Jim Homan, Author at Gross Catholic High School

Shining Bright: Celebrating Our 2023-2024 Scholarship Winners

We’re thrilled to introduce our outstanding 2023-2024 Seniors, the recipients of coveted scholarships! Their achievements serve as a testament to their unwavering commitment and remarkable abilities. From academic prowess to exceptional leadership, they’ve proven themselves as true champions. Join us in applauding their success and in eagerly anticipating the bright futures that await them!

Anush Bhujel	Creighton University Founders Award Scholarship
	Creighton University Roman J. Shaffel S.J. Award Scholarship
	University of Nebraska Omaha Regents Scholar Scholarship
	University of Nebraska Omaha Walter Scott Jr. Scholarship
Brendan Michael Brougham	Ritonya Buscher Poehling Vocational Scholarship
Allison Karen Carroll	Ben Petrzilka Scholarsihp
Carly Jean Chase	Concordia University Academic Scholarship
	Concordia University Art Scholarship
	Creighton University University Award Scholarship
	National Catholic College Admission Association First Year Scholarship
Joseph Howard Conner	Nebraska Academic Decathlon High Scorer Scholarship
	Nebraska Academic Decathlon Most Valuable Team Member Scholarship
	National Merit Finalist
	Society of American Military Engineers Mary McKernan Scholarship
	Society of American MIlitary Engineers Post President’s Scholarship
	University of Nebraska Lincoln President’s Scholarship
	University of Nebraska Omaha Walter Scott Jr. Scholarship
Kate Davenport Demman	Arizona State University Living and Learning Award Scholarship
	Arizona State University New American University Dean’s Scholarship
	Creighton University University Award Scholarship
	Kansas State University Wildcat Non-Resident Award Scholarship
	University of Kansas KU Achievement Scholarship
Colby Christian Duncan	Dakota Wesleyan University Athletic Scholarship – Football
	Dordt University Founders Award Scholarship
	Dordt University Presidential Scholarship
	Gross Catholic High School Booster Club Scholarship
	Hastings College Merit Award Scholarship
	Hastings College Football Scholarship
	Minnesota State University Moorhead University Scholarship
	Morningside University Presidential Scholarship
	Northwestern College ACT Bonus Scholarship
	Northwestern College Football Scholarship
	Northwestern College Presidential Honor Scholarship
Evangeline Autumn Elia	Nebraska Wesleyan University Achievement Scholarship
	Nebraska Wesleyan University President’s Scholarship
	Nebraska Wesleyan University P-Wolf Priority Scholarship
	Nebraska Wesleyan University Visit Award Scholarship
Grace Willyam Fanowiel	Iowa State University of Science and Technology Academic Achievement Award Scholarship
	Iowa State University of Science and Technology Expedition Award Scholarship
	Nebraska Wesleyan University President’s Scholarship
	South Dakota State University Yellow and Blue Scholarship
	University of Kansas KU Performance Scholarship
	University of New Mexico Scholarship
Cooper Joseph Franks	Creighton University Founders Award Scholarship
	Iowa State University of Science and Technology Academic Achievement Award Scholarship
	Iowa State University of Science and Technology Expedition Award Scholarship
	University of Nebraska Lincoln Husker Power Scholarship
	University of Nebraska Lincoln We Are Nebraska Commitment Scholarship
	University of New Mexico Scholarship
Sebastian Gianni Gomez	Susan T. Buffett Foundation Scholarship
Megan Rose Hempel	John Stella 2023 Female Scholarship Award Scholarship
	University of Kansas KU Excellence Scholarship
	University of Nebraska Kearney Distinguished Scholar Award Scholarship
	University of Nebraska Omaha Habrock Scholarship
	University of Nebraska Lincoln Future of Nebraska Scholarship
	University of Nebraska Lincoln Husker Traditions Scholarship
	University of Nebraska Lincoln N Fund-Business Scholarship
	University of Nebraska Lincoln We Are Commitment Scholarship
Makenzie Anne Hughes	Concordia University Regents Scholarship
	Concordia University Women’s Golf Scholarship
	Ritonya Buscher Poehling Clarence Buscher Scholarship
	University of Nebraska Kearney Distinguished Scholar Award Scholarship
Gabrielle Louise Hunter	Red Cross Scholarship
Anna Carolyn Jacobs	Kansas State University Wildcat Non-Resident Award Scholarship
	St. Louis University Catholic High School Award Scholarship
	St. Louis University University Scholarship
	University of Nebraska Lincoln Regents Scholar Scholarship
Ainsley Marie Krehbiel	Creighton University Ethics and Social Responsibility Scholarship
	Creighton University Founders Award Scholarship
	Creighton University Roman J. Shaffel S.J. Award Scholarship
	University of Nebraska Omaha Regents Scholar Scholarship
Natalie Dena Krehbiel	College of St. Mary Athletic Scholarship – Basketball
