find success in everything we do.

We will confidently approach life’s challenges using experience, knowledge and right judgement to blaze new trails and find success in everything we do.

roncallicatholic.org/giving/giving-opportunities/

roncallicatholic.org/giving/giving-opportunities/

Pride Personified

Students, faculty and staff celebrated during Senior Breakfast & Awards Ceremony

Roncalli Catholic High School celebrated the achievements of the students, faculty and staff over the course of the 2022-2023 academic year during the Senior Breakfast and Award Ceremony on May 10, 2023.

The morning began with a breakfast and a ceremony recognizing the accomplishments of the Class of 2023. Following breakfast, three teachers were recognized for their hard work over the course of the school year.

Ms. Coco Osborne and Ms. Toni Hoffmeier-Mangus each received the faculty award. Mr. James McDermott was recognized with the Teacher Appreciation Award.

Nominees for these awards come from letters written by students and staff describing the special impact each teacher had on their education at Roncalli Catholic.

“These teachers represent everything that makes Roncalli Catholic a special place for our students,” Principal J.J. Stoffel said. “I couldn’t be happier to see their hard work rewarded.”

The faculty awards are funded through a generous donation from Pat and Michelle Goodman. Their hard and work and dedication to RCHS is truly appreciated!

During the ceremony, the school also recognized this year’s Alumni and Volunteer of the Year recipients.

Mr. James Andrews was presented with the Alumni of the Year Award. Andrews, a 1976 Roncalli High school graduate, spoke to the crowd about a life built around faith and the importance of sharing his time, talents and treasures with a school he holds close to his heart.

cont. on page 8

Mr. James McDermott acknowledges the crowd after being awarded the 2022-2023 Teacher Appreciation Award.

Gary and Linda Carpenter were named the recipients of this year’s Volunteer of the Year Award. Gary and Linda are both active members of the Roncalli Catholic Booster Club and Parent Ambassadors.

The duo served as the chairs for the Festa del Leone event this year and were an integral part of making the event the most profitable fundraising event in school history.

Congratulations to all of our students who received a scholarship or grant during this year’s Awards Ceremony! A full list of this year’s recipients may be found below:

Lloyd W. and Betty L. Gnirk Scholarship

Kate Worthy

Don Holquist Family Grant

Victoria Bilotta

Denise Van Roy Memorial Grant

Tanner Post

Patrick Nalty Scholarship

Clay Shafer

Sunny Smith Memorial Scholarship

Myah Hayes

Cathy “Rose” Ryan Scholarship

Ruth Cunningham

Jayla Nance

Morgan Mancuso

Rhionna Matthews

Ella Mace

Lily Flores

Andrews Family Grant

Penelope Anderson

Jakoby Devereaux

Caleb Kennedy

Bridget Meier

Andrews Family Grant (cont.)

Andrew Boer

Alice Cunningham

Notre Dame Sisters - LeClerc Scholarship

Lilian Bolter

Celia Macias

Josephine Alemdjrodo

Aubrey Romey

Julia Solonynka

Rich Gilbride Memorial Scholarship

Gabe Little

Lloyd E. Skinner Grant

Charlie Wingate

Class of 1969 Legacy Grant

Kawn Maw

Aleah Rivera

Micho Rahn

Finnigan Clements

Eileen and Wayne Ryan Memorial Scholarship

Courtney Meier

Elijah Cooks

Ethan Steinbock

Dorian Chambers

RCHS senior Charlie Mausbach receives an award from President Sean Keisling.

WISDOM. COURAGE. FAITH. DISCOVERED.

History was made on State Street on April 14th when more than 600 members of the Roncalli Family came together to celebrate the 34th annual Festa del Leone.

The event serves as Roncalli Catholic’s largest annual fundraiser and this year’s gathering shattered a number of records including attendance and funds raised.

More than 600 people were in attendance and more than $400,000 was raised. The funds play a critical role in providing financial aid, the availability to scholarship opportunities and other improvements to the student experience.

FESTA SELLS OUT NEW VENUE

34th Annual Festa del Leone raises over $400,000 on an unforgettable night at A View on State April 14.

“Seeing everyone show up to support RCHS was just outstanding,” President Sean Keisling said. “The night was special in so many ways and it just shows how willing our people are to step up.”

Br. Armand Alcazar was honored at the event as the Pope St. John XXIII award recipient, recognizing a 50-year connection to Roncalli Catholic High School. The award is the highest honor presented to an individual or group in the Roncalli Catholic community.

Br. Alcazar began his time at Archbishop Rummel High School in 1971. In 1975, he professed his perpetual vows to the De La Salle Brothers at Roncalli Catholic.

Br. Alcazar recognized his students and colleagues who were on hand at the event and even welcomed them on stage for a song to cap a stirring presentation.

“Brother Armand was outstanding,” said RCHS Vice President of Advancement T.J. Orr. “We were honored to have him in attendance and to see everyone there to support him was great.”

Festa del Leone marks the final fundraiser of Roncalli Catholic’s 2022-2023 academic year.

“We ask a lot from a number of people to pull off an event like this,” Keisling added. “Everyone came together and made this year’s Festa the biggest ever.”

