Fourth Quarter Honor Roll Announced

Honors Students!

Congratulations to our 4th Quarter Honor Roll Students. High Honors is awarded to students who earn a grade point average of 3.75 or higher and Honors is awarded to students who average 3.25 to 3.75. This quarter, our students represent over 20 different parishes in the Omaha Archdiocese.

Freshman High Honors

Arianna Lynn Alcala, St Thomas More
Anush Bhujel, No Parish Listed
Allison Karen Carroll, St Gerald
Tyler Minh Khang Chau, St. Columbkille
Joseph Howard Conner, St Wenceslaus
Kate Davenport Demman, St Gerald
Colby Christian Duncan, St Thomas More
Cooper Joseph Franks, St Bernadette
Megan Rose Hempel, St Columbkille
Anna Carolyn Jacobs, St Gerald
Morgan Elizabeth Johnson, St Gerald
Ainsley Marie Krehbiel, Mary Our Queen
Natalie Dena Krehbiel, Mary Our Queen
Ayla Christine Lee, St Mary Bellevue
Elizabeth Lee Linder, St Matthew
Jack Mitchell Miller, St Columbkille
Marissa Elizabeth Monico, St Columbkille
Becerra Monica Mora Becerra, St Frances Cabrini
Emma Nothelfer, No Parish Listed
Gutierrez Mauricio Orozco Gutierrez, No Parish Listed
Nathan George Pechar, St Columbkille
Olivia Joy Susanne Riera, St Frances Cabrini
Madison Jean Riggs, No Parish Listed
Grace Rose Riha, St Bernadette
Aaron Michael Schmitz, St Mary Bellevue
Molly Jane Shanahan, St Columbkille
Anna Grace Simpson, St Columbkille
Lauren Ardyth Stuhr, St Columbkille
Savana Abigail Sweeney, St Columbkille
Christian Daniel Swiecicki, St Mary Bellevue
Jacob Daniel Vankat, Assumption-Guadalpe
Saydie Anne Waldron, St Gerald
Martha Ann Yanovich, St. Columbkille

Freshman Honors

Gavin Battreall, St Columbkille
Isaac John Bies, St Gerald
Carly Jean Chase, St Columbkille
Elliott James Bunnell Cook, St Matthew
Evangeline Autumn Elia, St. Columbkille
Makenzie Anne Hughes, St Bernadette
Gabrielle Louise Hunter, St Bernadette
Grayson Zylr Janulewicz, St Mary Bellevue
Ethan Hieu Le, St Bernadette
Jacob Dylan Luna, Mary Our Queen
Augustine John Paul Maldonado, Sts Peter & Paul
Leah Catherine Martin, St Bernadette
Connor Kelton McGarry, St Mary Bellevue
Benjamin Linus Meyerle, St Columbkille
Raiyah Noor Nader, Non-Catholic
Gabriel O’Doherty, St Pius X
Ava Arman Pajnigar, St. Bernadette
Savanah Kay Schofield, St Gerald
Brooklyn Rose Vomacka, St Thomas More
Ryan William Weiss, St Columbkille

Sophomore High Honors

Harshil Devenkumar Amin, No Parish Listed
Christian Michael Anderson, St Columbkille
Jayden Timothy Bowen, St Bernadette
Thu Jacklynn Hoanganh Bui, No Parish Listed
Connor Robert Capece, Mary Our Queen
Maria Katelin Connealy, St Mary Bellevue
Daniel Nicholas Crow, No Parish Listed
Anna Dho, No Parish Listed
Mary Karol Engelkamp, St Mary Bellevue
Jake Michael Garcia, St Columbkille
Ethan Gillespie, St Gerald
Jason Goetz, St Mary Bellevue
Joanna Dalene Goetz, St Mary Bellevue
Nicole Kristine Hanus, St Bernadette
Gabe Hardisty, St Stephen
Josie Jansen, St Bernadette
Kate Marie Kirwan, No Parish Listed
Alec Paul Kleinsasser, St Columbkille
Alex Kosse, St Gerald
Joseph Micheal Kouba, St Mary Bellevue
Michael Ludvik Kowal, St Bernadette
Khoi Simon Chung Le, No Parish Listed
Josephine Maritxu Mansisidor, St Mary Bellevue
Margery Millicent McCartney, St Columbkille
Owen Michael Nolte, St Gerald
Charlie Joseph Paladino, St Columbkille
Shawn Thomas Pelchat, St Columbkille
Olivia Grace Persing, Mary Our Queen
Jazlyn Alondra Rodriguez, Guadalupe
Collin Anthony Sauley, St Matthew
Isabel Marie Simpson, St Columbkille
Julia Rose Swiniarski, St Matthew
Barrantes Lucia Alejandra Venegas Barrantes, St Columbkille
Jaksen Thomas Wonderlich, St Gerald
Isabell Rose Zeller, St Columbkille