	College of St. Mary Merit Scholarship
	Creighton University Founders Award Scholarship
	Loyola University Chicago Loyola Scholarship
	University of Iowa National Scholars Award Scholarship
	University of Nebraska Kearney Loper Achievement Award Scholarship
Debit Santo Lako	Morningside University Founder Scholarship
Ethan Hieu Le	University of Nebraska Kearney Loper Achievement Award Scholarship
	University of Nebraska Lincoln Husker Traditions Scholarship
	University of Nebraska Lincoln We Are Nebraska Commitment Scholarship
	University of Nebraska Omaha Habrock Scholarship
Ayla Christine Lee	Bellevue Knights of Columbus Scholarship
	Loyola University Chicago Presidential Scholarship
	Northwest Missouri State University Bearcat Advantage Scholarship
	Northwest Missouri State University Dean’s Scholarship
	Omaha Archdiocesan Catholic Women College Scholarship
	University of Nebraska Kearney Distinguished Scholar Award Scholarship
	University of Nebraska Lincoln Regents Scholar Scholarship
	University of Nebraska Lincoln We Are Nebraska Commitment Scholarship
	University of Nebraska Omaha Habrock Scholarship
Jacob Dylan Luna	Metropolitan Community College Board of Governors Scholarship
	University of Nebraska Lincoln Husker Power Scholarship
	University of Nebraska Lincoln We Are Committment Scholarship
Leah Catherine Martin	Hastings College Academic Scholarship
	Midland University Athletic Scholarship – Cheerleading
Connor Kelton McGarry	Iowa State University of Science and Technology Academic Achievement Award Scholarship
	Iowa State University of Science and Technology Expedition Award Scholarship
	Nebraska Academic Decathlon Foundation 2020 – 2021 Scholarship
	Nebraska Academic Decathlon Foundation 2021 – 2022 Scholarship
	Society of American Military Engineers Post President’s Scholarship
	University of Nebraska Lincoln Careers Scholarship
	University of Nebraska Lincoln Regents Scholar Scholarship
Nicholas Gerard Meier	Creighton University Magis Award Scholarship
	University of Nebraska Kearney Distinguished Scholar Scholarship
	University of Nebraska Lincoln Careers Scholarship
	University of Nebraska Lincoln Regents Scholar Scholarship
	University of Nebraska Omaha Regents Scholar Scholarship
Laine Elizabeth Michael	Concordia University Academic and Athletic Scholarship – Soccer
	Gross Catholic High School Booster Club Scholarship
Jack Mitchell Miller	Creighton University Founders Award Scholarship
	Creighton University Roman Shaffel S.J. Award Scholarship
	University of Nebraska Kearney Distinguished Scholar Award Scholarship
	University of Nebraska Lincoln Husker Traditions Scholarship
	University of Nebraska Omaha Academic Achievement Scholarship
Westin Paul Miller-Ayivi	Dakota Wesleyan University Athletic Scholarship – Football
	Hastings College Merit Award Scholarship
	Hastings College Football and McLaughlin Scholarship
	Midland University Academic and Athletic Scholarship – Football
	Morningside University Academic and Athletic Scholarship – Football
	Mount Marty University Merit Scholarship
	Mount Marty University Athletic Scholarship – Football
Marissa Elizabeth Monico	University of Dayton Leadership in Service Scholarship
	University of Nebraska Lincoln David Distinguished Scholarship
	University of Nebraska Lincoln We Are Commitment Scholarship
Monica Mora-Becerra	Bellevue/Papillion Rotary Club Scholarship
	College of St. Mary Merit Scholarship
	Creighton University Founders Award Scholarship
	Susan T. Buffett Foundation Scholarship
	University of Nebraska Kearney Loper Achievement Award Scholarship
	University of Nebraska Lincoln CASNR Scholarship
	University of Nebraska Lincoln Husker Power Scholarship
	University of Nebraska Lincoln We Are Commitment Scholarship
	University of Nebraska Omaha Goodrich Scholarship
Raiyah Noor Nader	Creighton University Founders Award Scholarship
	Creighton University Labaj, Fr. Joseph Award
	Rutgers University Camden Commitment Scholarship
	Rutgers University Honorable Achievement Scholarship
	Rutgers University Outstanding Achievement Scholarship
Ava Arman Pajnigar	Creighton University Academic Opportunity Award Scholarship
	Grand Canyon University Canyon Christian Schools Consortium Award Scholarship
	Grand Canyon University Dean’s Scholarship
	Grand Canyon University Priority Registration Award Scholarship
	University of Nebraska Lincoln Emerging Leaders Scholarship
	University of Nebraska Lincoln Greater Omaha Youth Salute Scholarship
Nathan George Pechar	University of Nebraska Lincoln Durham School of Architectural Engineering and Construction Scholarship
	University of Nebraska Lincoln Husker Traditions Scholarship
William E. Pelton	Northwest Missouri State University Bearcat Advantage Scholarship
	Northwest Missouri State University Northwest Merit Scholarship
