1
KNIGHT NEWS Lourdes welcomed new faculty and welcomed back Mrs. Fedoris and Mr. Borer for the 2018-2019 school year. (L-R) Mrs. Joan Fedoris, Technology Coordinator & LCC Media Teacher; Fr. Jonathan Haschke, Assistant Chief Administrative Officer & Theology Teacher; Mr. Jon Borer, Assistant Principal & Middle School Social Studies Teacher; Miss Rachel Eberly, Special Education/Resource Teacher; Mrs. Wendi Buggi, Middle School Language Arts Teacher
Each week students from T4:12 Campus Ministry take part in community outreach by visiting The Ambassador Nebraska City nursing home and Nebraska Center for the Education of Children who are Blind or Visually Impaired (NCEVBI). They enjoy visiting and playing games or doing activities with the residents and students. The Lourdes campus ministry program, is known as T4:12 for its reference to the Bible verse "Let no one have contempt for your youth, but set an example for those who believe in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity." T4:12 Campus Ministry Activities Include; Lectio Divino bible study on Sunday evenings, weekly Holy Hour, monthly Eucharistic Adoration, and community service. Best of Otoe County Awards Lourdes was proud and honored to have our Preschool & PreKindergarten voted the “Best Preschool in Otoe County”, Mrs. Jennifer Dirksen was voted “Best Employee” and Fr. McCabe was voted “Person of the Year” from the Gatehouse Media’s Best of Otoe County Awards.
2
KNIGHT NEWS
Lourdes Central Catholic Tech Crew won “Best Tech Crew” at Class C2-1 State One Act Competition. Lourdes Central Catholic’s production of The Very UnMerry Adventures of Robin Hood finished Fourth Place in the Class C2-1 State Competition in Norfolk. Students receiving State Play Production Outstanding Actor/Actress Awards were: Cathy Shawhan and Luke Partsch. Students receiving District Play Production Outstanding Actor/Actress Awards were: Luke Partsch, Kameron Monahan, Logan Bakula, Catherine Shawhan, Paul Shawhan, Piper Monson, Beau Lee, Renee Box, Alivia Stuhr, Jazmin Rodriguez, Emma Misner, Paige Stones, Aubrey Bando, Samantha Fredrichs, Elizabeth Schnitzer, Kaitlyn Howard, Caleb Howard.
LCC Senior Ashley Baragary has been named a Commended Scholar in the National Merit Scholarship Program. Approximately 1.5 million Juniors take the PSAT/ NMSQT every year and the top 3.3% are recognized as Commended Scholars.
Piper Monson and Luke Partsch of Lourdes Central Catholic were selected to the Nebraska Music Educators Association All-State Ensembles. Luke Partsch (French Horn) was selected for Band and Senior Piper Monson (Soprano) was selected for Choir. This is the third year that both Piper and Luke have been selected to the All-State Ensemble. Selection as a member of one of these groups is one of the highest music honors attainable in Nebraska. 3
HOMECOMING 2018
2018 Homecoming King and Queen King Thomas Carpenter and Queen Karinne Olson
High schools students participate in a week of challenges during homecoming pep rallies, activities, hallway decorating, class flag/banner design, and dress-up days. The Junior Class of 2020 won the coveted Homecoming Spirit Award this year.
Freshmen and Seniors enjoy an afternoon of hallway decorating! (Left) Freshmen Sofia Barrientos and Ruby Bruggeman (daughter of Kaleb and Debbie Lollman ‘97 Bruggeman). (Right) Seniors Jacey Kreifels, Andrew Aldan, Macey Allgood (daughter of Amy Ullsperger ‘98 and Shane Allgood)
Sophomore Class on Dress Up Day
Alumni Brunch 4
HOMECOMING 2018 The rainy weekend dampened our plans, but the Alumni Homecoming Weekend was a great time celebrating our alumni and the 45th anniversary of the 1973 State Championship football team. Alumni and friends joined us on October 5th, 2018 for the Homecoming pep rally, football game, and 5th Quarter social at Table Creek Golf Course after the game. On Saturday, October 6th, alumni enjoyed breakfast and school tours at their alma mater, Lourdes Central Catholic School. Thanks to all who braved the weather and joined us for such a fun-filled weekend.
