2023 Spring/Summer Re-U-Knight-er

THE MAGNIFICENT FeatureStory

ALUMNI HALL OF FAME 2023 INDUCTEES

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF AN O’GORMAN STUDENT

THE LORANG’S RETIRING AFTER 49 YEARS

2023 CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK

O’Gorman - Cathedral

Alumni Hall of Fame

SAVE THE DATE!

O’Gorman Homecoming Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

Friday, September 29, 2023

We are pleased to present this year’s inductees for our 2023 Hall of Fame who will be honored during Homecoming festivities on September 29th. Tickets for the induction luncheon can be purchased through the Development Office or by calling 605-575-3391.

10:30AM - Mass and Introductions

Dr. Tom and Penny Lorang Theatre (OGHS Performing Arts Center)

12:30PM - Hall of Fame Induction Luncheon

Minnehaha Country Club

Tickets $25 (includes reserved seating at the lunch)

3:30PM - Tour

O’Gorman High School

5:00PM - Homecoming Football Game

OGHS McEneaney Field

- OUR 2023 INDUCTEES -

Athletics Hall of Fame:

Dave Alpers Jr. ‘92

Mallory (Peck) Cicmanec ‘05

2002 Volleyball Team

Arts Hall of Fame: Kevin King ‘69

Gary Siska - O’Gorman Art Teacher

Service Hall of Fame: James (Jim) Clark ‘68

THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN

The Magnificent 7. When most people hear this phrase, multiple movies come to mind about seven men who are brought together to protect a community. This isn’t far from the truth when it comes to the men who we call The Magnificent 7. After four years of no priest ordinations, these seven men were ordained into the priesthood together protecting not only our community, but our souls.

We had the privilege to sit down with five of the seven magnificent priests, discover their call to the priesthood, understand their connections to O’Gorman, and gain insight to the need and hope for the future. Let us introduce you to the incredible ordination class of 1976: Father Thomas Heck, Father Michael Kelly, Father John Lantsberger, Father Michael Wensing, Father James Zimmer, Father Kenneth Koster, and Archbishop Thomas Gullickson.

A few priests spoke about their call to the priesthood where freedom of decision was a huge factor. Fr. Tom Heck remembers being attracted to the priesthood around fourth grade. His parents were supportive, but not encouraging. They dropped him off at the Minor Seminary, which resided in the current O’Gorman Junior High building, and told him, “We’ll pick you up when you change your mind.” “That was the freedom I needed, I wasn’t doing it for them,” he recalls. Fr. John Lantsberger’s call to the priesthood started very early for him as well. His family was

FR. MICHAEL WENSING

FR. MICHAEL KELLY

FR. JOHN LANTSBERGER

FR. JAMES ZIMMER

FR. THOMAS HECK FR. KENNETH KOSTER ABP. THOMAS GULLICKSON

very supportive and faith-filled which planted a seed that had some space to grow and flourish. His parents told him he didn’t have to go to seminary if he thought he would be homesick. With this, he says he was given the freedom to make his own decision. Fr. Zimmer’s parents supported his exploration of the priesthood, but never pressured him. “What they wanted most was for me to be happy, to make a contribution to the world,” he recalls. Throughout his whole journey, he says, “I’ve felt pressured when I focus on myself - how I’m doing, am I meeting people’s expectations? That makes one burdened. When I notice the face of God and wonder at the beauty and mystery of life, I am free.”

Beyond seminary, a few of these priests have deeper ties to O’G. Fr. Heck, Fr. Wensing, Fr. Lantsberger, and Archbishop Gullickson all taught Religion at O’Gorman High School after they were ordained. Fr. Zimmer would hear confessions and offer Mass from time to time. Archbishop Gullickson taught Latin. Even though Fr. Kelly did not graduate from O’Gorman seminary, as it wasn’t open yet, he took a two-year break from seminary to teach and coach at O’Gorman High School. You’d be hard pressed to find a sporting event at O’G where Fr. Kelly is not in attendance. He blames Monsignor McEneaney who told him that’s where the people are and where his presence is needed. “Go to the events! They ask for you when you are not there!” When Fr. Kelly retired in 2019, he moved to Sioux Falls because of his connection with O’Gorman, the staff and faculty. Laughing, he says, “This is a little bit of a confession…before retirement, the church dictated my schedule and when I could be at sporting events

and now, sporting events MAY dictate my church schedule!” Fr. Kelly is at as many sporting events as possible including traveling with the teams and is usually seen with his sidekick, Fr. Cimpl.

The Magnificent 7 all retired during COVID-19 which made the adjustment to being alone during retirement more difficult. Now that the world is back to normal, most are finding a good balance of spending time with family and filling in for priests at various Masses. Archbishop Gullickson says, “One of the hardest parts of retirement is that I’ve had to learn to say no to all the substitution requests in Sioux Falls because there are so many opportunities to say yes.” Fr. Heck retired in Florida, where he had been a priest the last 18 years of active assignment, working with funeral homes by helping those who have fallen away from their Catholic faith. He has found that when people lose those they love, they are searching for their faith to cope during those difficult times. He says, “I find it enriching to let those families know that they can still be part of the church.” Fr. Zimmer comments that, “It’s strange being a ‘retired’ priest, because I am always and forever a priest.” However, he is loving living on the farm in Humboldt where he grew up. Fr. Koster has finally returned to the family acreage to be closer to his sisters. “I love spending my weekdays at home and my weekends filling in at the parishes. It’s a perfect balance for me.”

Before their ordination in 1976, there was concern going four years without an ordination even with 150 active priests. In 2023, two years without an ordination, we have 81 active priests and 24 retired priests, and in ten years, it will be even less. We can relate to this concern and true need of growth with the structural and pastoral planning process, called “Set Ablaze”, happening right now in the Diocese of Sioux Falls. As a priest today, you are the superintendent, administrator, CFO, development director, and plant manager. The hope is that “Set Ablaze” will allow priests to be freed of these extra duties so they can be more present to families. As a group, they were all in agreement with Fr. Heck, “What

Fr. Kelly

What attracted us to the priesthood was not what the priesthood was really about, but the personal presence of a priest!

- Fr. Heck

“

attracted us to the priesthood was not what the priesthood was really about, but the personal presence of a priest!” Fr. Koster remembers the nuns being a huge influence on him as young as elementary school. Several priests and nuns at O’Gorman were their teachers when they were in seminary. There were enough priests at that time to also be on faculty at the school so students had that every day presence. Early in their teaching careers at O’Gorman, they recall having as many as four daily Masses in the high school.

There’s a strong desire at Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools to do our part in helping with this mission of growth and the presence of priests, sisters, and brothers in our schools is a big part of that. The Magnificent 7 are firm believers that having priests in the schools help make priesthood more attractive to the kids. Fr. Kelly said, “It allows them to see that a priest can live a normal life. Religious life in the schools can also make an impact on the kids and it helps our credibility grow with the parents and staff when they see that a priest is doing some of the same things that teachers are doing.”