Mason Lee Rempe	Morningside University Dean Scholarship
Olivia Joy Susanne Riera	Cornell College National Academic Scholarship
	Creighton University University Award Scholarship
	University of Nebraska Kearney Loper Achievement Award Scholarship
	University of Nebraska Lincoln Husker Power Scholarship
	University of Nebraska Lincoln We Are Nebraska Commitment Scholarship
	University of New Mexico Lobo Undergraduate Exchange Plus Tuition Scholarship
	University of Sioux Falls Provost’s Academic Scholarship
Madison Jean Riggs	Creighton University Founders Award Scholarship
	University of Nebraska Lincoln Husker Power Scholarship
Grace Rose Riha	Concordia University Academic Scholarship
	Concordia University Departmental Scholarship
	Midland University Academic and Athletic Scholarship – Tennis
	Morningside University ACT/SAT Incentive Scholarship
	Morningside University FAFSA Submission Award Scholarship
	Morningside University Presidential Scholarship
	Morningside University Talent Award Scholarship – Tennis
	Morningside University Visit Award Scholarship
Aaron Michael Schmitz	South Dakota State University Yellow & Blue Scholarship
	University of Nebraska Omaha Regents Scholarship
Savanah Kay Schofield	Morningside University Founder Scholarship
	Northwest Missouri State Bearcat Advantage Scholarship
	Northwest Missouri State University Scholar Scholarship
	University of New Mexico Scholarship
Molly Jane Shanahan	Creighton University Roman Shaffel, S.J. Award Scholarship
	Creighton University Magis Award Scholarship
	Society of American Military Engineers Post President’s Scholarship
	University of Nebraska Lincoln Nebraska Career Scholarship
	University of Nebraska Lincoln Regents Scholar Scholarship
	University of Nebraska Omaha Walter Scott Jr. Scott Scholars Scholarship
Samuel Murphy Shepoka	First Responders Foundation Awards of Excellence Scholarship
	University of Nebraska Lincoln We Are Commitment Scholarship
Anna Grace Simpson	Creighton University Founders Award Scholarship
	Creighton University Roman Shaffel S.J. Award Scholarship
	Gliwa Scholarship
	Midland Community Foundation John J. and Doris M. Buford Legacy Scholarship
	Rockhurst University Finucane Service Scholarship
	Rockhurst University Future Nurses Scholarship
	Rockhurst University Loyola Scholarship
	Rockhurst University Presidential Scholarship
	Rockhurst University Regents Scholarship
	University of Nebraska Kearney Regents Scholar Scholarship
	University of Nebraska Lincoln Regents Scholar Scholarship
	University of Nebraska Omaha Regents Scholar Scholarship
Lauren Ardyth Stuhr	Ritonya Buscher Poehling Tony Fucinaro Scholarship
	University of Nebraska Kearney Regents Scholar Scholarship
	University of Nebraska Lincoln Regents Scholar Scholarship
	University of Nebraska Lincoln We Are Commitment Scholarship
	University of Nebraska Omaha Regents Scholar Scholarship
Savana Abigail Sweeney	University of Kansas KU Excellence Scholarship
	University of Nebraska Lincoln David Distinguished Scholar Scholarship
	University of Nebraska Lincoln Nebraska Achievement Scholar Scholarship
	University of Nebraska Lincoln Nebraska Housing Award Scholarship
	University of Tennessee Tennessee Explore Scholarship
Christian Daniel Swiecicki	Colorado School of Mines Provost Award Merit Scholarship
	First Catholic Slovak Ladies Association
	Gliwa Scholarship
	Iowa State University of Science and Technology Academic Achievement Award Scholarship
	Iowa State University of Science and Technology Expedition Award Scholarship
	Kansas State University Carl R. Ice First-Year Engineering Scholarship
	Kansas State University Wildcat Non-Resident Award Scholarship
	University of Nebraska Lincoln Regents Scholar Scholarship
Jacob Daniel Vankat	University of Nebraska Lincoln CASNR Scholarship
	University of Nebraska Lincoln David Distinguished Scholar Scholarship
	University of Nebraska Omaha Regents Scholar Scholarship
Saydie Anne Waldron	University of Minnesota National Scholarship
	University of Nebraska Lincoln CASNR Scholarship
	University of Nebraska Lincoln Husker Traditions Scholarship
	University of Nebraska Lincoln Nebraska Achievement Scholarship
	University of Nebraska Omaha Habrock Scholarship
Ryan William Weiss	Hastings College Ambassador Scholarship
	Hastings College Football Scholarship
	Hastings College Trustee Honor Scholarship
	Nebraska Wesleyan Board of Governors Scholarship
	Nebraska Wesleyan Campus Visit Scholarship
	Nebraska Wesleyan Huge-NWU Recognition Scholarship
	Nebraska Wesleyan N.W.U. Achievement Scholarship
Martha Ann Yanovich	Nebraska State Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association District II Scholarship
	University of Nebraska Omaha Regent’s Scholar Scholarship
Valeria Liliana Zavala Arroyo	Susan T. Buffett Foundation Scholarship