CLASS OF 1973 Celebrates their Championship Year! Showing off their State Jerseys and reuniting with old friends. It’s always great to be a Knight!
5
FALL HIGHLIGHTS
Volleyball Highlights
Football Highlights
1st Weeping Water Tournament 2nd Axtell Tournament 3rd JCC Tournament 4th Pioneer Conference Tournament nd 2
The Lourdes football team won the District Championship for the 3rd straight season but lost in the first round of State Playoffs.
Sub Districts
Senior Jacey Kreifels ended her volleyball career with over 1000 career set assists and digs. She ended 1st on the record board in digs in a season with 438 (2016), 2nd in ace serves in a season with 65 (2018) and 7th in assists in a season with 588 (2018). On the career board she ended up 1st in digs with 1,240, 4th in ace serves with 152 and 5th in set assists with 1,120. Post season honors: Jacey Kreifels and Elaina Madison – 1st team all conference Ainsley Esser – 3rd team all conference Gina McGowen – all conference honorable mention Jacey Kreifels, Elaina Madison, Ainsley Esser, Emma Heng and Gina McGowen all received All State Honorable Mention in both the Lincoln Journal Star and the Omaha World Herald.
2018 Pioneer All-Conference Football: Damon Honeysuckle (Second Team Offense), Andrew Aldana, Colter Fulton, and Drew Walton (Second Team Defense), Colter Fulton (Honorable Mention Offense) and Aidan Aldana (Honorable Mention Defense). All-State Honorable Mention: Colter Fulton – Lincoln Journal Star & Omaha World Herald Andrew Aldana – Lincoln Journal Star & Omaha World Herald Damon Honeysuckle – Lincoln Journal Star & Omaha World Herald Tyler Tellez -Omaha World Herald Andrew Aldana - D1 1st Team All-State Punter in the McCook Gazette
(Left) Kindergarten-12th grades participated in a school wide food pantry collection for our local Knights of Columbus food pantry. Students collected over 860 items and the team of Kindergarten & 7th Grade won! The Kindergarteners and 7th graders spent the morning together having donuts and juice, talking, and making a puzzle to celebrate. (Right) Addison Kreifels, daughter of Zeb ‘98 and Jodie Kreifels with Cora Krog, daughter of Andrew ‘99 and Lindsay Mayberry ‘99 Krog. 6
ON THE HORIZON THE LOURDES EVENT 2019 On April 6th, 2019 we will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Lourdes Event, “Cheers to 25 Years.” We would love to see our alumni join us for the Lourdes Event! The evening includes a social hour, silent auction, dinner, and grand auction. This fundraiser supports the operations of the school and helps keep tuition affordable for our families. The Lourdes Event is a big undertaking, but with the support of our Lourdes alumni, family and community members we come together each year to create a successful event. Visit www.lourdescentralcatholic.org for more information. We greatly appreciate any donations towards the Event, if you would like to make a monetary donation or have an item, tickets, or timeshare to donate to our silent or live auction, please contact Brooke Chaney at 402-873-6154 or brookechaney@cdolinc.net
March 16, 2019 Alumni Volleyball Tournament Alumni and Friends Trivia Night Check the school website for schedules & registration!
D E D I C AT I O N C E L E B R AT I O N FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2019 You are cordially invited to join us in celebrating † Our Lady of Lourdes Feast Day and † The dedication of the 2011 Capital Campaign Donor Recognition Tree
Visions for a Vibrant and Faith Filled Future 8:00 a.m.
All School Mass at St. Mary's Church celebrated by Bishop James D. Conley
9:00 a.m.