Fr. Kelly gave an example of how Fr. Doty at St. Mary Parish would go to lunch and stand at the front of the line so he could get to know the kids by name. He would attend different activities and play the trumpet at basketball games with the band. “I can imagine some of the kids are saying, I want to be like him. He’s having fun!” The Magnificent 7 see priests play basketball, soccer, and other sports with students as well as help coach. Priests are playing out on the playground with the elementary kids during recess and visiting classrooms throughout the day. Fr. Wensing shares a personal story about presence and its effect on students. A senior volleyball player told him that once she was confirmed, “that was it.” She said she wasn’t going to continue to go to catechism. After seeing Fr. Wensing attend a couple volleyball games, she said to him, “If you can come to volleyball, then I can spend one hour a week at catechism.”

Fr. Lantsberger reminded us that it’s not just the school’s job to help students grow spiritually, “Presence is important in the schools but it must be connected to the parish life through families.” Archbishop Gullickson shares how the family needs to be the foundation to our Catholic faith. “We see students going to Mass at school but not always on the weekend. This is causing kids to fall away. We have to keep these things connected. Parents have to get their kids to church on the weekend to build real faith…Whether the kids are going to persevere in their faith or fall away depends an awful lot on the parents. If there’s not a witness of faith at home, if there’s not belief, it’s just not going to happen.”

Fr. Wensing Archbishop Gullickson

Fr. Heck

Presence is important in the schools but it must be connected to the parish life through families.

“

Small things can make large impressions when it comes to faith. The Magnificent 7 share what their families did growing up that had a lasting effect on their faith life. Fr. Lantsberger’s father would tip his hat to the church every time they drove by on main street in Watertown in acknowledgment of the Eucharist; Fr. Heck’s family would make the sign of the cross each time they passed the church; Fr. Wensing’s family would stop to light a candle. Fr. Heck adds, “Priests can be present and that’s great, but it’s not all about us encouraging vocations. It’s really the role of the laity (parents), which they share with the priests.”

We asked The Magnificent 7 how we can encourage people to follow the calling to priesthood or religious life. Their response was unanimous. If you are on the fence about whether or not religious life is for you, even the slightest thought, they would tell you to “come and see” as that’s what Jesus said to the apostles. “The human aspect is very valuable, but ultimately it is the grace of God,” says Archbishop Gullickson. With the internet and other distractions being so powerful, grace has to be more powerful now than it has ever been. “That’s what makes grace so astounding,” adds Fr. Wensing.

The Magnificent 7 recognizes that it’s taking more time for students to develop their faith life and decide their future and that’s why continued presence of the religious orders in our students’ lives is so important. Some kids attend church regularly, some are active and are participating in prayer services and scripture studies, others are putting time and effort into service. Each student expresses their faith differently. Fr. Wensing recalls a friend telling him that the back pew in church wasn’t far enough away and now he’s a priest. He says, “You never know when that flip is going to happen.” Fr. Kelly reminds us that, “We can trust that God has given young people the gift of faith at all different levels. Put trust in God that your children will get there.”

Fr. Koster sums it up perfectly when he says, “I can proudly say, we did what was needed from us. Just a group of young men, from priests to Archbishops, we were pretty extraordinary! We are so lucky to be Catholics!”

FR. MICHAEL WENSING

FR. MICHAEL KELLY

FR. JOHN LANTSBERGER FR. JAMES ZIMMER

FR. THOMAS HECK FR. KENNETH KOSTER ABP. THOMAS GULLICKSON

In ONE day, we raised

GO GIVE O’G Day is an opportunity for us to show our gratitude and to give back to help those that desire the same Catholic education we were all fortunate enough to receive. Currently 40% of students at Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools receive tuition assistance.

Together, as an alumni community, you recognized the value of your high school education and experience and now are helping families to send their children to Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools! The memories and joy you communicated through your donation is astounding: donating to honor family members who made the sacrifice to send you to a Catholic school, recognizing the sacrifice others made so tuition was affordable for your family, and donating for future generations of Knights. We are all lucky and proud to be part of the Cathedral and O’Gorman alumni community.

Beloved teacher, Leo Lorang, made “one last appeal before riding off into the sunset” for this year’s Go Give O’G. See the video he made helping us hit our $50K in one day!

Congratulations to the 1990’s on winning the Decade Challenge! The 1990’s had the highest participation in donating and will hold the record until next year! 1990’s

We encourage you to watch this powerful video from Val Hickner, O’G class of ‘68. Val explains what it truly means to attend O’Gorman and the community we have here.

Both east and west side Dunn Brothers Coffee in Sioux Falls donated 25% of their proceeds for the day on May 1st to Go Give O’G Day of Giving!

Listen to Levi Pole’s, O’G class of ‘06, wonderful testimony to Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools! We love our Knight COMMUNITY!

Make sure to join the O’Gorman High School Alumni Facebook page to stay up to date on what’s going on in the O’G community!

www.facebook.com/groups/OGHSAlumni

Catholic Schools Week

“God made us in His own image and likeness, and the gift of being in a Catholic school is we can talk about that reality. And not just talk about it, we can take time to pray and to study how to be a really virtuous person.”

- Most Reverend Bishop Donald E. DeGrood

In September of 2022, the schools introduced the Disciple of Christ, Education in Virtue Program, produced by the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist. This program has been a huge part of the students’ daily curriculum and what better way to show that than to bring it into the All School Mass during Catholic Schools Week (CSW). The annual All Schools Mass was celebrated in Sioux Falls on Friday, February 3rd after a week full of CSW festivities. It was beautiful to see the students from each grade and each school bring banners to place on the alter during the procession.

Most Reverend Bishop Donald E. DeGrood, of course, did the annual “roll call” tradition, allowing students from each school to show their school spirit. Then he shared with the kids the gift of being in a Catholic school in his homily, “God made us in His own image and likeness, and the gift of being in a Catholic school is we can talk about that reality. And not just talk about it, we can take time to pray and to study how to be a really virtuous person.” Bishop DeGrood shared that when we grow in virtues, it helps us to realize that there is something better out there. We can then seek what is good for others, not ourselves.

Throughout CSW, our six elementary schools, the junior high, and the high school each participated in service days, themed dress down days, and special events. Each day marked a celebration for different aspects of Catholic schools including: parish, community, students, our nation, vocations, family, faculty, staff, and volunteers.

St. Lambert Elementary had a Catholic Schools Week Variety Show.

St. Mary Elementary students kicked off Catholic Schools Week with a service project; making bundles of baby items for the Alpha Center.

Sixth Graders at Holy Spirit Elementary participated in the sixth grade vs. teachers and staff volleyball matches.

To celebrate Excellence in Service, St. Katharine Drexel Elementary students showed their support for our troops overseas by praying a Decade of the Rosary, making cards of encouragement and gratitude, and donating $2 for care packages.

5 6

Christ the King Elementary hosted a vocations panel for students to ask Sister Lynn and Father Sampson questions.

O’Gorman Junior High celebrated the end of Catholic Schools Week with a Game Day, including dribbling a basketball backward on a scooter!