Gross Catholic Grad Creates International Blog and Podcast

LeAnna (Tucker) Brown (‘05) has always had a deep desire for adventure and a flair for performing. Back in her High School days at Gross Catholic, sometimes that simply meant escaping to other places, lands, and even time periods as she found a passion for performing on the Drama Department’s theater stage. She also excelled on the Speech Team as she loved telling inspiring stories to the audiences in front of her.

LeAnna never imagined that 20 years later, she would be tapping into all of those skills she began learning as a teenager in her career today as a travel blogger and podcast host.

From Drama Nerd to Professional Travel Blogger

A few years after LeAnna and Andy (Class of ‘04) married, they decided the world needed exploring! They moved to Germany and began using that as a base for traveling the world. Despite having a degree and teaching for several years in Elementary Education, LeAnna realized that her passion was in inspiring others to find their own authentic travel experiences as well.

In fact, it was Mrs. Greenhagen (yes, before she was Mrs. Sweetmon!) who told LeAnna in her freshman year writing class that she had a gift with writing… a compliment that has stayed with her all these years and helped give her the confidence to start a new career as a travel writer.

LeAnna began full-time Travel Blogging in 2015 as they awaited the arrival of her first son in the hopes that she could build a successful business that allowed her to work from home, travel the world, and have a flexible schedule with her children. Since then, she has built, created, and managed three successful blogs.

It is her current site, WanderInGermany.com, that has ultimately brought her the most recognition. As an expat living in Germany herself, her readers and followers love getting “insider” trip planning tips and resources from someone who has personal experience but are also drawn to her incredibly detailed writing which helps them plan their trips with ease and fun. She’s been described as “The Rick Steves of Germany Travel” and has been recognized with several distinguishable awards for her writing and work on Wander In Germany.

To International Podcaster

LeAnna's podcast on Spotify But perhaps the most interesting twist in this story is how we have to go back, again, to the classrooms of Gross High. After all, who would have ever imagined that when teachers such as Mr. Slope would say things like, “LeAnna….that’s enough talking back there!” during Calculus class or when Mr. Homan would have to hush her down to get back to the Student Council Agenda at hand, that all that talking would actually turn out to be a highlight in her future career!?

We are proud to support LeAnna as she, once again, picks up a microphone. Instead of singing a Godspell or Fiddler on the Roof Song on the Gross Catholic Theater stage like she once did, and instead of being strategically sat several rows away from her best friends to prevent giggling and chit-chatting during AP History classes, you can now find LeAnna on all podcasting platforms as she takes her successful blog to the next level with its own Travel to Germany Podcast where she talks….a lot!!!!

Help Support LeAnna Brown

If you find yourself daydreaming of fairytale castles, Lederhosens, and sausages, LeAnna’s WanderInGermany site is the perfect place to help you plan your trip from itineraries, off the beaten path gems, and general tips and advice for navigating the country.

Share the Podcast

Even if you aren’t ready to pack your bags for Germany, maybe someone you know IS. You can help LeAnna’s podcast take off and reach the top of the charts by sharing her podcast on your social media.

You Can Find LeAnna In the Following Places:

Website: WanderInGermany.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WanderInGermany
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wander.in.germany/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wanderingermany
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wanderingermany

Honoring Outstanding Scholarship Students

Scholarship Winners 2024 Scholarship winners! We are thrilled to highlight two remarkable scholarships that honor students who embody the values of leadership, service, and dedication. Join us as we celebrate the achievements of our students and learn more about the impactful contributions they make to our school and beyond.

Celebrating Excellence: The Mark & Taylor Kaipust Memorial Scholarship

At Gross Catholic High School, we take great pride in honoring exceptional students who exemplify the values of patience, positivity, leadership, and service. Annually, we award the Mark & Taylor Kaipust Memorial Scholarship to a deserving individual who mirrors these qualities in their daily life.

This year, we received inspiring essays from 38 talented students. Among them, Javier Lizarraga-Hascall, an outstanding 8th grader from St. Mary’s Bellevue, stood out as the recipient of this prestigious scholarship.

Javier’s essay beautifully captured the essence of uplifting leadership. “Positive leadership in high school could be a friend, leading other friends away from something they know they would get in trouble for and shouldn’t be doing. It can also be a friend bringing their friends up with a compliment, or encouraging them on a day when they’re struggling.”

A Bright Future: The Margaret and Stan Macaitis Endowed Scholarship

Another scholarship that underscores our commitment to well-rounded students is the Margaret and Stan Macaitis Endowed Scholarship. This scholarship recognizes students who actively participate in various activities, particularly with an inclination toward athletics.

This year, we were thrilled to receive 37 compelling essays. Gavin Roman, a talented student from Lewis and Clark Middle School, emerged as the deserving recipient of this scholarship.

In his essay, Gavin eloquently described the profound connections he has built with his fellow players and coaching staff. “The bonds that I have formed with my teammates and coaches make them feel like family, always supporting and encouraging me to be my best self. In every race, game, or match, I find a sense of purpose and fulfillment that transcends the boundaries of the sports arena and carries over into all aspects of my life.”

Encouraging Future Leaders

These scholarships not only celebrate academic excellence but also underscore the importance of character, leadership, and community involvement. Javier and Gavin exemplify the values we hold dear at Gross Catholic High School, and we are excited to welcome them into our community.

Well Done!

We look forward to seeing how these outstanding young individuals will contribute to our school and beyond. Congratulations to Javier Lizarraga-Hascall and Gavin Roman on their well-deserved achievements!

Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and updates from our vibrant community at Gross Catholic High School.

Gross Catholic Engineering Team Triumphs in SAME SMP Contest

Champions! At Gross Catholic High School, we are thrilled to announce the outstanding achievement of our Engineering Team in the Society of American Military Engineers Student Mentoring Program (SAME SMP) competition. Grace Nilson, Molly Shanahan, Conner McGarry, and Joseph Connor collaborated brilliantly to win this prestigious contest against other area high school engineering teams.

The Winning Design: Library Expansion

Partnering with Shannon Putney, Director of the Carter Lake Public Library, the team embarked on a mission to design a comprehensive library expansion. This involved meticulous planning and collaboration with professionals to understand the library’s current needs and future aspirations. They envisioned exciting new spaces tailored for children, teens, and adults, ensuring that the expansion would serve the community effectively.