Dedication of Recognition Tree at Lourdes Central Catholic School
Donor reception to follow immediately after the dedication. Please RSVP to brooke-chaney@cdolinc.net if you plan to attend.
7
TRADITIONS We love our Lourdes traditions and thought we’d share a few that you might remember and some that may be new! Elementary families gather in the school parking lot for Trunk or Treat each Halloween hosted by Lourdes Elementary PTO. Families decorate themed trunks and pass out treats to our students in their costumes. (Right) Sofia HargerMora, Kadence and Mia White (daughters of Kory ‘01 and Julia ‘00 Liesemeyer White) Trunk or Treat
Bandcakes! Ms. Gould served bandcakes (pancakes) to the high school band to celebrate the end of marching band season. Grandparents & Grandfriends Day is always a bit hit at Lourdes Central Catholic for our K-5 students and their special guests.
(L-R) Richard ‘74 and Jane Kreifels with granddaughter Quinn; Connie Meyer with granddaughter Mikayla Meyer; Gerald ‘68 and Mary Sue Wigington ‘70 Stukenholtz with grandchildren Sam, Jack, and Gwen. 8
RE-U-KNIGHTED Once a Knight, always a Knight! Alumni get together to reminisce and reconnect. 40 YEAR REUNION! The Class of 1978 gathered over the Memorial Day weekend. Alumni started the weekend with a social hosted in Omaha by Peggy Miller Evans hosted on Friday night. They enjoyed a wine tasting at Kimmel Orchard and Vineyard followed by dinner at Lied Lodge and Conference Center on Saturday, and Mass, breakfast and a tour of Lourdes on Sunday morning.
Class of 1993 25 Years
Class of 1998 20 Years
Class of 2003 15 Years
August 13, 2018 was a gorgeous day for the 5th Annual Alumni Golf Tournament at the Field Club of Omaha. Special thanks to Pete and Kaye Bataillon for organizing this annual fundraiser. The golf tournament raised $2,105 for Lourdes school and was a fun-filled day for the 49 golfers who attended.
Save the date of June 24, 2019 for next year’s Alumni Golf Tournament! 9
A L U M N I U P D AT E S BIRTHS Stephen ’11 & Taylor Wilberger ‘11 Allen welcomed their second daughter, Aubrey Noelle, on November 29, 2018. Jillian Liesemeyer ‘05 Roger & Andrew welcomed a daughter, Wilhelmina Jean, on October 29, 2018. Steven ‘11 & Adrian Stuhr ‘13 Francois welcomed a son, Daniel Mark, on October 4, 2018.
Laura Gawart ‘08 married Cody Samuelson on June 23, 2018. The couple reside in Loomis, NE. Fr. Michael Volkmer, CPPS ’58 celebrated his 50th anniversary of ordination to the priesthood on June 1, 2018! Katelyn Harmel ’13 married Caleb Coon on July 7, 2018. The couple reside in Albia, Iowa. KNIGHT NEWS
Brian ’96 & Amy Gawart ’95 Lowe welcomed a daughter, McKenley Anne, on September 25, 2018.
scarcity and environmental health, and her research focused on the Colorado River Basin. Gina previously graduated from Creighton University in 2014 with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and Environmental Science. Gina is currently involved in a project with The Nature Conservancy, the largest nonprofit environmental group in the world. She is pursuing a career to protect the environment so that nature and humans can peacefully coexist.
Morgan Martinosky ‘06 & Terry Georges welcomed a daughter, Camila Rose, on September 16, 2018. Michael Lollmann ‘05 & Natasha Lollman welcomed a baby girl, Cami Jean, on April 19, 2018. MARRIAGES Andrew Fedoris ‘10 married Madeline DuBois ‘14 on October 13, 2018. The couple reside in Alexandria, VA. Sam Volkmer ‘08 married Adrienne Fox on September 22, 2018. The couple reside in Kansas City, MO. Riannon Jeffrey ‘08 married Justin Simmerman on September 7, 2018. The couple reside in Bellevue, NE. Steven Wirth ‘00 married Lisa Ludwig August 18, 2018. The couple reside in Lincoln, NE. Michael Gude ‘08 married Haley Kreifels ‘12 on August 4, 2018. The couple reside in Omaha, NE.