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CSW allows us to take the time to highlight what makes our schools so unique. We are so grateful to our Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools community for all they do to make our schools such an amazing place to be. 1 2 3 4

2 4 7

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RELIGIOUS SPOTLIGHT

Father Tyler Mattson

A new feature to the Re-U-Knight-er is the Religious Spotlight. We are showcasing some of our beloved alumni who have answered God’s call to the religious life. Please take a moment to read up on some fun history of what attending O’Gorman High School was like for each of them. This issue, we are featuring Father Tyler Mattson, O’G class of 2009, who will be assigned in July of 2023 as the Parochial Vicar of St. Katharine Drexel, Sioux Falls; St. Nicholas, Tea; St. Magdalen, Lennox; and St. Christina, Parker.

What are some hobbies you enjoy in your free time? I love to go to the gym, take my dog for walks, read, write, and go trap shooting with family.

What activities/sports were you involved in at O’G? I was 100% a band geek. My favorite activity was Marching Band and most of the friends I made grew out of my band experience.

What is your favorite high school memory? I think my favorite memory was the many memories I made through Marching Band. I have so many fond memories of band camp, practices, and competitions.

What teacher inspired you the most? I had a theology teacher named Mr. Schaefer. He was the first person to introduce me into the wonderful world of philosophy. For the first time, I was invited to think about how I think! He really showed an interest in his students and allowed us to ask difficult questions.

What was your favorite cafeteria food in high school? My favorite food was probably the classic square slices of pizza. Those never got old!

What was the uniform policy when you attended O’Gorman High School? It was the classic khakis and polo shirts.

Favorite place you have traveled to? I love Jerusalem. I have been blessed to go to Jerusalem twice and I would go back right now if you gave me a ticket! It is such a spiritually powerful city. There is a lot of strife in Jerusalem in the midst of the holy sites. Yet, you can still feel the presence of Jesus who walked those streets.

How did you get your call to priesthood? When I was a junior at O’Gorman, all my friends started to talk about what they wanted to do after high school. Some wanted to be doctors, lawyers, etc... I remember thinking that I had no idea what I wanted to do after high school. I was not particularly interested in any one subject. It was in this place of uncertainty that I heard a clear, soft voice in my heart say, “Be a priest.” I had never thought about a priest before! But after I heard this clear voice inviting me to be a priest, I started to explore what that meant and to pray more consistently. One thing led to another and here I am!

If you could spend a day with anyone from history (besides Jesus), who would it be and why? Besides Jesus, my life has been influenced the most by Chiara Lubich. She founded a movement in the Catholic Church called Focolare. She had an absolutely incredible life and such a beautiful faith. I would love to pick her brain and just watch how she lived for a day.

Tell us a little about your family. My parents sacrificed so much so my siblings and I could attend Catholic schools. I am so grateful! I have two older brothers and they both attended O’Gorman as well. Now we all live in the Sioux Falls area. Did you attend one of the Catholic elementary schools in Sioux Falls? Which one? I attended Christ the King Elementary.

Contact the Foundation at 605-575-3343 or foundation@ogknights.org with any questions or for sponsorship opportunities.

All funds raised will support the Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools Foundation operations.

A big THANK YOU to all individual donors, participating restaurants and matching gift donors (Paul & Mary Ellen Connelly, Evan & Kristin Hermanson, Jim & Megan Jarding and an Anonymous Alumna & Spouse) for your incredible generosity throughout our Tuesday for Teachers campaign! We can’t thank our community enough for another RECORD-BREAKING year of supporting our teachers and staff! Thanks to the generous support from community members, like yourself, we are able to help provide competitive compensation to all Bishop O’Gorman Catholic School teachers and staff. We couldn’t have done it without YOU! Join us again for Tuesdays 4 Teachers every Tuesday of November 2023.

Protect Your Loved Ones and Create Your Legacy

We all desire significance, but what kind of legacy do you want to leave?

By Nicole R. Bruning, MBA, CFRE Executive Director Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools Foundation

For many of us, there is a longing, even a feeling of being called, to make a difference with our lives. This leads us to think about what we will leave behind after we are gone. A current estate plan, also known as a will, is vital to making sure your final wishes are carried out, your loved ones are protected, and the charities that are important to you are remembered. In short, an estate plan can help you leave a lasting personal legacy for future generations.

While estate planning is important for people from all walks of life, it is estimated that 60% of adults do not have a current will. There are several factors why people put off this important, but often neglected task. Death is an uncomfortable topic; many tend to avoid thinking about it all together. Others believe planning for the future is a time-consuming, expensive process that is only necessary for wealthy individuals. Still others are unsure about how to even begin the process. Unfortunately, failing to plan can have some serious and unintended consequences.

An absence of a will can mean accidentally disinheriting those you love and the causes that are special to you. Without an estate plan, depending on your state’s intestate succession laws, you essentially surrender control of your assets and the care of your children and medical decisions made on your behalf. This places a tremendous burden on your loved ones during a difficult time. Often the courts will intervene to determine who gets your property, which is typically a long and costly process. It is important to give yourself and your family the comfort of knowing your personal affairs, including medical decisions and final wishes, are in order.

The good news is that protecting your loved ones and creating your legacy is easier than you think. Creating a plan is less about form and procedure and more about considering all the people and charities that are important to you. In fact, a well-written will can be just a couple of pages long. In addition to unparalleled peace of mind, creating your plan provides advantages that begin now and continue forever.

Here are some of the many ways a plan can benefit you and your loved ones:

• You can avoid or limit taxes for your heirs

• You can include healthcare and end-of-life instructions so if you cannot speak for yourself, others will clearly know your wishes

• You can appoint a guardian to care for your minor children

• You can live every day knowing the good works you do today with continue tomorrow

At the Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools Foundation, we offer a variety of free tools and resources to assist you with the estate planning process. Our planned giving website, www.BishopOGLegacy.org, provides

a wealth of information including a downloadable estate-planning guide, planned giving calculators, personal gift illustrations, regularly updated articles, engaging videos, and more.

While confronting our own mortality can be overwhelming, it is prudent for all of us to plan for the inevitable. Estate planning can be intimidating at first, but seeking out trustworthy resources through an estate planner, attorney or organization such as the Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools Foundation can help you get the ball rolling. With simple preparation, you can ensure your values and your lifetime’s work create a legacy that lasts for generations.

We are also hosting a free virtual estate-planning seminar on Wednesday, August 2nd at 12 pm which will feature representatives from PhilanthroCorp, a nationally recognized Christian will and estate-planning firm. During this lunch-and-learn session, we’ll talk more about the estate planning process and the free resources available through the Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools Foundation. Register for the no-obligation seminar at https://shorturl.at/bPQTX

“...We thought that this would be an overwhelming process. There were many things that we had not previously considered, and it was important that we had time to discuss and agree upon our wishes. PhilanthroCorp provided a very reasonable timeline and excellent tools to get this accomplished...”

Mark and Jenni, Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools parents and PhilanthroCorp clients

KNIGHT NOTES

Lenten Service

Christ the King Elementary fourth graders went to the Bishop Dudley Hospitality House. They served a pizza lunch to the guests, decorated cards, and toured the facility. It was a great experience for this Lenten Season!

Let’s Glow Spring Dance

St. Katharine Drexel Elementary students and their families had the opportunity to attend the first ever SFO event: Let’s Glow Spring Dance! Music, popcorn, face painting, and glow sticks were a huge hit!