Senior Cameron Rohlfsen shares Roncalli’s impact on his academic growth at the 34th annual Festa del Leone.

The Pope St. John XXIII award was presented to Br. Armand Alcazar. Pictured are (from left) President Sean Keisling, Br. Alcazar and President Emeritus Rev. Lloyd Gnirk.

More than 600 people attended this year’s event, the first held at a View on State.

Turn the Page

Class of 2023 ready for next step in journey

Roncalli Catholic High School celebrated its 55th annual Commencement Ceremony on Sunday, May 14, 2023.

Hundreds of friends, family and community members gathered to celebrate the accomplishments of the Class of 2023. In total, 71 students were recognized for their hard work over the course of their career at Roncalli Catholic.

“Today is a culmination of a lifetime of hard work,” Principal J.J Stoffel said. “Thank you for believing in us and giving us the opportunity to love your child.”

The Class of 2023 continued the tradition of placing a

personalized rock into the prayer garden. Each senior was given the opportunity to place a rock with a handwritten message into the prayer garden, located inside the Roncalli Catholic Legacy Courtyard.

Nile Langenfeld was the 2023 Valedictorian and classmate Cameron Rohlfsen was the Salutatorian.

Congratulations to every member of the Class of 2023! We look forward to seeing you take the values instilled in you over the last four years into the next chapter of your life.

Live Jesus in our hearts, forever!

All of the Roncalli Catholic graduates placed hand-painted rocks in the prayer garden located in the RCHS Legacy Garden.

Valedictorian Nile Langenfeld.

RCHS SPRING SNAPSHOTS

RCHS students rejoice on the last day of school. Students got their first taste of summer break on May 23 after their last day of finals.

RCHS senior Ava Toth got a chance to celebrate her college signing with her friends and family on May 2. Toth will attend Concordia University in Seward and will become a member of the dance team.

Roncalli Catholic High School held its Commencement on May 14. Congratulations and best of luck in your future plans Class of ‘23.

RCHS junior long distance specialist Gus Lampe left the the state meet with a fourth-place medal in the Class B 3200-meter run after crossing the finish line with a time of 9:53.

RCHS Trivia Night

Fun-filled night of trivia raises over $15,000

What is better than having fun with your friends? Being right!!

Thank you to each member of the Roncalli Catholic community for coming out to support our school during this year’s Trivia Night!

Friends became foes and teamwork reigned supreme as nearly 300 trivia enthusiasts came together to raise over $15,000 to advance the mission of Roncalli Catholic!

34th Annual Swing with Pride

THE PLAYERS CLUB

MONDAY, JULY 24, 2023

LUNCH & SOCIAL 11 A.M. SHOTGUN START 12 P.M. DINNER AFTER

REGISTER TODAY:

As guides, we will help students face real-world challenges so they can persevere — with mental and moral strength — setting them on the right path to learn, grow and thrive in a diverse world.

roncallicatholic.org/giving/giving-opportunities/

Alumni of the Year Spotlight

James Andrews (Class of 1976)

Few men have had more of an impact on the success of Roncalli Catholic High School than 1976 graduate James Andrews. Almost 50 years after walking across the stage, Andrews remains an advocate for a school he holds close to his heart.

“I walked these very halls. I experienced firsthand just how special this place really is,” Andrews commented.

Andrews was recognized as the Alumni of the Year at the annual Senior Breakfast and Awards Assembly on May 10 inside the Roncalli Catholic gymnasium.

Andrews spoke to the seniors about the importance of giv-

ing back. Not just financially, but through their time and talent.

Andrews should know. He spends countless hours dedicating his time to the school. He has served on the School Board, Program Excellence Committee, Facility Committee, Finance Committee, Executive Committee and the Development Committee.

“The education I received here set me on the path for all of the successes I have enjoyed in my life,” said Andrews.

Andrews shared his career path upon graduating from RCHS.

Andrews worked as an elementary educator, in the financial services industry, and currently is the office manager for LT Service Company (a company that repairs personal safety equipment for the packing industry).

Through it all, one thing has remained in the center of Andrew’s life - his faith.

“What happens here at Roncalli is really special and at the center of all it is our faith,” said Andrews. “We stand at the threshold of a very exciting time and the good news is we all have a chance to be a part of it.”

James Andrews adresses the audience at the annual Senior Breakfast on May 10. Andrews was awarded the Alumni of the Year award.

RONCALLI CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

JULY 24

34TH ANNUAL SWING WITH PRIDE

THE PLAYER’S CLUB, OMAHA, NE

NEW FAMILY ORIENTATION

RONCALLI CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

AUG. 10-11

AUG. 10

FRESHMAN-SENIOR ORIENTATION

RONCALLI CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

RONCALLI CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

NOV. 5

OPEN HOUSE

AUG. 14

RONCALLI CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

6TH ANNUAL TASTE OF PRIDE

RONCALLI CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

NOV. 17

Faith

We will put Christ at the forefront of all we do with trust, confidence and conviction. We will live in communion with one another and serve our global community with love and compassion.

roncallicatholic.org/giving/giving-opportunities/

2.17.24 Trivia Night

11.17.23

Taste of Pride

7.24.23 Swing With Pride

4.6.24

35th Festa del Leone