Sophomore Honors

Carson Almgren, St Gerald
Julia Karen Brennan, St Gerald
Caecilia Nicole Cronin, Mary Our Queen
William James DeLaet, St. Columbkille
Theresa DeWerth, St. Columbkille
Jackson Christopher Drake, NOT FOUND
Makenna Faith Earnest, St Bernadette
Kayleigh Josephine Hofmann, St Bernadette
Malual Mamer, St Mary Bellevue
Kai Torticill Maxwell, St. Bernadette
Isabella Sebastina Nastase, St Mary Bellevue
Benjamin Arman Pajnigar, St Bernadette
Andrew Gregory Podkovich, St Stanislaus
Emily Ramirez, Assumption
Audrey Swanson, Our Lady of Lourdes
Alexis Villagomez, Assumption/Guadalupe
Skyler Grace Walkingstick, Holy Cross
Tyler Michael White, St. Geralds

Junior High Honors

Gabriel Alcala, St Thomas More
Isabella Alcala, St Thomas More
Jackson Balis, St Gerald
Luke Bies, St Gerald
Kathleen Brousek, St Columbkille
McKenna Buscher, St Bernadette
III John Cervantes III, Christ the King
Kayla P Chau, St Columbkille
Mackenzie Cook, St Matthew
Allison H Drozd, St Columbkille
Gutierrez Gabriela Gandara-Gutierrez, Assumption
Leia Groski, St Bernadette
Preston Higginbotham, St Columbkille
Delaney Huck, St Matthew
Brandon Kabourek, St Bernadette
Megan Le, St Bernadette
Joshua Mai, No Parish Listed
Kendall Martin, St Bernadette
Rosalie Maxwell, St Bernadette
Jenna McGargill, St Columbkille
Andrew McNamara, St Bernadette
Joseph Meier, St Gerald
Gage Mill, St Bernadette
Mary Miller, St Columbkille
Vincent Morales, St Mary Bellevue
Jack Nutter, St Mary Bellevue
Samuel Ortner, St Joan of Arc
Robert Pechar, St Columbkille
Aleia Dineen Podliska, St Columbkille
Elizabeth L Rice, St Bernadette
Nathan Schmitz, St Mary Bellevue
Keegan Shanahan, St Columbkille
Jenna Lynn Skradski, St Bernadette
Jordan Lee Skradski, St Bernadette
Jayden Sterba, St Thomas More
Carly Stern, St Bridget
Cadence Sweetmon, St Columbkille
Alejandro Torres, Sts Peter & Paul
Jeff Treu, St Matthew
Samuel Joseph Wilwerding, St Mary Bellevue

Junior Honors

Cole Scott Askren, St Thomas More
Kyle Capece, Mary Our Queen
Karla Ceballos, St Peter
Patrick Collins, St Bernadette
Sean Earnest, St Bernadette
Tessa Egermier, St Columbkille
Mattee E Fry, No Parish Listed
Alexis Gewinner, Our Lady of Lourdes
Jessica Godek, St Bernadette
Giovanni Gomez, Our Lady of Lourdes
Lindsey Henton, St Columbkille
Gerald (Jerry) Hiles, St Stephen
Kristin Kreps, St Mary Bellevue
Owen Legner, St Mary Bellevue
Jonathan Mai, No Parish Listed
Rebecca Metzger, St Matthew
Joseph A Nyberg, St Bernadette
James Pajnigar, St Bernadette
Thomas Pajnigar, St Bernadette
Liliana Spady, St Joan of Arc
Jack Theiler, St Thomas More
Chris Treu, St Matthew
Lucas Andrew Wozniak, St Columbkille
Angel Zamora, Our Lady of Guadalupe