Prize Allocation: Investing in Education

The team’s exceptional efforts were duly recognized, earning them $2000 in scholarships and an additional $1000 to bolster STEM programs both within our school and the wider community. This victory not only celebrates their talent but also highlights the importance of nurturing young minds in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Additionally, Joe Conner won the Mary McKernan $2000 scholarship which provides $2000 per year for up to 4 years. Congratulations Joe!

A Legacy of Excellence: Omaha SAME Post Competition

The SAME SMP competition, managed by the Omaha SAME Post for over 30 years, is a pinnacle event for aspiring engineers. Gross Catholic High School has been a stalwart participant, consistently showcasing exceptional talent. Over the years, we have proudly brought home the Post President’s Award, the highest honor in the competition, on seven occasions.

The Journey to Success

The road to victory was paved with dedication and perseverance. Starting in the fall, the team meticulously selected and developed their project under the mentorship of retired landscape architect Anne Peterson. Meetings with library stakeholders and technical consultations with engineers from Morrissey Engineering enriched their understanding and refined their vision.

Judges’ Acclaim: Real-world Impact

The judges, comprising seasoned architects and engineers, were deeply impressed by the team’s approach. Their feedback—”This is exactly what we do every day”—underscores the real-world applicability of the project and the exceptional caliber of our students’ work.

Celebrating Achievement and Inspiring Futures

Congratulations to Grace, Molly, Conner, Joseph, their mentor Anne Peterson, and their moderator, Mr. Steve Hamersky on this remarkable achievement! Their success exemplifies the spirit of innovation and collaboration that defines Gross Catholic High School. As we celebrate this victory, we also look forward to inspiring more students to pursue their passions in engineering and STEM, knowing that the future of innovation lies in their capable hands.

What We Do

It’s what we do here at Gross Catholic… prepare students for a remarkable future in the real world.

There’s No Place Like Home March 21-23!

Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz Prepare for an extraordinary journey down the yellow brick road as Gross Catholic High School proudly presents “The Wizard of Oz.” Under the creative direction of Paloma Power, this timeless musical has been reimagined with a modern twist, promising an enchanting experience for audiences of all ages.

Dazzling Cast: Bringing Beloved Characters to Life

Meet the stellar cast that will breathe life into the iconic characters of Oz. Abigail Zeller takes on the role of Dorothy, while Nathan Foster embodies the lovable Scarecrow. Jacob Vankat steps into the shoes of the dapper Tin Man, and Josh Jansen fearlessly tackles the role of the courageous Lion. Anna Simpson wears two hats, portraying both Aunt Em and the enchanting Glinda, while Gracye Laney captivates as the striking Wicked Witch of the West.

A Fresh Take on Costumes: Unveiling a Unique Oz

The director’s innovative vision extends to the costume design, ushering in a unique world of Oz. Rejecting traditional norms, the production unveils a Wicked Witch, portrayed by Gracye Laney, whose striking fashion challenges conventional notions. Drawing inspiration from iconic characters like Cruella Deville and Miranda Priestly, this modern twist encourages a deeper exploration of character beyond surface-level definitions.

Musical Magic: Setting the Stage for Oz

Inspired by the RSC version of The Wizard of Oz by Concord Theatricals, the musical score adds an extra layer of magic to the production. Each character’s musical motif reflects their personality, with The Tin Man’s (Jacob Vankat) music featuring a delightful blend of Americana and old-world Broadway. Abigail Zeller, our Dorothy Gale, enchants with her flowing voice and innocent demeanor, creating a character you can’t help but root for.

Youthful Vibrancy: Munchkins from Five Schools

Adding a burst of energy to the stage, munchkins are played by enthusiastic elementary students from five different schools. The Lion, portrayed by the talented Josh Jansen, brings both athleticism and musical prowess, while Nathan Foster as the Scarecrow delivers expected tumbling and softness with impeccable comedic timing.

Senior Farewell: “No Place Like Home”

For Gross High School seniors, this production holds sentimental value, marking the culmination of their high school journey. As they bid farewell to their “home” for the past four years, the timeless message that “there’s no place like home” resonates deeply.

Unforgettable Performances: Mark Your Calendar!

Don’t miss your chance to witness this extraordinary production of “The Wizard of Oz” at Gross High School. Performances are scheduled for March 21st-23rd at 7:30 pm, with a special matinee on the 24th at 2 pm. The 21st also marks a family spirit challenge and senior night – an evening filled with excitement, emotion, and the magic of Oz. Join us as we celebrate the 85th anniversary of the movie and pay homage to Gross’s performance of this classic 50 years ago. Secure your tickets now for a magical journey like never before!

Be a Leader at Celebration!

[Celebration ticket sales have ended, call 402-734-2000 if you have questions.]

Check out our Silent Auction! Buy Gold Cup Raffle Tickets Now!

Join us at the Diamond Room on Friday, April 26th. Simply click the orange “Get Celebration Tickets Now!” above and use the top right button on the new page that pops up for tickets. Find links for sponsorship, silent auction, and supporting our cause on the left of the page.

Celebration planning is underway and a special opportunity for each of us to support Gross Catholic’s annual event is needed at this crucial time. Celebration plays an important role in Gross Catholic’s ongoing commitment to deliver excellent education to young men and women, keeping tuition affordable, and providing over $1.8 million in annual financial assistance to over 80% of our families.

We can’t wait to see you at the Diamond Room in downtown Omaha!

How Can You Help?