Rod Kempkes ’83 is the new
Chief Operating Officer at Boys Town. Boys Town has been a national leader in the care and treatment of children since its founding more than 100 years ago by Father Edward Flanagan. As one of the largest nonprofit, nonsectarian child and family care organizations in the country, Boys Town provides compassionate, research-proven treatment for behavioral, emotional and physical problems. Gina Gilson ’10 graduated
from the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom with a Master of Science in Biodiversity, Conservation and Management from the School of Geography and the Environment. She is interested in issues related to water 10
Stephen Allen ’11 is currently
in the anesthesia program at Bryan College of Health Services and will graduate in 2021. Joseph Allen ’13 is continuing
his studies for the priesthood at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia, PA. Sam Heng ’15 graduated
December 15th from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a Bachelors of Marketing & Management. Sam will be working in finance at Offutt AFB.
A L U M N I U P D AT E S Katherine Allen ’16 will grad-
uate in May with a Veterinary Technician degree from Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture in Curtis, NE. She will intern at the Lincoln Children’s Zoo this Spring. Josie Kassube ’18 was elect-
ed to the Augustana Student Association and serves as Secretary of Augustana’s Turning Point USA Chapter. Mason
Lee ’18 was elected Scholastics Chairman for his fraternity at Nebraska Wesleyan University.
ing for all the hearts the Lord will allow us to encounter and for our ability to learn Mandarin! J You can follow Libby on her journeys through her blog, mycrazyjesusstory.wordpress.com We were excited to have Eric Box '14 as a long-term Middle School & High School Math substitute teacher during Mrs. Hein’s maternity leave. Eric graduated with his Mechanical Engineering degree from ISU and is a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Air Force and was able to substitute teach at LCC while waiting to begin pilot training.
(Brittni Watkins and Cloey Allgood)
Lourdes Activities Association hosted a watch parties for alumni Colton Davis ’17 playing football at Nebraska Wesleyan University and Hayden Miller ’17 playing basketball at University of Nebraska Omaha.
Carlos Serna ’18 was elected
Libby Fulton ’17 completed
training in Abbeville, Louisiana with Family Missions Company to be a full-time Catholic foreign missionary. Libby’s placement will be in Tainan City, Taiwan. Libby’s missionary community will be working with Fr. Francis who is a missionary priest from France and has been serving in Taiwan for the last 30 years. Libby asks that you join us in pray-
Secretary of his fraternity’s Executive Board at Nebraska Wesleyan University. Two Lourdes Central Catholic Alumni met each other on the soccer field at their collegiate match up! Brittni Watkins '18 plays for Mount Marty College and Cloey Allgood '17 plays for York College.
KNIGHT SIGHTINGS! Want to share your student/graduate’s accomplishments, updates and news in our Alumni Newsletter and on our social media pages? We want to hear from you! Send your news and photos to brooke-chaney@cdolinc.net. 11
MAY 2018 TO DECEMBER 2018
Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty, my memory, my understanding, and my entire will. All I have and call my own. Whatever I have or hold, you have given me. I restore it all to you and surrender it wholly to be governed by your will Give me only your love and grace and I am rich enough and ask for nothing more. St. Ignatius of Loyola
Dorothy M. (Heng) Funke Passed away on December 23, 2018 Dorothy was born on November 30, 1943 in Nebr. City, NE; the daughter of John E. Heng, Jr. and Coletta K. (Kreifels) Heng. She attended school and graduated from Lourdes Central Catholic Schools with the class of 1961. On November 23, 1963, Dorothy was united in marriage to Thomas F. Funke at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Nebraska City. They were blessed with four children: Deb, Tom, Jeff and Ryan. Dorothy was currently the Librarian at Lourdes Central Catholic School. She began her career at Lourdes in 1991 and served the school in many ways.. Dorothy truly loved Lourdes and was one of the founders of the Lourdes Endowment Dinner which is now celebrating its 25th year as the Lourdes Event Fundraiser. Her efforts and foresight has been a tremendous blessing in keeping our school vibrant and active in the community. Dorothy was very active in the Lourdes Alumni Association and took great care to keep our alumni updated and connected to the school. She served our alumni in the role as school historian. She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Catholic Daughters, and Christian Mothers. A special Mass was offered for Dorothy on January 7th. All students, faculty and staff gathered to pray for the repose of her soul. She will be greatly missed by the Lourdes community .