Senior High Honors

Thomas Anderson, St Columbkille
McKenzie Balis, St Gerald
Ben Barnes, St Matthew
Savanah Battreall, St Columbkille
Thomas Bricko, St Bernadette
Rosemary (Rosie) Brokke, St Gerald
Lindsey M Ciurej, St Bernadette
Owen D Clark, St Bernadette
Amy Conner, St Wenceslaus
Abigail G Cox, St Matthew
Hailee N Hall, St Columbkille
JohnPaul Jansen, St Bernadette
Andrew Jesus, St Bernadette
Nicholas Kleinsasser, St Columbkille
Madeleine Lauren Maldonado, Sts Peter & Paul
Theodosia Daniella Mba, St Mary Bellevue
Emma McCoy, St Bernadette
Noah Miller, St Columbkille
David J Nicholson, St Peter
Alexis Nothelfer, No parish listed
Bridget Nothelfer, No parish listed
Dylan O’Gorman, St Bernadette
Emma Peters, Our Lady of Lourdes
Nadia Podkovich, St Stanislaus
Luke J Rice, St Bernadette
Sophia Riera, St Frances Cabrini
Grace Marguerite Rowe, St Columbkille
Arianna Elisabeth Serow, St Columbkille
Elena Simpson, St Columbkille
Camille Streit, St Columbkille
Jared Taylor, St Thomas More
Alexus Townsend, St Pius X
Jose Pedro Venegas Barrantes, St Columbkille

Senior Honors

Christian Bertelsen, No parish listed
Aaron Correa, Our Lady of Guadalupe
Rachel E Culhane, St Stanislaus
Brendan DeWerth, St Columbkille
Bayleigh Donahoe, St Matthew
Jose D Garcia De La Cruz, Sts Peter & Paul
Grant Harvat, St Stanislaus
Trevor Harvat, St Stanislaus
Sydney Herren, Holy Cross
Megan M Kochanowicz, St Gerald
Nicholas Kouba, St Mary Bellevue
Dylan McMullin, St Columbkille
Allison Moline, St Columbkille
Quynh Nguyen, St Columbkille
Mary Kathryn Nosbisch, Holy Cross
Arnoldo Perez, Holy Name
Pakpravee Sae-eurng, No parish listed
Lauren Schmitz, St Mary Bellevue
Emily Thompson, St Gerald
Ty Thrasher, No parish listed
Adrian Villagomez, Sts Peter & Paul
Delanie Watson, St Stephen

If you’re not already a Cougar, you should be one. Learn more about us and then let us know if you have any questions. We’d love for you to join our cougar family!

Seeking Admissions Director

Recruiting, Admissions, and Enrollment

Gross Catholic is seeking a new Admissions Director. Please read the job description and follow the instructions for application.

Director of Admissions

The Director of Admissions reports to the Vice President of Advancement and is responsible for overseeing, implementing, and coordinating all programs, events, and activities of the school’s enrollment management program. Primary duties and responsibilities are outlined below.

Duties and Responsibilities

Develops, updates, and implements the school’s annual recruitment plan.

Cultivates relationships with prospective students and families, and also key administrators and teachers at elementary and junior high schools. Follows up promptly on all inquiries.

Recruits and directs the activities of the Parent Ambassador and Student Ambassador Programs for recruitment events and visits.

Plans and coordinates all recruitment events, including the Fall and Winter junior high events, New Family/Freshman Parent Welcome Luncheons, Open House, sixth and seventh grade practice exam, eighth grade admissions exam, freshmen family information/welcome event, and freshmen registration.

Oversees and implements the freshmen and new student transition programs to maximize student retention.

Works collaboratively with the Vice President of Advancement and brand consultants to provide input into the school’s annual marketing plan and all recruitment print collateral.