Become a Sponsor

If you would like to become a sponsor, we would love to get you involved!

Purchase a Gold Cup Ticket

Get Gold Cup Raffle Tickets Now!

Gold Cup raffle details: $100 for 1 raffle ticket, $250 for three raffle tickets, $500 for 7 raffle tickets. There are 3 big cash prizes: $10,000, $5,000, and $2,500.

The Early bird drawing is March 18th, 2024 for $1,000!

Advertise in the event program

Advertise your business on the mobile bidding auction website A variety of opportunities are available for businesses of all sizes. Contact Julie Cortinas at Cortinas@gcgmail.org OR 402-734-2000 EXT 119.

Volunteer

Get involved at Gross Catholic by volunteering at Celebration. If you have any questions, call 402-734-2000 or email advancement@gcgmail.org.

Celebrating Academic Excellence: Recognizing Our High-achieving Students!

We are excited to announce the First Semester Honor Roll Students who have demonstrated outstanding academic performance. These students have achieved commendable GPAs, showcasing their dedication to learning and hard work.

High Honors are awarded to those with a GPA of 3.75 or higher, reflecting their ability to tackle challenging academic tasks successfully. Our Honors recipients, with GPAs between 3.25 and 3.75, have exhibited perseverance and a strong thirst for knowledge.

What’s truly remarkable is the diverse representation among our Honor Roll Students, spanning 20 different parishes within the Omaha Archdiocese. This highlights their widespread commitment to education and their impressive achievements.

Join us in acknowledging the accomplishments of our Honor Roll Students. They have demonstrated resilience and dedication, embodying the essence of academic excellence. The future holds great promise for these students, and we take immense pride in their achievements!

Freshman High Honors

Ruth Agaze, Orthodox Christian Church
Caitlin Aguihon, St. Columbkille
Charles Barnes, St. Matthew The Evangelist
Evy Casart, St. Bernadette
Madelyn Costello, Our Lady Of Lourdes
Caitlin Duncan, St. Thomas More
Keegan Fitzpatrick, no parish listed
Connor Foster, St. Thomas More
Nathan Foster, St. Thomas More
Kristen Frankman, St. Columbkille
Kelani Glover Shimerdla, Sts. Peter & Paul
Sofia Gomez, St. Columbkille
Jeffrey Greenhagen, St. Gerald
Ashley Jacobs, St. Gerald
Aaron Kreps, St. Mary’s Bellevue
Joslyn Kristl, Mary Our Queen
William Kroll, St. Columbkille
Joseph Lee, St. Gerald
Mallory Loftus, Holy Cross
Sally Luther, St. Mary’s Bellevue
Natalie Manahan, St. Mary’s Bellevue
Connor McCary, St. Mary’s Bellevue
Caleb Miller, St. Mary’s Bellevue
Miley Morrissey, St. Columbkille
William Munchrath, St. Gerald
Jordan Nilson, St. Bernadette
Mary Penny, St. Cecilia Cathedral
Colsen Preisman, St. Columbkille
Emma Rice, St. Bernadette
Ryan Riera, St. Matthew The Evangelist
Lillian Riha, St. Bernadette
George Sharp, St. Thomas More
Chyann Sheffield, First Lutheran Church
Alexis Skradski, St. Bernadette
Kaden Studer, St. Columbkille
Colton Sweetmon, St. Columbkille
Emmy Toledo, St. Joseph
Knyomi Turley, St. Bernadette
Tyson Wiebold, St. Gerald
Eva Wurgler, St. Bernadette
Anthony Zambrano, no parish listed

Freshman Honors

Bak Abuok, St. Joan of Arc
Alexander Baber, Holy Cross
Cael Biggs, St Columbkille
Jessica Carroll, Mary Our Queen
Vincent Cortinas, Mary Our Queen
Erin Culhane, St Stanislaus
Makenzie Davis, St Pius X
Tristan Elia, St Columbkille
Kaleb Frankman, St Columbkille
Gualberto Garfias, St Joseph
Devin Griffith, no parish listed
Eric Hernandez Diaz, St Joseph
Thomas Hiatt, St Bernadette
Adam Ivaskevicius, St Thomas More
Osiris Jara, Assumption Guadalupe
Andrew Johanek, Mary Our Queen
Eliana Lee, St Thomas More
Emanuel Luna Esquivel, Our Lady Of Guadalupe
Audrey Madison, St Robert Bellarmine
Trevin McCabe, no parish listed
Ashlyn McGarry, St Mary s Bellevue
Alpheus Oberdin, St Matthew The Evangelist
Michael Patrick, St Columbkille
Luis Sanchez Suarez, Sts Peter & Paul
Vivian Schneider, St Robert Bellarmine
Kemper Skryja, St Columbkille
Paige Stone, St Patrick’s
Anthony Tomasello, St Mary’s Omaha
Maddux Villamonte, no parish listed
Tyler Waring, St John Vianney
Avasophia Young, St Columbkille