Working Out with the Mayor

St. Mary Elementary students took part in a workout with the Mayor. Donated to the Extravaganza 2023 silent auction, Mayor TenHaken visited the school and taught the students simple exercises they can do at home.

Pioneer Day

St. Michael Elementary third graders enjoyed a day of pioneer life with candle dipping, churning butter, making hard candy, square dancing, and dressing the part! What a memorable day!

Water Festival

St. Lambert Elementary fourth graders had a lot of fun at the Sioux Empire Water Festival. Students learned about the water cycle through a variety of hands on learning experiences!

Lights, Sirens, Donuts

One of the Extravaganza silent auction items included Lights, Sirens & Donuts. For this experience, the Sioux Falls Police delivered donuts to the fourth grade class at Holy Spirit Elementary! Not only did the class enjoy a special treat, but the whole class had the opportunity to talk to the officer, check out the patrol car, and test their speed with a radar detector.

Throughout the 2022-2023 school year, the Pro Ecclesia Sancta (PES) Sisters spent time at each of the six elementary schools and with each grade level. The topics varied for Kindergarten through sixth grade and included: Advent, Lent, First Reconciliation, Blessed Carlo Acutis Relic, and retreats.

What’s up at

O’G WRESTING

SPRING MUSICAL

Congratulations to the wrestling team on a great season! Sophomores Keenan Sheridan and Holden Hight placed 2nd and 7th respectively at the State Tournament held in Rapid City, South Dakota.

The drama department produced their Spring Musical: Footloose as the last performance of the 2022-2023 school year.

This year is the first season for softball as a high school sanctioned sport! We are excited to watch and support our student athletes this season!

EASTERN SOUTH DAKOTA SCIENCE FAIR AWARDS

COGNIA AWARD

Owen Watson won the Regeneron Biomedical Science Award with a $375 cash prize. He also placed first in the Behavioral and Social Science Division, earned the top prize in the senior division, $100 cash prize, and an all-expenses-paid trip to the International Science and Engineering Fair in Dallas, TX.

Sydney Anel won the SDSU College of Education and Human Sciences Award with a $50 cash prize. She also placed second in the Microbiology/Cellular and Molecular Biology Senior Division.

NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY

Shannon Vogler, the Director of the Midwest Region for Cognia, presented OGHS with the School of Distinction Award! The award recognizes schools who excel in their implementation of highquality learning, organizational effectiveness, and a commitment to improvement!

COACH KOLSRUD’S 400TH WIN

Congrats to Coach Kolsrud on his 400th win accomplished this season! This was Kolsrud’s 25th year at O’Gorman with 19 state tournaments, 12 semi-finals, 2 state championships, and 1 undefeated season!

Congratulations to the students that were inducted into the National Honor Society this year at O’Gorman High School!

ONE ACT

O’G hosted the State One Act competition where they presented The Pirates of Penzance! The show was funny, entertaining, and very well done!

STATE CHAMPIONS

STATE RECORDS

ATTENDANCE MATTERS

HOLY HOOPS

Attendance Matters: Every Student. Every Day. Thanks to Sioux Falls Ford, Tiegen Crow was awarded a two-year lease on a brand new Ford Bronco Sport for earning the grand prize of our attendance incentive!

Holy Hoops did not disappoint! In dramatic fashion, the seniors outlasted the priests in a game for the ages and won 43-42 . Thank you to all who helped, participated, attended, and contributed! The $12,000 that was raised supports tuition assistance and the Diocese Seminarians.

Maeve Boetel and Audrey Meyer placed 1st and 2nd in the AllAround at the State Meet!

Maeve set an All-Time state record in the Vault and Audrey set an AllTime state record on the Floor.

What’s up at JuniorHigh

TRACK RECORDS BROKEN

8th Grade School Records Broken

400 Meter Relay and 800 Meter Medley Relay

(broke the records that were set in 2005 and 2021): Andrew Tamisiea, Brady Majeres, Carter Majeres, and Isaac Myers

800 Meter Relay

(broke the record that was set in 2007): Isaac Myers, Andrew Tamisiea, Nicholas Simon, and Caden Bowers

Discus (broke the record set in 2011): Rylan Cody

7th Grade Metro Records Broken 800 Meter Medley

(broke the record set in 2018): Charlie Longo, Weston Satter, Tanner Charron, and Braxton Keppen

1600 Meter Relay

(broke the record set in 2004): Weston Satter, Paxton Fuhrer, Braxton Keppen, and Tanner Charron

WORLD BAREFOOT CHAMPIONSHIPS

FREE LITTLE ART GALLERY

8th grade student, Amara Bruns, is on the US Junior World’s Team and has made her way to Australia for the World Barefoot Championships. Amara enters the competition ranked 1st in the world for junior girls in every barefoot waterskiing event and overall.

OGJH Art Club opened a Free Little Art Gallery at Eastbank Art Gallery in downtown Sioux Falls. The tiny gallery is a space to make art, take art, and love art with the community.

A Day in the Life of an O’GORMAN Student

By Macee Bortnem

Have you ever wondered what an average day was like for a student in high school? Many people know that the life of a teenager is crazy busy, but not many know the full extent.

day. The first couple of things I do are pick out clothes, brush my teeth, let my dog outside, and fill his food and water. I like to do my makeup and hair while listening to a podcast. One of my favorites right now is called Teacher’s Off Duty– a podcast that reveals the highs and lows of teaching. I’ll be all ready by 6:30-6:45 AM depending on the day.

On my way to school, I eat a granola bar or fruit for breakfast and play recordings of music that I am currently learning or finish the podcast from earlier in the morning. Often, when I have to be at the school early for a meeting or rehearsal, I will stop and get a coffee. Since I am the president of Educators Rising, I am at the school by 7:00-7:10 AM to get everything ready for those meetings at 7:20 AM.

My name is Macee Bortnem and I am currently a junior at O’Gorman High School. My life is consumed by school and extracurricular activities; but everything I do, I do because it makes me extremely happy. The activities I choose to partake in are due to my passion for the arts. A few of the different activities include show choir, chamber choir, theater, campus ministry, and Educators Rising. Educators Rising is a club here at O’G in which students who strive to be future educators can visit colleges, complete projects, and compete in state and national competitions to learn more about the education field. I am currently the president of this group and have a strong passion to be an educator and to love students how my teachers have loved me. There are many other activities that I am involved in and would love to show you what an average day in my life looks like.

My morning routine actually starts the night before. I move my backpack and music bag to the corner near my door and get those things ready. This includes checking to make sure all of my music is put back into the bag to use the next day as well as plugging in my chromebook to get a full charge overnight. Depending on the activities that I have the next day, I will also pack a tote bag with a change of clothes, a snack, and other miscellaneous items. To close the night at around 10:30 PM, I do my nightly routine, set my alarm for 6:00 AM, and get to sleep.