Works collaboratively with the Director of Online Communications to provide input into all social and digital communications to ensure content is compelling, timely, and dynamic.

Actively cultivate relationships throughout the community with prospective parents, students, parish pastors, directors of religious education, school principals, and other key constituencies to position Gross Catholic as the school of choice.

Regularly monitor constituent satisfaction with the school to raise retention rates.

Works collaboratively with the Advancement team to ensure enrollment targets are met.

Maintain enrollment management database and contact information for prospective families. Implements a moves management system that tracks families from contemplation to enrollment.

Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Works collaboratively with the Archdiocese MARCSS (Metropolitan Area Recruiters Catholic Secondary Schools) group.

Knowledge and Skills

Strong work ethic, personal integrity, strategic thinking and planning skills.

Outstanding interpersonal skills that create strong relationships with current and prospective parents and students, and other constituents on behalf of Gross Catholic.

Ability to demonstrate a cooperative, professional and positive attitude.

Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.

Ability to work on a team and contribute to a positive and supportive work environment.

Ability to maintain confidentiality.

Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.

Ability to implement marketing and communications strategies effectively.

Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in education, marketing, communications, public relations, or related field.

Minimum three (3) years related experience.

Demonstrated leadership and accomplishment in advancement or related field with a proven record of success.

To apply, please submit resume and cover letter to Stephen Driscoll at sdriscoll@gcgmail.org.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work required of this position and they are not meant to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.

Parent Paws Newsletter 5-21-2021

Welcome to the Parent Paws Newsletter

The Parent Paws Newsletter appears in the News section of our website every Friday during the school year.

From The Principal

As we look back on the year and how far we had come, we are excited to say that we made it through all the quarantines, masking, social distancing and many other protocols. Most importantly, thank you for your support through this craziness and all your cooperation.

Next, as we move forward and look at the planning for next year, we are sending information out later July to explain what next year will look like. I know it will be much different and more like a normal year. Thank goodness for this. Please continue to get copies of your students’ vaccine cards to the office as we will keep them on file in case there is any exposure this summer and next year.

Additionally, we will be kicking off the newly remodeled Innovation Center and our Academic Academies next fall. It will be a busy summer with lots of action here at school. Summer office hours begin now. The office will be open from 8:30 am – 1:30 pm daily except for on holidays.

Lastly, regarding summer workouts: please remember if your student is ill or has been exposed to a positive COVID case, our school protocols will be enforced. This is another good reason to get your student vaccinated and copies of their vaccine card turned into the office. If vaccinated, your student will be allowed to participate.

Parent Paws Announcements

Summer baseball practices for all three teams will begin Monday May 17th at 6 pm at the baseball field. Practices will run until 7:30PM next week. If you have any questions please reach out to Coach Hempel.

All Metro Driving School is enrolling now for online courses.

Finally, you are at the end of this edition of the Parent Paws Newsletter. Keep your eye on our News Blog for important information.

President Job Opening

Search for a New President

Gross Catholic High School is searching for a new President of the school. If interested, please read through the materials below and follow the directions for an application.

Position Title: Archdiocese of Omaha Daniel J. Gross High School President

Reports To:  Board of Directors of Gross High School & Archbishop

Effective Date: TBD

Position Status: Exempt: Full-Time   

Position Summary

Daniel J. Gross Catholic High School is “a faith and family-based community committed to developing Christian leaders through educational excellence in the Marianist tradition.”  The President of Gross Catholic High School articulates the vision and mission of the school and assumes full responsibility for its external and internal operations.  As the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operations Officer, the President reports directly to the Board of Directors, with accountabilities to the Archbishop of Omaha and the Superintendent of Catholic Schools.  The President’s direct reports are: Principal, VP of Advancement, Finance Director, Admissions Director, Building Operations & Maintenance Manager, and the lead Administrative Assistant.

The President serves as the primary spiritual leader of the school by communicating, promoting, and demonstrating Catholic values in every aspects of the position.  He/She is responsible for creating and advancing a strategic vision for the institution, seeking sufficient financial resources for the school, and maintaining sound fiscal management of all business operations.  Therefore, comprehensive attention is afforded to development efforts with current families, alumni, friends of the school, and community and corporate partners.

