Recognition Day was held on April 30, 2013 at 9:05 am in the main gym. On this special day, the Cougar Family celebrates the achievements of our students. The seniors begin the day with their class Mass, followed by breakfast, and their official induction in the Gross Catholic Alumni Association. Student, parents, families, and friends are welcome to take part in the awards ceremony.
We also congratulate the class of 2013 seniors and scholarship recipients! 70% of the class received 287 academic and athletic scholarships to public and private universities totalling $7.3 million! Click here for the graduating Class of 2013 and their impressive list of scholarships.
The Ortman Scholar Award is named for the school's founding donor, Mrs. Louise Ortman Gross, wife of Daniel J. Gross. The Ortman Scholar Award is the highest academic award given to a graduating senior who has achieved academic excellence by attaining a cumulative grade point average of 4.0 or higher. Ortman Scholar Lindsey Cork was selected by her peers to give this year's graduation address.
The 2012 Ortman Scholars pictured front row left to right: Ryan Songcuan, Rachel Wilwerding, Lindsey Cork, Shannon Landry, Taylor Wilson, Anne Grzywa, Jill Fahrer, Erin Murray. Back row left to right: Matt Sis, Sara Ficenec, Adam Braegelman, Abby Peters, Jennifer Lamagna-Reiter, Tim Pflug, Anton Rice, Blake Schneiderwind
Man & Woman of the Year is awarded to a male and female senior student for demonstration of the gift of self, leadership, family spirit, concern for others and the school, academic success and basic integrity. The 2013 Man & Woman of the Year are Zach Knicky and Emily Fanslau.
Bro. Leo Willett, S.M. Award is given each year to a male and female senior student for four years of outstanding service, generosity, and gift of self to the development of the Cougar Family. The 2013 Bro. Leo Willet Award winners are Kevin Humlicek and Elly Targy.
Gross Catholic Spirit Scholar Award is presented to a male and female senior student each year for academic excellence and promotion of the Cougar Family spirit. The 2013 Gross Catholic Spirit Scholars are Zach Johnk and Paige Krupa.
Spirit Scholar Award is presented to a male and female student from the junior, sophomore, and freshman classes for academic excellence and promotion of the Cougar Family spirit. The 2013 Spirit Scholars are juniors Jake Hansen and Brittany McGregor; sophomores Noah Fanslau and Mackenzie Kaspar; and freshmen Jake Mach and Maddie Cunningham.
Most Representative Student is presented to a male and female student from the junior, sophomore, and freshman classes. The 2013 Most Representative Students are juniors Nate Baratta and Marissa Podkovich; sophomores Jake Mitzlaff and Marlo Lundak; and freshmen James Lohaus and Robin Maher.
Other awards presented at Recognition Day included:
2013 Omaha World Herald Top Student Scholar - senior Nathan Henton
2013 Omaha World Herald Scholars - seniors Sami Morford and Jessica Wilson
2013 Woodman of the World Society American History Student Award - junior Alex Tooley
2013 Omaha World-Herald Key Staffer Award - senior Claudia Granillo
2013 Rebecca A. Cleveland Fine Arts Award - seniors Kevin Humlicek and Laura Bergeron
2013 Stan Macaitis Iron Man Award - seniors Alex Opperman, Shelbi Mlynczak, Cody McCann, Zach Johnk and Zach Knicky.
2013 Outstanding Sophomore Student - sophomore Matt Herting
2013 Dwight D. Eisenhower Leader of Character - junior Andrew McElmeel