I normally get up bright and early before the sun is even out–this is the time for myself before I go through a fully booked

At 8:05 AM, first period starts, which for me is Personal Finance. Second period is AP Music Theory. This class is challenging but it’s giving me a good jump into college as I want to have a career as a high school chorus teacher. I then move to Morality for third period. I love learning about all aspects of my faith and having a daily theology class is such a cool opportunity. I squeeze three activities into my fourth period. I start out in a class for Ovation! (the varsity show choir at O’Gorman High School) for 4A which is about 23 minutes. There we polish music for the show that we have been working on since August. I leave that class five to seven minutes early to eat lunch before I have to be at the next class, Chamber Choir, a sixteen-person auditioned ensemble that meets 4B to rehearse music for gigs around the city. Since the director is the same for both ensembles, he allows the people in this choir to be a few minutes late to that rehearsal. A lunch of about 10-14 minutes squeezes into this period as well.

My afternoon starts with fifth period, English. Then I move on to sixth and seventh periods– Physics and Algebra. I end the day with eighth period which is Concert Choir, the auditioned large advanced ensemble. It is my favorite part of the school day. I love learning and making music with the people around me and sharing our passions with each other. This is a really great experience for me in my plans to pursue a career in music. I have fun and learn about music but also about teaching skills and needs. Eighth period is the last of the day and we get dismissed at 3:20 PM.

Second period is AP Music Theory. This class is challenging but it’s giving me a good jump into college as I want to have a career as a high school chorus teacher.

The end of the school day is not the end of my day. I have a break of about 10-20 minutes to change into comfy clothes and grab a quick snack before I have to be at rehearsal.

I have been in eight different shows at O’Gorman (earliest to latest: Peril on the High Seas; student director – The Wizard of Oz; Poppy and Tornado – The Perfect Ending; Political Activist – Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat; Gad’s ife – Play On; Polly/ Lady Margaret – James and the Giant Peach; Aunt Sponge and student director – The Pirates of Penzance; Mabel – Footloose; Vi Moore). Theater is one of my favorite things that I am involved in. I tried it out for the first time as a sophomore and instantly fell in love. I had to learn how to be comfortable outside of my box but it is so worth it. If I had advice for anyone who was thinking about joining something new, just do it! There is no harm in trying and if you end up not enjoying it, then you’ve learned that about yourself. It is better to audition and then have to say no to your role than not auditioning and wishing you could be in the show. Also, if acting is not your forte but you are interested in being involved there are technical and costuming teams that help create the show as well. I know so many people in both of those that absolutely love it! Theater is so amazing and there is something for everyone!

On Thursdays, I have Ovation! rehearsal from 6-9 PM, so my activities are booked back-to-back. I usually have a 30-45 minutes break in between to go and grab supper with a few friends who

are also involved in both activities. There are so many students in the arts that are in many activities so directors are very kind and understanding with time management. Ovation! is like its own separate world where besides school, you eat, sleep, and breathe show choir. Auditions for the next year take place at the end of March, and the season runs from early August to the beginning of March. Competition season is the climax of the entire show choir season. Teams travel all around to compete to win huge trophies. Competitions normally run for 14 hours before packing everything back up and returning home. This year has been a good one for Ovation!. The theme of On The Run, with inspiration from Bonnie and Clyde, tells the story of two renegades running from the law. We placed at every competition, brought home many trophies, and built great connections with each other. Show choir is one of my favorite things alongside theater and I cannot wait until I can be a director of a show choir someday.

After Ovation! at around 9:15 PM, we can pack up and head home for the night. I enjoy my drive home on the dark quiet streets. It’s my time to decompress, be thankful for the day, and enjoy some peace.

When I get home, I grab a snack and some water to hydrate, unload all of my stuff, take a shower, and then work on any extra homework that I may have had from the day. I usually don’t have a ton of homework as I try to work diligently in school to get my assignments done. At night, it’s hard to focus and complete something well when I am craving sleep. Then I just start back over at the top in preparation for the new day ahead of me.

The table below represents what an average week looked like for me this past February. The activities in the parentheses are activities that are less frequent than the others. Innovation is the junior high show choir which I help student direct.

Meet the New Principal of St. Michael Elementary Teresa Hulscher

This is Teresa Hulscher’s first year not only at St. Michael Elementary, but also the whole Bishop O’Gorman Catholic School community. We are blessed to have her as a part of our team and she is already loved by so many of the students. Mrs. Hulscher took the time to answer a few questions about her first year as the St. Michael Elementary Principal.

Can you give us a short glimpse of your background in education? Prior to becoming an administrator, I was a fourth grade teacher in Flandreau for thirteen years. From 2008-2022, I was the Elementary Principal and Special Education Director for the Garretson School District. This is my first year at St. Michael!

How did you hear about the principal opening at St. Michael Elementary? I was seeking a change, but didn’t necessarily want to go to another public school. I signed up to receive job notifications from Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools and also had a friend notify me that a position was open.

What attracted you to the role of the St. Michael Elementary Principal or an Elementary Principal in general? The opportunity to share my faith in my work with children. When working in the public system, I felt like I was cheating kids when I couldn’t help them see the bigger picture of the most important piece of their formation - a relationship with God. Educators are tasked with developing the whole child and when not able to help them develop spiritually, it’s difficult to do that well.

How has your transition been from a public school system to a private school system? I came from small districts with few administrators who operated together under one roof. I continue to learn the larger Bishop O’Gorman Catholic School system and enjoy collaborating with a larger team. The support of families and co-workers within this system is amazing!

What makes St. Michael Elementary special? The students, families, and teachers have strong relationships and traditions that make St. Michael special. I’ve enjoyed learning about them and taking part in them.

How is your job rewarding? Any interaction with a child is rewarding and I get to work with them every day. All children matter and any difference I can make in their lives, big or small, is fulfilling!

What were you most looking forward to in your first year at St. Michael Elementary and what are you looking forward to for next year? Having never been a part of a Catholic school, I was most eager to see how Gospel values were integrated into daily instruction. I looked forward to integrating the same into my role as principal. Next year, I’m looking forward to having all of my “firsts” behind me and bringing forth some ideas that might enhance some of the great things already taking place at St. Michael Elementary

What has been your favorite memory so far of your first year at St. Michael Elementary? The first time I heard the kids singing at Mass was really powerful.

Final thoughts or anything you’d like to share? The Bishop O’Gorman Catholic School System is a very rewarding place to work. It is driven by its mission to form a community of faith and learning by promoting a Catholic way of life through Gospel values and academic excellence. People who are part of the system know and live that every day. I’m blessed to be a part of this community.

THE LORANG’S AFTER A TOTAL OF 97 YEARS SAILING INTO THE SUNSET

Rogene considers herself blessed to have taught for 49 years at St. Lambert, she includes teaching her children and five of her grandchildren in that sentiment. She met the love of her life at St. Lambert, Leo. Together they have touched the lives of over 7,000 students. They were gracious enough to sit down and answer some questions before they “sail into the sunset” according to Leo.

How long have you each been a part of the Catholic school system and why did you choose a Catholic school?

LL As I was graduating from Sioux Falls College in 1975, Father Thomas Ryan, an old family friend, contacted me about teaching at St. Lambert. My first two years I taught sixth grade and physical education. The next two years I added the role of principal to my teaching duties. In the spring of my fourth year, Father Joseph Wagner, the principal at O’Gorman, contacted me about coming to O’Gorman to teach theology. This is my 44th year teaching freshmen theology.