Additionally, in collaboration with the Principal, the President delegates appropriately and oversees all academic, spiritual, social, extracurricular activities, recruitment and promotion efforts, and other internal operations.  The President maintains a positive attitude and respects the dignity of each person.  He/She is committed to resolving conflicts and difficulties by applying appropriate problem-solving strategies.  He/She nurtures strong working relationships with all stakeholders.  The President promotes the overall reputation and values of the school, serving as the primary liaison between the school, the Board of Directors, and the Archdiocese.  The President serves as an ex-officio member of the Board of Directors and all school councils, committees, and clubs.

 

Major Duties and Responsibilities for President Job Opening

Faith Community

  • Establishes the vision for the day-to-day operations of the school, infusing it with Christian hope and fidelity to Gospel values
  • Preserves and promotes the school’s authentic Catholic identity and ensures all stakeholders know, understand, and live the school’s Catholic mission
  • Ensures faith development opportunities are available for students, faculty, and staff, including Campus Ministry programs and retreats
  • Promotes the Characteristics of Marianist Education—Educate for Formation in Faith; Provide an Integral, Quality Education; Educate in Family Spirit; Educate for Service, Justice, Peace, and the Integrity of Creation; Educate for Adaptation and Change—and fulfills the requirements of the Marianist sponsorship agreement

Strategic Planning

  • Together with the Board of Directors, ensures the school has a viable, comprehensive, and clear three to five-year Strategic Plan that supports the vision and mission
  • Ensures the overall vision and mission is clearly defined and communicated to both internal and external stakeholders, as well as the community at large
  • Collaborates with the Board of Directors to delegate action items to appropriate employees and committees
  • Completes action items as assigned by the Board of Directors
  • Shares the strategic plan implementation progress with all stakeholders

Business Operations

  • Proposes and executes the Annual Operating Plan, upon Board of Directors approval
  • Oversees all school business and financial operations, ensuring effective management of all financial resources and physical property
  • Collaborates with the appropriate business office staff and Board of Directors to develop an annual budget, oversees its implementation, and submits the Board-approved budget to the Archdiocese of Omaha
  • Oversees the financial aid program
  • Assists with annual audit practices as needed
  • Ensures compliance with city, county, and state guidelines to meet fire, health, safety, and security requirements
  • Provides an annual report regarding the business operation of the school
  • Oversees communication and marketing efforts between the school and stakeholder audiences (e.g., social media, print materials, digital materials, etc.)
  • Keeps the Catholic Schools Office and appropriate Archdiocesan offices aware of pertinent school happenings/issues
  • Works closely with and supports the Principal, assisting as necessary, with:
    • Faculty/staff hiring and contract renewal/non-renewal
    • Design of professional development opportunities for faculty and staff
    • Student recruitment and retention
  • Ensures the overall quality of the academic, extracurricular, and personal/social/spiritual programs
  • Serves as the final in-house appeal on all personnel and student matters

Advancement

  • Partners with the Board and Archdiocesan resources to identify new top donor prospects and cultivates relationship with prospects
  • Nurtures current donors relationships
  • Fosters connections with stakeholders—alumni, current parents, friends of the school, parents of alumni, community leaders, corporate supporters, area pastors, feeder schools, etc.—to include regular attendance at school sponsored events/activities
  • Supervises the Advancement Office, ensuring alignment with the school’s vision and mission, strategic plan, Board, and Archdiocesan expectations
  • Meets regularly with the Board’s Development Subcommittee and ensures regular reporting on the development and outreach efforts
  • Supports all fundraising events—annual appeal, auctions, golf tournaments, etc.—and annually reviews such events with the Board’s Development Subcommittee and Advancement Office to discuss opportunities for improvement and growth

 Board Relations

  • Reports to the Board
  • Establishes a strong working relationship with the Board
  • Attends all Board and Committee meetings
  • Assists with the identification, cultivation, and proper training of new Board members
  • Serves as a liaison between the Board and the greater school community

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required for President Job Opening

The requirements below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and ability required.