Sophomore High Honors

Brace Adamson, St. Bernadette
Tessie Biros, St. Joan of Arc
John Blickenstaff, St. Thomas More
Daphne Campos, Sts. Peter & Paul
Alyssa Cap, St. Thomas More
Cooper Capece, Mary Our Queen
Ryker Casart, St. Bernadette
Olivia Chau, St. Matthew The Evangelist
Jason Demman, St. Columbkille
Amy Dho, no parish listed
Tyson Heilig, no parish listed
Lauren Kosse, St. Gerald
Charlie Kuiper, St. Thomas More
Abigail Lee, St. Mary’s Bellevue
Sienna Miller, St. Gerald
Hannah Marie Payumo, St. Frances Cabrini
Griffin Pechar, St. Columbkille
Cassandra Rexin, St. Gerald
Carter Sauley, St. Matthew The Evangelist
Ryan Stuhr, St. Columbkille
Nicholas Swiecicki, St. Mary’s Bellevue
Chloe Thompson, St. Gerald
Elisabeth Upah, St. Thomas More
Louise Waldron, St. Gerald
Mia Winkelmann, St. Columbkille

Sophomore Honors

Laura Alvey, Holy Cross
Derek Balis, St Gerald
Luke Brown, St Charles Gretna
Molly Exline, St Thomas More
Lucy Kaczmarek, Holy Ghost
Lucy Linder, St Bernadette
Alexis Martin, St Matthew The Evangelist
Nicolas Martinez, St Columbkille
Thessica Mba, St Mary s Bellevue
Ava Moline, St Columbkille
Alex Nano, Holy Cross
Erika O’Connor, St Thomas More
Carter Persing, Mary Our Queen
Maximus Rock, Holy Cross
Zachary Yeshnowski, St Columbkille

Junior High Honors

Laura Acevedo Sanchez, St. Columbkille
Anezka Blazkova, St. Mary’s Bellevue
Marie Brousek, St. Columbkille
Aillyn Bugarin, St. Francis Of Assisi
Amy Campos, Sts. Peter & Paul
Yasmin Cardenas, Sts. Peter & Paul
Widni Castillo Menjivar, All Saints
Alex Cogswell, St. Bernadette
Nghi Dam, St. Peter
Mia Donohue, St. Bernadette
Adelade Fehrman, St. Gerald
Ashley Gogal, no parish listed
Shawn Gomez, St. Columbkille
Robert Greenhagen, St. Gerald
Autumn Hall, St. Columbkille
Jacob Heffelfinger, St. Columbkille
Jane Hiatt, St. Bernadette
Joshua Jansen, St. Bernadette
Wil Kirwan, no parish listed
Ellason Manning, St. Robert Bellarmine
Avery Murtaugh, St. Matthew The Evangelist
Grace Nilson, St. Bernadette
Mae Peters, Our Lady Of Lourdes
Andrew Powers, St. Columbkille
Ava Puentes, St. Gerald
Evan Rexin, St. Gerald
Anna Rice, St. Bernadette
Dominic Roos, St. Mary’s Bellevue
Taylor Ross, no parish listed
Mackenzie Serow, St. Columbkille
Kelsey Sigmund, St. Gerald
Kali Wonderlich, St. Gerald
Grace Wozniak, St. Columbkille

Junior Honors

Thomas Brousek, St Columbkille
Olivia Cap, St Thomas More
Armando Cordero Sanchez, no parish listed
Tony-Maria Digny, St Gerald
Noah Holoubek, St Stephen The Martyr
Carson Kozeal, Our Lady Of Lourdes
Joelle Krzemien, St Gerald
Gracye Laney, St Columbkille
Vincent Linder, St Bernadette
Kaden Mumm, Our Lady Of Lourdes
Xitlali Nava, St Francis Of Assisi
Miley Sidzyik, St Columbkille
Jessica Treu, St Matthew The Evangelist
Mary Kate Upah, St Thomas More
Abigail Zeller, St Gerald

Senior High Honors

Arianna Alcala, St. Thomas More
Anush Bhujel, no parish listed
Isaac Bies, Immaculate Conception
Annie Biros, St. Joan of Arc
Allison Carroll, St. Gerald
Carly Chase, St. Gerald
Joseph Conner, St. Wenceslaus
Kate Demman, St. Columbkille
Merrick Dowling, St. Bernadette
Colby Duncan, St. Thomas More
Evangeline Elia, St. Columbkille
Grace Fanowiel, St. Thomas More
Cooper Franks, St. Bernadette
Megan Hempel, St. Columbkille
Makenzie Hughes, St. Bernadette
Anna Jacobs, St. Gerald
Ainsley Krehbiel, Mary Our Queen
Natalie Krehbiel, Mary Our Queen
Ethan Le, St. Bernadette
Ayla Lee, St. Mary’s Bellevue
Jacob Luna, Mary Our Queen
Leah Martin, St. Bernadette
Connor McGarry, St. Mary’s Bellevue
Nicholas Meier, St. Gerald
Laine Michael, no parish listed
Jack Miller, St. Columbkille
Marissa Monico, St. Columbkille
Monica Mora-Becerra, St. Francis Of Assisi
Raiyah Nader, Greek Orthodox
Ava Pajnigar, St. Bernadette
Nathan Pechar, St. Columbkille
Amanda Prosser, St. Bernadette
Mason Rempe, Mary Our Queen
Madison Riggs, St. Columbkille
Grace Riha, St. Bernadette
Aaron Schmitz, St. Mary’s Bellevue
Molly Shanahan, St. Columbkille
Anna Simpson, St. Columbkille
John Streit, St. Columbkille
Lauren Stuhr, St. Columbkille
Savana Sweeney, St. Columbkille
Christian Swiecicki, St. Mary’s Bellevue
Jacob Vankat, Assumption/Guadalupe
Brooklyn Vomacka, St. Thomas More
Saydie Waldron, St. Gerald
Anna Waligora, St. Columbkille
Ryan Weiss, St. Columbkille
Martha Yanovich, St. Columbkille

