Meet the Advisory Board, part 3

Meet Advisory Board Members Fr. Ryan Lewis, Susan Aguilera- Robles '82 and Dan Placzek '80.

Father Ryan Lewis

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Originally from Valley, NE. Mount Michael graduate. I have degrees in theology and Canon Law. I am the pastor of St. Thomas More Church, a large feeder school for Gross. I am returning for a second stint on the Board. I previously served on the Board from 2005-2008.

What is your connection to Gross Catholic?

I am a former Chaplain at Gross Catholic.

What is your role on the Board?

I bring a strong vision for Catholic Education to the Board, a passion for strengthening the Catholic Identity of our school, and experience with strategic planning for the future.

What else should the Cougar Family know about you?

Mostly, I bring a great love for Gross Catholic and the Cougar family.  I am completely sold on Gross Catholic High School!

Susan Aguilera-Robles '82

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I am a native of Omaha and have lived in South Omaha all my life. I am a registered parishioner at both Our Lady of Guadalupe and Assumption Parishes. I attended Catholic Schools 1st- 12th grade and graduated from Gross Catholic in 1982. I received my Bachelor’s Degree in both Secondary Education and Spanish from the University of Nebraska at Omaha in 1988.  I immediately began working at South High School as the first full-time ESL teacher.  After 9 years of teaching at South and receiving a Masters Degree, along with an endorsement in Middle School and English As A Second Language (ESL), I transferred to Spring Lake Elementary where I taught for 3 years and was assistant principal one year.  In 2001, I took a leave of absence from OPS and became the Principal at Guadalupe- Ines Mission School.  After 2 years as Principal of Guadalupe Ines, I took on another challenge; another building to manage.  I became the Principal of Assumption Elementary.  In 2004, I returned to OPS and became the Principal of Spring Lake Magnet where I continue to work today.  With a student population of approximately, 800 students and over 150 staff members, I am very busy. I previously taught two courses at Creighton University and I am the proud mother of 4 children, Salvador (2010), Gabriella (2011), Andrea and Nicolas.

What is your connection to Gross Catholic?

I am a 1982 Gross Catholic graduate.

What is your role on the Board?

This is my first year serving on the advisory board at Gross Catholic and I am excited about contributing to the “Cougar Family”.

What else should the Cougar Family know about you?

I have received various awards and I am a community person who has a passion for youth and education. 

Dan Placzek '80

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I am the oldest of five children born and raised in Omaha, attended St. Stanislaus Grade School and graduated from Daniel J. Gross Catholic High School in 1980.  My siblings are also Gross Catholic graduates.  We are very proud of our South Omaha roots.  I attended UNO while working at Bakers Supermarket and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice.  I was hired as a police officer in 1985 and proudly served the citizens of Omaha (along with many other Gross Catholic graduates) for 23 years.  I am currently working for Funeral Escort Service of Omaha and do part-time lawn service, while spending time volunteering here at Gross Catholic and at Sts. Peter and Paul Parish.  My wife Kris (Saklar) and I will be celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary in April.  We have three children:  son Jacob, 2009 Gross Catholic graduate attending UNL, daughter Olivia, 2012 Gross Catholic graduate also attending UNL, and daughter Eden, current Gross Catholic freshman.  We have been members of Sts. Peter and Paul for 20 years.  

What is your connection to Gross Catholic?

My connection to Gross Catholic goes back to the fall of 1975.  My friends and I were eighth graders at St. Stan’s and attended a Gross Catholic football game at Bergquist Stadium (next to Norris Jr. High in Omaha)-that was Gross’ home field at the time.  It was exciting!  I don’t remember much about the game but the school spirit and energy in the crowd, esp. the student section, was unbelievable!  I knew Gross would be the place for me.  Back then you could choose between Bishop Ryan High, Paul VI High, or Omaha South High, but only Daniel J. Gross offered the “Cougar Family” spirit, the one intangible that still separates our school from all the others.

What is your role on the Board?

I am currently serving my fourth year on the Advisory Board.  As an alum and current parent I feel that my input is important.  I welcome feedback from parents (past and present) and alumni.  Please contact me with any concerns or suggestions to improve our school.  Dux Esto.

What else should the Cougar Family know about you?

Many of my Gross Catholic classmates and teammates are still my best friends.  Our relationships, like those of many Gross alumni, are priceless!  We want to see the school succeed.  We want others to experience the “Cougar Family”.  Kris and I attend as many Gross Catholic events as we can.  We’re proud of the school.  It’s been a great fit for our children and has contributed to their success both in the classroom and in life.