  • Active, practicing Roman Catholic, in full communion with the Church and registered at a parish
  • Strategic-thinking servant-leader with a Christ-centered approach toward all people
  • Strong professional with a growth mindset and Advanced Degree in Education, Business, Advancement or Administration
  • Demonstrated leader with experience in supervision and professional coaching/development
  • Confident and experienced speaker to small and large audiences
  • Excellent networking and relationship-building skills
  • Self-starter with experience working independently, setting schedules, prioritizing tasks, and collaborating with others in a team setting
  • Experience with change management and conflict resolution
  • Demonstrated experience working with and understanding the needs of students and demonstrated commitment to Catholic, co-education at a college-preparatory school
  • Proven, effective, and diplomatic verbal and written communication skills
  • Strong support and understanding of technology tools, including ability to use effectively
  • Compliant with Safe Environment Requirements
  • Willingness and ability to work evenings and weekends

 Application Process for President Job Opening

All applications will remain confidential until the final two candidates are selected for interviews with the Board of Directors.  Interested candidates are to email the following materials to presidentsearch@gcgmail.org:

  • Letter of application
  • Completed Application for Employment
  • Resume
  • Copy of college transcripts
  • Personal and Professional Philosophies
  • List of references (*To preserve confidentiality, references will only be contacted for semifinalists, with permission of the applicant)

View the job opening brochure.

Parent Paws Newsletter 5-14-2021

Welcome to the Parent Paws Newsletter

The Parent Paws Newsletter appears in the News section of our website every Friday during the school year.

From The Principal

Can you believe it? It is already time to think about summer and finals for your student. Most important, thank you all for your cooperation with all the new protocols and craziness we have dealt with this year. Obviously, we couldn’t have been in person all year without your help.

Final Exams: Freshmen-Juniors: May 17th – May 19th

Summer Office Hours

  • May 17th – May 20th: 7 am – 1:30 pm
  • May 24th – August 6th: 8:30 am – 1:30 pm (check calendar for holiday hours and closures)

As many of you may know that they have opened up the Pfizer vaccine for 12 and up. As you recall, students can avoid quarantine if fully vaccinated. Consequently, in order to keep accurate records, we need a copy of vaccine cards once both shots have been received. Please bring it to the office.

Summer Workouts

Another key point,  if your student is ill or has been exposed to a positive COVID case, our school protocols will be enforced. It’s a good reason to get your student vaccinated and turn in copies of their vaccine card . Your student will be allowed to participate if vaccinated.

Parent Paws Announcements

First, congratulations to Mrs. Dorwart on being named one of fifty 2021 Education Heroes. Cox and Nebraska Furniture Mart sponsor this award. Congrats and Dux Esto Mrs. Dorwart!

Second, summer baseball practices for all three teams will begin Monday May 17th at 6 pm at the baseball field. Practices will run until 7:30PM next week. If you have any questions please reach out to Coach Hempel.

Third, the FBI Omaha field office will hold a Summer Teen Academy on July 22nd. We encourage the classes of 2022 and 2023 to apply.

Fourth, Congressman Bacon’s office will be hosting representatives from each of the service academies for a free informational webinar on Saturday, June 12th. Attendees will gain insights about the application and nomination processes to the service academies, as well as the rigorous academic programs and daily life of a cadet. We invite interested applicants to join the ranks of impactful and prominent alumni including former U.S. Presidents, Members of Congress, Generals, NASA Astronauts, CEOs, Nobel Prize Winners, and more.

Counselors Corner

Juniors – Please continue to do college visits over the summer! We will be talking about applying to college in the fall of your senior year.

Finally, you are at the end of this edition of the Parent Paws Newsletter. Keep your eye on our News Blog for next week’s important information.

Dux Esto Magazine

Leading the Way

Dux Esto magazine is a publication written and distributed by Gross Catholic High School. Normally, the magazine is issued in the fall and the spring of the school year.

Download Dux Esto Magazine

Please enjoy our publication. Please let us know your thoughts. Also, if you have any news that we can publish in the magazine, contact us soon.