RL When I graduated Dakota State in 1974, I was planning on going to the East Coast to find a teaching position. I came home instead because my mother was ill. At that time, a college friend told me about a fourth grade opening at St. Lambert. I was immediately interested and was hired by Father Thomas Ryan. I taught fourth grade for nine years, and then I moved to sixth grade for 40 years.

What can you tell us about your teaching experiences throughout the years in the Catholic school system?

LL Obviously it was quite a jump, and a learning curve, to go from teaching elementary to teaching freshmen. I also went from coaching college men at Sioux Falls College to coaching high school girls basketball. In the more recent past, the big changes have been the use of technology and our new facilities. The constant is that we have always had wonderful families, great leadership from our administrators, and dedicated and caring colleagues. And from those three groups we have always had high expectations in academics, in co-curricular activities, and in faith/ service.

RL I fell in love with St. Lambert School and teaching. The staff, throughout the years, have always been so supportive and such great mentors. The families, as well, have always been so welcoming and supportive. The students, most importantly, have left me with many great memories. Technology has certainly changed the classroom

and expectations have increased over 49 years. I feel we are expecting much more out of our students today. The constant is the bond you feel with the students when you spend several hours a day with them for nine months; it’s like a family in many ways.

Do you have a favorite grade or age group you love teaching? What is it about that age that inspired you to teach for so many years?

LL I have really enjoyed teaching both sixth graders and ninth graders. They both bring so much energy to the classroom, and that makes it easy and enjoyable to feed off that.

RL I loved teaching fourth grade until I taught sixth grade. It’s fun having the oldest students in the school because of their independence, leadership, communication abilities, and energy.

Do you have a favorite subject to teach?

RL That’s a very difficult question because I enjoy teaching all subjects. Math and Literature are my favorites, but I also love reading to the class every afternoon after lunch.

What can you tell us about your coaching experiences in the Catholic school system?

LL When I visit with other former coaches they mostly share my sentiments that they miss practices more than games, teaching basketball more than coaching basketball, and miss all of the relationships you get to enjoy: your players, your fellow coaches, and the coaches you compete against. Sports provide such a healthy outlet to establish these relationships.

Can you share one funny memory of your teaching time?

RL When I moved to sixth grade, I stopped reading to the students after lunch as I thought the curriculum was more demanding. About that time a former student was loading groceries into my car and asked me if I was still reading to the students after lunch. I explained why I wasn’t. His response was, “That was the best part of the day!” Needless to say, I started reading to the class again.

Can you tell us about a time when you didn’t think teaching was for you (did you ever question your vocation as a teacher?)

LL Since I was a seventh grader, when I realized I probably would not be a professional athlete, I always knew I would be a teacher/coach. I loved school and we had many educators in our family. I always assumed that I would end up in a small South Dakota town and coach several sports. I don’t remember ever having a moment when I wanted to leave teaching. I’ve always enjoyed it and felt blessed to be a part of our Catholic system.

RL I am the oldest of nine children, enjoyed a lot of babysitting, and was even a nanny for a family on the East Coast. I have wanted to be a teacher since career days in ninth grade. I have never regretted my choice to be a teacher, especially in a Catholic school. It has been a wonderful career, and like Leo, I feel blessed to have been at St. Lambert for 49 years.

What was it like being in the Catholic school system together and managing that work/life balance?

LL The most obvious benefit of teaching together is that is how we met. It took a lot of convincing Rogene to go on a date with me, but now it’s a fun story. Another obvious benefit is that we have been on the same schedule all these years, and not just us, but also our kids all the way through high school. Summers and every vacation during the year we were able to be together, to get out of town or just hang at home. Very few families get to enjoy that. Being in the system together made it easier to share our faith with one another and with our kids.

RL It did take some convincing to go out with Leo, but it was a great decision! Ditto to Leo’s answer.

What do you plan to do now that you are retired?

LL and RL We both love to get in the car and go. We have driven in all 48 contiguous states and had great vacations with our kids when they were younger. We now take grandkids coast to coast on memory filled trips. We have family around the country, so lots of trips are already planned. We also have a two week trip in Europe planned for October. When we aren’t traveling, we plan to be available to sub at our former schools. We also now have the opportunity to volunteer with community programs.

What advice would you give to those just starting out teaching at Bishop O’Gorman Catholic schools?

LL and RL Be yourself and be real. You don’t have to know everything. Kids will relate to you a lot better if you are not trying to impress them or come across as phony. Lesson plans are everything. Just stating the obvious, but if kids are engaged there is more learning. Well constructed lesson plans will take care of most of your discipline issues. You have great colleagues and administrators. Lean on them. Wear them out with your questions. Most important — invite and rely on the Holy Spirit all day every day.

Anything else you’d like to share?

LL One of the best parts for both of us is that throughout our careers every day we go to work we are only steps away from the Body of Christ in the tabernacle. Not many people get to enjoy that privilege. I also thought it was a privilege that when celebrating Mass each Wednesday we often had various priests from the city presiding. I so enjoy the variety of homilies, messages, and challenges they shared with our staff and students. I’ve worked with nearly 7,000 students, I don’t have that same name recognition that I used to pride myself on. I hope my former students are understanding because it is those relationships in the classroom that make teaching so enjoyable.

RL For sure, remembering names is difficult. One other thing I haven’t mentioned that is so meaningful is the opportunity to start every day with prayer and praying throughout the day. It adds a whole new dimension to a warm and caring classroom.

The community of Bishop O’Gorman is grateful for having had the pleasure and opportunity to know Leo and Rogene, for being blessed to have them with us for 49 years, and for allowing us to be a part of their story. Congratulations on your retirement. May God bless you both!