12
Patricia “Pat” Durr Kleineweber, Class of 1960 Passed away on December 16, 2018. Survivors are her sons; Kevin ‘85 Kleinweber & wife Kim and Terry ’86 Kleinweber & wife Heather. Siblings; Ray Durr ‘58 & wife Nancy, Jeanine Durr ‘59 Blevins & husband Jack, Sharon Durr ’62 Ramold, Carolyn Durr ’69 Morris & husband Tim, and Joe Durr ’78 & wife Sheri. Theresa Hamilton Swarts, Class of 1972 Passed away on October 10, 2018. Survivors are her husband Joe Swarts, step-daughter Alicia Coggins, sister Sandy Hamilton ’67 Keene & husband Lonnie, brothers; Jim Hamilton ’68 & wife Sue, Bob Hamilton ’70 & wife Lori and Chris Hamilton. Kenneth Kreifels, honorary Alumni 1995 Passed away on September 26, 2018. Survivors are his wife Pauline, children; Kathy ’71 Kreifels Gawart & husband John, Tim Kreifels ’72 and wife Jackie, Dick ’74 Kreifels & wife Jane, Mary Kreifels ’78 Vodra & husband John & Pat Kreifels ’79 Mettler & husband Rich, and sister Mildred Kreifels ’43 Schreiter. Janet Gruber Schutte, Class of 1968 Passed away on September 24, 2018. Survivors are her sister Pam Gruber ‘66 Brewer & husband Tom, brother Nick ’71 Gruber & wife Therese. Albert Burger Passed away on September 14, 2018. Survivors are his wife Rose Mary, daughters; Beverly Burger ’69 Bond & friend Jim, Gail Burger ’72 Bond & husband Richard, and LeAnn Burger & friend Pete. Merle Meyer Passed away on September 11, 2018. Survivors are his children; Jody La Montague & husband Dave, Marley Neddenriep & husband Terry, Mark & wife Marlene ‘77 Kreifels Meyer, Steve ’79 Meyer & wife Jodie, and Kris Meyer.
Melvin Gress Passed away on September 2, 2018. Survivors are his children; Sharon Gress ’64 Durr, Jim Gress & wife Carolyn, Sally Gress ’70, and Steve ’78 Gress & wife Chris. Melvin was preceded by his wife Norma Jean Kreifels ’45 Gress. Keith Volkmer, Class of 1958 Passed away on July 18, 2018. Survivors are his wife Marlene, sons; Brian Volkmer, Kent Volkmer & wife Lori, daughters; Coleen Volkmer, Any Borrenpohl & husband John. Brothers; Gary Volkmer ’72 & wife Celeste Wigington Volkmer ‘72, Lee Volkmer & wife Mary Jean, sisters; Sister Veronica Volkmer ’53, Marlene Volkmer ‘59 Ricketts & husband Joe ‘59, Mary Ann Volkmer ’62 Waller, and Kathy Volkmer ’66 Camby & husband Shu. Mary Madsen Pichler, Class of 1970 Passed away on July 16, 2018. Survivors are her daughter Christina Wendt & husband Ernie, mother Marge Madsen, siblings; Betty ’67 Headley & husband Mike, Jane ’68 Pereski & husband Mitch, Jean ’76 Kreikemeier & husband Jim. Mary was preceded in death by her son John Pichler and her father Ray Madsen. Norma Jean Kreifels Gress, Class of 1945 Passed away on July 3, 2018. Survivors are her husband Melvin, children; Sharon Gress ’64 Durr, Jim Gress & wife Carolyn, Sally Gress ’70 McElroy, and Steve Gress ‘78 & wife Chris. Mike Harney, Class of 1972 Passed away on June 27, 2018. Survivors are his mother Doris Harney, siblings; Harry Harney & wife Sherri, Janet Harney ’77 Purdy & husband John, and Ann Harney Mead. Jacqueline “Jackie” Schwartz Crozier, Class of 1949 Passed away on May 15, 2018.