1968

Since 1968, we’ve been blessed with a rich history and the opportunity to educate leaders for the future, helping our students grow both academically and spiritually as part of our Marianist heritage. Dux Esto Magazine leads the way.

Cougar Family

Joined by the entire Cougar Family, we are never alone in our work. Our future as possible because of you. Your support ensures a strong Gross Catholic now, and into the future. Notably, Gross Catholic is a premier Catholic school. This is quite evident in all we do and in our tremendous outcomes. We know the success of our students and we are confident in the contributions of our graduates to the world. Importantly, a Gross Catholic Education helps our students develop their individual gifts and talents, preparing them for what lies ahead. Our students are our mission in action and demonstrate our values in their everyday lives, both during their time at Gross Catholic and after graduation. Dux esto magazine is the publication that demonstrate what the Cougar Family is all about. We are faithful, we are compassionate, we are driven.

Marianist Based

Sponsored and founded by the Marianists, we abide by their Characteristics of a Marianist Education. Therefore, we educate for formation in faith. We provide an integral, quality education. Additionally, we educate in family spirit and educate for adaptation and change. Finally, we educate for service, justice, peace, and the integrity of creation.

Student Council 2021-2022

Our School Leaders

The school motto (Dux Esto, Be a Leader) is taken very seriously by student council members. Consequently, the Gross Catholic student council builds leaders.

The council is made up of 29 sophomore, junior and senior students who are elected in the spring for the following year.  Importantly, any Gross Catholic student can run for election.

The student council is in charge of many activities including sock hops, spirit posters, various spirit activities, homecoming, prom and Gnimocemoh (that’s homecoming spelled backwards.)

As a matter of fact, the most significant event for the council is homecoming week. The council begins planning homecoming week soon after elections are held in April. Also, the group is especially proud of how successful they are decorating the main gym for the dance. Furthermore, Gross Catholic is famous citywide for their spectacular decorations for the homecoming dance.

Student Council Members 2021-2022

President

  • Mary Miller

Sophomore Representatives

  • Megan Hempel
  • Gabby Hunter
  • Anna Jacobs
  • Leah Martin
  • Olivia Riera
  • Anna Simpson
  • Lauren Stuhr
  • Martha Yanovich

Junior Representatives

  • Jacklynn Bui
  • Mary Engelkamp
  • Alex Kosse
  • Joe Kouba
  • Owen Nolte
  • Andrew Powers
  • Emily Ramirez
  • Isa Simpson
  • Audrey Swanson
  • Isabell Zeller

Senior Representatives

  • Jack Balis
  • Gio Gomez
  • Quentin Hanzlik
  • Megan Le
  • Alex Lee
  • Jack Nutter
  • Robbie Pechar
  • Aleia Podliska
  • Ellie Rice
  • Lucas Wozniak

Celebrating Our Seniors: Class of 2021

A Wonderful Class

Seniors Mba and Simpson Celebrating our seniors! During the next month, we celebrate our seniors and their many accomplishments while attending Gross Catholic High School. Throughout this time, teachers, staff and alumni pray this special prayer for our seniors:

Heavenly Father, please be with these students as they go where they do not know.
As they seek to grow in knowledge, we ask that they grow in faith.
As they start to conquer the world, we hope that they conquer their fears.
As they strive to find their place, we pray that they find You.
Please go where we cannot, protect when we cannot, give strength that we cannot, and bring them safely home.

Of course, we encourage our entire Cougar community to pray for our senior class as well.

Here are some special ways we are celebrating them as they complete their final days at Gross Catholic High School.

Tuesday, April 27th: Senior Mass and Recognition Day Program

Students receive scholarships, Iron Man/Woman Awards, Spirit Scholar Awards, Brother Leo Willett Awards and Man/Woman of the Year Awards during the Senior Recognition Program starting at 9:30 am in the gym.

Friday, April 30th: Always a Cougar: Alumni 101

Our seniors will learn how to be amazing alumni of Gross Catholic High School.

May 4th: Last Pep Rally

A celebration of all the athletics and activities that students were able to participate in this school year.