Senior Honors

Sebastian Gomez, Our Lady Of Lourdes
Gabrielle Hunter, St Bernadette
Grayson Janulewicz, St Mary s Bellevue
Westin Miller-Ayivi, St Thomas More
Olivia Riera, St Frances Cabrini
Samuel Shepoka, St Columbkille
Jack Von Osterheldt, St Matthew The Evangelist
Valeria Zavala Arroyo, Our Lady Of Guadalupe

Our First Semester Honor Roll Students have demonstrated exceptional academic achievements, showcasing their dedication and commitment to education. We congratulate these extraordinary young minds and look forward to witnessing their future endeavors with great anticipation.

Discover AND Celebrate Catholic Schools Week!

National Catholic Schools Week (CSW) is an annual celebration of Catholic education in the United States. Now entering its 50th anniversary year, CSW has traditionally been held the last week in January.

Gross Catholic has a great week planned. Make sure that you participate fully!

Catholic Schools Week

From January 28 to February 3, 2024, Catholic chools typically observe the week with Masses, assemblies and other activities for students, families, parishioners and community members to celebrate what makes Catholic schools great.

This year’s new theme is Catholic Schools: United in Faith and Community and will be used through 2026.

Unleash the Melody

Junior Band Are you a budding musician in 6th, 7th, or 8th grade? Join us for a night of musical magic at the Gross Catholic Junior High Band Night on Saturday, Feb. 3rd, during the Varsity Basketball Game!

Dive into the Rhythm: Schedule of Events

3:30-3:45 Registration: Start the evening by registering in the band room. Get ready to embark on a musical journey!
3:45 Rehearsal in the Band Room: Tune your instruments and harmonize with fellow musicians in a pre-game rehearsal.
4:30 Pizza, Drinks, and Desserts: Recharge with a scrumptious spread before hitting the stage. Food, music, and fun – all in one place!
5:30 Play at the Varsity Game in the Gym: Feel the thrill as you showcase your musical prowess during the Varsity Game. Let the audience be captivated by your talent!
7:30ish Meet Parents in the Commons after the Game (around 7:30): Share the joy of your performance with your proud parents. It’s a moment to celebrate together.

Harmony in Every Note: Cost and RSVP Details

COST: $20 at the Door: Your entry fee covers everything – food, music, and a cool event shirt. Pay at the door and dive into the festivities!

RSVP by Friday, January 26th: Don’t miss out! Confirm your attendance by sending an email to romero@gcgmail.org with the following details:

Student’s Name
School and Grade
Instrument
Adult Shirt Size
Dietary Restrictions

Crescendo of Excitement: We Can’t Wait to Meet You!

Join us for an unforgettable night of music, camaraderie, and joy. The Gross Catholic Junior High Band Night is your chance to shine and create beautiful memories with fellow musicians. Let’s make this night a symphony of talent and fun!

What You May Have Missed

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Everyone Loves Founder’s Week!

The Founders Each year, Gross Catholic High School joyfully commemorates the establishment of the Marianists, a venerable tradition initiated by three remarkable individuals: Blessed William Joseph Chaminade, Blessed Adèle de Batz de Trenquelléon, and Marie Thérèse de Lamourous. To delve deeper into the inspiring lives of these extraordinary figures, we invite you to explore the dedicated Marianist History website. And we also invite you to participate in all of our activities this week.

Happenings for Founder’s Week

Monday: Service Justice and Peace – Marianist Monday
Tuesday: Provide a Quality education – Teacher appreciation
Wednesday: Family Spirit – Orange and Blue Day, early dismissal, and LIFE meeting after school
Thursday: Adaptation and Change – Warm Welcome in the Morning
Friday: Formation in Faith – Mass

Every Day During Founder’s Week

Find a Founder

All week long you have the opportunity to find a founder. We have the three Marianist Founders in doll form – see below – and every day the three of them will be hidden around the school. If you find one, then take it to the office and you will get a prize!

Help our Lady of Nazareth in Kenya

All week long we will be collecting money for our fellow Marianist School Our Lady of Nazareth located in Nairobi Kenya. So dig into your piggy banks and bring us some cash. You can also donate through Venmo! It only costs $135 to sponsor a
student for a whole year! That means if every student were to donate $7 we would be able to sponsor 20 students!

Buy Chamigrams!

All week long we will be selling Chamigrams. What are Chamigrams you ask? They are little notes you can send to your friends and the LIFE team will attach a sucker to it and you will receive them in your first-period class on Monday, January 29th. We will be selling them during lunch in the commons.

Bake Sale

All week (or until we run out of items) we will also be having a bake sale. So bring in some extra cash to help us meet our goal!

Engage in the Spirit of Founder’s Week!

As we immerse ourselves in the vibrant spirit of Founder’s Week, we extend a warm invitation for everyone to actively participate in the exciting happenings that await. Each day holds a unique theme, fostering a sense of unity and celebration within our Gross Catholic community. The Week is a time to unite, celebrate, and make a positive difference. Come, be a part of the joyous festivities that make Everyone Love Founder’s Week!

2023-2024 Senior Scholarships