Kate Nadine Aday 

Raeya Patricia Allen 

Alice Ruby Althoff 

Ashtyn Mae Anderson 

Kate Jean Anderson 

Sydney Ysobelle Anel 

McKenzie Kathleen Antonen

Abigail Mary Arends 

Grace Renee Barnett 

Madison Rose Barnett

Brogan Rose Beck 

Cecelia Jules Bender 

Maeve Kathleen Boetel 

Callie Genevieve Brandhagen 

Sydney Kay Breit

Gillian Rose Brennan 

Avalon Angelique Brenner 

Macy Elizabeth Brewster

Reagan Aleese Brown 

Cecily Lin Brunz

Hannah Beth Bultena 

Riley Helen Buus 

Jamison Mae Rachelle Canfield 

Hannah Marie Ching

Tiegen Isabel Crow 

Savanah Maryna Crowe

Nora Sophia Dahle 

Laura Jean Dow 

Gretthel Escalante Portillo 

Kaia Rae Folsom 

Ashlyn Elizabeth Garry 

Piper Renae Gillen 

Barbara Gonzalez 

Ella Grace Greble 

Alayna Elizabeth Harvill 

Brooke Barbara Harvison 

Ava Marie Hillberg 

Anna Marie Holm 

Taylor Elizabeth Holte 

Hanna Izabella Horvath

Maya Fady Jamous 

Gabriella Frances Jones 

Lindsey Grace Junker 

Erin Catherine Kassing 

Jenna Katherine Krouse 

Lauren Elizabeth Labahn 

Anisah Jade LaPlante 

Anna Kathryn Lent

Anika Quinn McDowell 

Kyra Rose McIntyre 

Molly Elizabeth McKay 

Alex Marin Mentele 

Kira Ann Mentele 

Audrey Christine Meyer 

Grace Jacqueline Miller 

Abigail Mary Moen 

Regan Lee Muller

Julia Faith Neufeld 

Maggie Marie Noonan

Izebelle Mary North 

Samantha Andrew Nyangamoi 

Sandra Andrew Nyangamoi 

Jordyn Grace Oines 

Isabella Grace Pankratz 

Maria Nasse Paolo

Julianna Grace Peters 

Payton Jean Pickering 

Mattea Eva Rebis

Amaya Smaran Faith Reddy 

Kennedy Renee Reents

Bergen Connell Reilly 

Reagan Christine Reimer

Madelyn Jeanne Rogers 

Natalie Marie Rutten 

Isabella Kate Savage 

Karsten Marie Schlimgen 

Emma Kate Sealey 

Macie Quinn Severson 

Sydnie Nichole Matylda Sherwood

Katherine Fae Annabelle Sowden

Bella Marie Stencil 

Sophia Rose Stone

Finley Grace Struck

Krystina Marie Stys 

Olivia Marie Sundvold 

Karen Malgorzata Szwajlik 

Makayla Lynne Tiahrt 

Class of 2023

Meghan Ann Tiahrt

Taylor Mary Tobin 

Katie Lou Troll

Haley Helen VanOeveren 

Lucia Maria Vizcarrondo

Emily June Walker 

Isabella Kate Weeldreyer

Marta Gebremedhin Woldu

Madison Catherine Woody

Tong Zhao 

Jada Dagny Zwagerman 

Nikolas David Akhvlediani

Jade Anstine 

Zander Braden Benz

Maxwell David Billion

Jack Christopher Bills 

Saugat Chhetri Bohora

Samuel Joseph Castle

Iurii Sergeyevich Chmykhun 

Zackary Thomas Christensen 

Cade Todd Clemens

Joseph Thomas Craig 

Andrew Jacob Dally 

Bennett Jensen Dannenbring 

Berkeley Davis Donohue

Cade Jefferson Edwards 

Matthew Jonathan Eng 

Avery James Erickson 

Alexander James Farke

Andrew James-Glenn Fatland

Andrew Joseph Gaspar 

Aiden Patrick Geiver 

Mytchell Craig Hagan 

Peyton Jay Hage 

Simon Tsegay Haile 

Carter Thomas Hanson

Eric Gregg Harvison 

Colby Roger Holtz 

Zachery Lee Horst

Thaddaeus Michael Hulme 

Will Henry Hurd 

Samuel Dallas Jacobson 

Dominic David Johnson 

Kyle Joseph Konechne 

Rooney Gasim Omar Labi

James Joseph Lichty 

Jesse David Loving 

Alexander George Lupu 

Aidan Marcus Lynch 

Radley Stevens Mauney 

Keagan Thomas McEneaney

Rory Glenn McManus 

Ryan Thomas Meert 

Adam Matthew Mitzel 

Alex Patrick Mohama 

Gavin Robert Muirhead

Jakson Theodore Nantke

Joseph Patrick Niedringhaus

Wyatt James Palmer

Mrnal Param 

Samuel Joseph Pellman

Nathan Dominic Ratzlaff 

Connor Stephen Roemen

August Roger Schneekloth 

Lincoln Jordan Schulz 

Aden Thomas Scott 

Vincent Stone Sejnoha

William Joseph Sorrell

William Patrick Stanton 

Jacob Adam Stys 

Christopher Ayden Tamisiea

Carson Matthew Tschetter

Gabe August Tschetter 

Benjamin Joseph Ulin 

Colton Allan VanKeulen 

David Fernando Vazquez 

Lucas Michael Wagner 

Sylridge Wah 

Peter Joseph Wegleitner 

Ayden Kenneth Werdel 

Isaac Joseph Wilson 

Ethan James Winterton 

Nicholas Robert Zieske

Wesley Scott Zimprich 

 National Honor Society

 South Dakota Regents Scholar

 President’s Award for Educational Excellence

 4.0 or higher Grade Point Average (weighted or unweighted, after 7 semesters)

 National Merit Finalist

High School Reunions—because

you can’t hug an old friend on social media!

Yes, even though you may know what your classmates have been up to via their Facebook or Instagram pages, there is nothing like seeing an old friend in person. That’s why it’s so important for our alumni to come back ‘home.’

Upcoming

CLASS OF 1963 - 60 YEAR

Monday, August 28th, 2023 from 5pm-9pm

Where: The Alliance, 1600 W Russell St. Sioux Falls, SD 57104

Please update your address, e-mail, and phone number so we can forward more information to you to: Nancy LaCroix Doorn - 804 N Leadale Ave. Sioux Falls, SD 57103

CLASS OF 1973 - 50 YEAR

A 50th class reunion is scheduled for September 24-26, 2023. All details can be found at: http://www.eventcreate.com/e/ogclassof73

CLASS OF 1983 - 40 YEAR

Saturday, November 25th, 2023 from 5pm-9pm. All the details can be found on the Facebook page: Sioux Falls O’Gorman High School Class of 83

CLASS OF 2003 - 20 YEAR

Saturday, September 16th, 2023 from 6:30-11 pm

Where: Blue Rock Bar and Grill, 4021 Bobhalla Dr. Sioux Falls, SD 57107

All details can be found at: https://www.ogknights.org/alumni/alumni-happenings

After three years of selling out, Extravaganza 2023 moved to the Sioux Falls Convention Center to better accommodate our guests! 340 parents, teachers, and supporters of Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools attended in person. Once again, the Minneapolis-based cover band Junk FM filled the night with fun and dancing. We had another record setting net total of $260,000 raised supporting all eight Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools through silent and live auctions, dinner, entertainment, and the Raise Your Paddle! All proceeds will benefit the staff salaries, tuition assistance funds, and technology improvements.

The You’ve Been Knighted campaign kicked off two weeks prior to our event and raised $10,329.74! Our amazing team of volunteers moved 16 sets of signs from yard-to-yard each night all over the community of Sioux Falls. This has been a highlight of our Extravaganza for over five years and has helped raise more funds for tuition assistance every year!

Thank you to our event sponsors, the businesses who donated items for us to auction off, the families and friends who participated in the silent auction and live auction, and all who raised their paddle in support of tuition assistance. We couldn’t be more proud of our Knights family and we are beyond grateful for the support we receive from the community.

Special recognition of our chairs and co-chairs on our committee: Alyssa McLellan, Tracy Sorenson, Bobbi Dibern, Suzie Benjamin, and all of our volunteers. This event takes a village to plan and execute. Without the generous gift of their time,

‘81 Alexandra Szameit is thrilled to announce that she has accepted a job as legal assistant at King Law Firm in Sioux Falls, SD. She can finally use all her years of experience in public service and her language skills in one place while working for another O’Gorman alumni David King ‘83. alexszameit@gmail.com

‘90 Doug Barnett was sworn in as a Circuit Court Judge in Sioux Falls by his cousin, Mark Barnett ‘72, who is a retired judge and former South Dakota Attorney General. In attendance were Doug’s parents, Don Barnett ‘49 and Marilyn (Forrette) Barnett ‘49, Susan Sabers ’88, who is also a Circuit Court Judge along with many cousins and siblings which are all O’G alumni.