May 5th: Celebrating our Seniors Retreat

On senior retreat, the class of 2021, will reflect on how they will carry their faith to the next stage of their life and will have time to start saying goodbye to their classmates.

Thursday, May 6th: College Spirit Day

Seniors sport their college spirit wear (with uniform bottoms).

Friday, May 21st: Celebrating Our Seniors Baccalaureate Mass

This mass takes place at Gross Catholic at 7 pm. Seniors can invite 6 guests (ticket required) to attend with them. Also, be sure to watch the mass live if you cannot attend.  It is streaming on our Gross Catholic Cougars YouTube channel.

Monday, May 24th: Graduation

Finally, seniors walk across the stage and receiving their diplomas at the Holland Performing Arts Center starting at 7 pm on the 24th. Seniors are allowed to invite 6 guests (ticket and Covid-19 waiver required). Tickets are handed out during senior final week (May 10 – 12th).

2019-2020 Annual Report

Reflecting On the Past Year

The Annual Report is a yearly publication that looks back and helps us reflect upon where we have been. It is a great help to us, as we move forward reaching for the stars.

A Message From Our President

This Annual Report comes at the end of a year like no other. These unprecedented times are filled with tremendous challenges and uncertainties. And yet, through it all, Gross Catholic has remained strong. We are not discouraged. We are not defeated. This community has risen above. Sustained by our faith — in God and in each other — we have forged ahead and accomplished much. The impossible has become the possible and our blessings are abundant.

All we have done and all we continue to do is not achieved in solitude. Along with God’s graces we rely on the strength and support of the entire Cougar family. As you continue to learn about our outstanding students, our proud and successful alumni, and our wonderfully supportive community, know that we are truly grateful for all we have been given. Know that we remain committed to our mission as a Catholic school.

Our mission continues to be quite focused and will be our pillar of strength for years to come. With the support of this community, we will continue to “develop Christian leaders through educational excellence”. And to that end, we remain faithful, compassionate, and driven. Finally, please know that going forward we will remain focused on establishing a strong and lasting legacy — a legacy that models for the rest of the world what it truly means to “be a leader”.

Thank you and God bless!

Dr. Dorothy A. Ostrowski
President

Thank You Dr. O!

Employed by Gross Catholic for over 40 years, Dr. Ostrowski is a true servant. We want to thank her for all she has done for the school. She is retiring at the end of this school year. We wish her well. Dux Esto!

Our Geo Garden is in Bloom

New Life!

Geo Garden name plateOur geo garden is really coming to life again. The garden in located on the north side of campus, just off of approximately 44th and Margo Street, between the entrance and exit driveways. We welcome everyone to take a walk and enjoy over 70,000 plants! Sit in the gazebo or relax on bench. Additionally, walk the Stations of the Cross. There are so many things to appreciate. You will find daffodils, crocus, tulips, and snowdrops to name a few.

Grant For the Geo Garden

Geo Garden with another name plate

This year we have received another $1000 grant from the Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District. The money is used to  purchase flowers to plant in the “GHS” located on the hill by the Gross Catholic entrance.

Also, Papio-Missouri River NRD is donating 100 Colorado Blue Spruces and packages of flower seeds to give out for Earth Day. Students or parents can pick these up from the front office, during Earth week (4.19 thru 4.23). Furthermore, please consider sending the NRD a note of thanks. In fact, new this season, next to the gazebo, is an outdoor library box to take a book and/or share a book. They are free to use.

Support the Garden

Library in the gardenThere are several different opportunities to support the arboretum/garden. You can purchase name bricks for $75 (includes up to 3 lines), a bench for $200, trees are $150, your own garden plot is $300, or even a large garden light– $2100. All items personalized with a name plate. Obviously, these items could be a great graduation gift, anniversary gift or a heartfelt memorial.

Another way to get involved is to help tend to the garden. Mr. Rich Carey is working on creating a “Keepers of the Garden” group to help care for each of the gardens.

Please contact Rich Carey at rcare48@cox.net if interested in any of these opportunities.

Memorial bricks for saleBeautiful lamp that you can buyGet a garden in your name