Each year at our All School Mass to celebrate All Souls Day, we pray in a special way for our Lourdes Family. Names of all our alumni, family of alumni, and family of our students, faculty and staff who have passed away are written on a scroll that is displayed down the aisle at St. Mary’s Catholic Church and the names of those who have passed in the last year are read during our prayer intentions.
13
ANNUAL APPEAL Be strong and steadfast! Do not fear nor be dismayed, for the LORD, your God, is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9 Over the past two years our annual appeal has raised $509,000 in support of Lourdes Central Catholic School. We are forever grateful for your continued stewardship. The 2018-2019 fiscal year is underway and our appeal goal is set at $300,000. Over the coming weeks you will be receiving additional information on ways you can participate. We will be featuring a matching gift program, an alumni class competition, and an expanded social media push. Some factors affecting our goal this year include an increase in tuition assistance, increases in teacher salaries commensurate with the salaries at local public schools, and overall inflation costs to operate the overall school programs and facilities. ANY GIFT LARGE OR SMALL IS GREATLY APPRECIATED.! Our hope is for 100% participation. If you have any questions or need additional information, contact Patrice Wulf at patrice-wulf@cdolinc.net.
LEGACY SOCIETY The Legacy Society is growing! Thank you to all those who have remembered us and the future needs of the school. You are our most valuable and vital resource. Whether it’s your time, talents, or treasure, every contribution is significant. If you have considered a planned gift to Lourdes, please fill out the form on the following page. You will be recognized as part of our Lourdes Legacy Society and be planting the seed that touches the souls of young people for generations to come. Please use the Planned Giving Information Form to let us know if you’d like more information or if you have already made a planned gift to Lourdes Central Catholic School.
14
Tim and Brenda Baumann Joe and Brooke Chaney Mary Conley Laurence and Sally DuBois Dotti Easter Adam and Stephanie Eppert Jerry and Patti Gress Marian Henderson Jason and Jaclyn Kreifels Ken and Pauline Kreifels Melvin and Lila Kreifels Michael and Natasha Lollman Fr. Michael G. McCabe Suzanne Schonberner Kurt Schreiter Duane and Shelli Stuhr Gerald and Mary Sue Stukenholtz Leland and Joyce Turner Michael Wheeler Tom and Carole Winscott Jerry and Susan Wirth Bob and Patrice Wulf
15
Lourdes Central Catholic School 412 2nd Avenue Nebraska City, NE 68410
NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE
PAID NEBRASKA CITY, NE 68410 PERMIT #9
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
Alumni Updates Have you moved? Do you have news? Would you like to receive the Alumni Newsletter via email? Let us know by filling out the information below and returning it to the school at the address shown above or by emailing Brooke Chaney at brooke-chaney@cdolinc.net. Alumnus Name: ____________________________________________________________ Alumnus Maiden Name: ____________________________Graduation Year: ___________ Address: __________________________________________________________________
Telephone: ________________________ Email: _________________________________ News:
www.lourdescentralcatholic.org 16