‘04 Jereme Stauss has been working for 15 years in law enforcement. His wife, Tiffany Stauss, has been busy with her own in-home daycare. They stay very busy with their children, Jazmine, 15, Zadyn, 14, Zoey, 12, Drazyn, 9, and Kruze, 5. They still find time to have fun with each other, especially on summer vacations.

‘12 Loghin Welch was recognized as Sioux Falls Business 2023 Top 30 Under 30 as coowner and lead planner at Serendipitous Events.

‘14 Sydney Bassing married Duane Jongeling on October 7, 2022, in Sioux Falls.

‘96 Lt. Col. Jon Friedman, U.S. Air National Guard, was newly appointed 114th Operations Group Commander, Feb. 1, 2023, Joe Foss Field, South Dakota. Friedman was previously the 114th Fighter Wing Operations Support Squadron commander.

‘11 Abby Johnson-Younquist was recognized with Sioux Falls Business 2023 Top 30 Under 30 as the family business owner/director of marketing and communications, Auto Body Specialties Inc.

‘12 James & Josie (Heisel) Gaspar Welcomed their third child. Grace “Gracie” Christine, was born on March 25, 2023. She was 7 lbs 11 oz and 19” long. She joins big siblings Mikey (current SKD student) and Annie.

‘15 Cole Frankman was recognized with Sioux Falls Business 2023 Top 30 Under 30 as the chief operating officer/dealer principal, Frankman Motor Co.

‘15 Caelan Markstrom married Jade Roozenboom on September 9, 2022, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Sioux Falls. The couple lives in Sioux Falls.

‘17 Elliot Barnes was recognized by Sioux Falls Business for his new venture with virtual modeling technology.

‘20 Emma Ronsiek reached 1,000 career points for Creighton Women’s Basketball.

‘12 James Gaspar was recognized with Sioux Falls Business 2023 Top 30 Under 30 as the Vice President, Interstate Office Products.

‘12 Austin Ridl was recognized as Sioux Falls Business 2023 Top 30 Under 30 as tax manager at Eide Bailly LLP.

‘21 Noah Greble was recognized with Sioux Falls Business 2023 Top 30 Under 30 as an independent contractor currently working in South Dakota politics.

Photo Credit: U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Jordan M. Hohenstein

‘48 Kenneth Vanderloo, passed away on January 21, 2023, in Sioux Falls, SD.

‘51 Gerald “Jerry” Toomey, passed away on December 16, 2022, in Canton, SD.

‘52 Francis “Fran” Synsvoll, passed away on March 17, 2023, in Sioux Falls, SD.

‘55 Nora (McCabe) VanHove, passed away on February 8, 2023, in Sioux Falls, SD.

‘56 Mary (Jasper) Hisel-French, passed away on September 20, 2022, in Saugus, CA.

‘56 Rose “Rosie” Mary (Holmes) Shafer, passed away on December 20, 2022, in Sioux Falls, SD.

‘57 John “Jack” Billion, passed away on February 25, 2023, in Sioux Falls, SD.

‘57 Marilyn McCollar, passed away on January 1, 2023, in Sioux Falls, SD.

‘58 Richard “Dick” DeVaney, passed away on February 26, 2023, in Sioux Falls, SD.

‘59 Stephen Elkjer, passed away on January 21, 2023, in Sioux Falls, SD.

‘60 Elmer Bangasser, passed away on February 25, 2023, in Sioux Falls, SD.

‘60 Margaret (O’Boyle) McGranahan, passed away on December 4, 2022, in Pensacola, FL.

‘60 David Rich, passed away on February 18, 2023, in Frisco, TX.

‘67 Dennis Beaulieu, passed away on October 8, 2022, in Cameron, WI.

‘67 Kaye (Foley) Jurgens, passed away on April 29, 2022, in Aberdeeen, SD.

To view full obits, please scan the code or go to www.ogknights.org/alumni/in-memoriam

‘68 Tom Francis, passed away on April 26, 2023, in Sioux Falls, SD.

‘69 Loretta (Barnett) Barada, passed away on January 30, 2023, in Lyons, NE.

‘69 Thomas Connolly, passed away on May 3, 2023, in Las Vegas, NV.

‘71 James Frankman, passed away on December 26, 2022, in Sioux Falls, SD.

‘72 Michael Seiler, passed away on March 23, 2023, in Omaha, NE.

‘73 Dale Cota, passed away on January 1, 2023, in Sioux Falls, SD.

’73 Mary (Surrell) Foley, passed away on October 8, 2022, in Sioux Falls, SD.

’73 Teresa (Bakeberg) Pederson, passed away on May 21, 2022, in Sioux Falls, SD.

‘73 Patricia (Gillespie) Walter, passed away on September 9, 2022, in Auburn, WA.

‘78 Jay Bentz, passed away on March 7, 2023, in Sioux Falls, SD.

‘79 Joyce (Walker) Senden, passed away on March 9, 2023, in Sioux Falls, SD.

‘81 Patrick Fitzgibbons, passed away on October 1, 2022, in Sioux Falls, SD.

‘82 Patrick Aschoff, passed away on January 15, 2022, in Sioux Falls, SD.

‘04 Andrew Pyper, passed away on November 22, 2022, in Sioux Falls, SD.

‘06 Amanda Jamison, passed away on December 23, 2022, in Sioux Falls, SD.

FAMILY & FRIENDS OF ALUMNI:

Mary Osthus, mother of Martha and Ruth ‘86. Mary was the O’Gorman Librarian from 1973-1991.

Terry Cota, wife of Steve Cota ‘74. Mark McCoy, son of Barb McCoy ‘60.

Audrey Jones, mother of Gene Jr. ‘80, Jeff ‘81, Scott ‘83 and Brad ‘89.

Becky Earll, sister-in-law of Jill Earll ’00.

Marie Gordon, mother of OGHS teacher, Jeff Gordon.

Patrick Ford, father of William, Michael ‘74, Mark ‘75 , Kerry ‘77, Patricia ‘79, and Joseph ‘80.

Dr. John Hickner, husband of Valerie ‘68.

Maurine Ruesink, mother of OGJH teacher, Sue Sommervold.

Velda Anderson, grandmother of St. Lambert teacher, Sonia Lewis.

Pedro Rodriguez, father-in-law to EA at Christ the King, Yazmin Rodriguez.

Pam Hartman, sister-in-law to custodian at St. Katherine Drexel, Kevin Ordalen.

Patrick Ford, father of Michael ‘74, Mark ‘75, Kerry ‘77, Patricia ‘79, Joseph ‘80 and former faculty member, William Ford.

UPDATE/CORRECTION

Fall/Winter Re-U-Knight-er correction:

‘65 Michael Atkins, passed away on August 12, 2022, in North Augusta, SC.

O’Gorman-Cathedral

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