PRIDE MAGAZINE - In this issue: Roncalli Catholic
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
PRIDE MAGAZINE Summer 2021
In this issue:
Graduation snapshots
of the Class of 2021
and Awards Recipients
1
Table of Contents
A Message from the President...............................................................3
Save the Dates...............................................................................................4
Congratulations Class of 2021.................................................................5
RCHS Graduation Snapshots...................................................................6
Alumni of the year- Jacob Wolff............................................................8
Volunteer of the Year-Chris Retallick..................................................9
Honorary Alumni Award-Dan & Arlene Zack...................................11
Pope St. John XXlll Award-Patrick Kerrigan....................................12
Festa del Leone Chair Spotlight- Melissa & Jeff McGill...............14
PRIDE MAGAZINE
is published by Roncalli Catholic High School,
Omaha, NE. ©2021.
All rights reserved. Materials in PRIDE may be reproduced
provided prior permission obtained from the editor
and credit is given.
RONCALLI CATHOLIC PRESIDENT:
Ann O’Connor, 1978 Alumna
RONCALLI CATHOLIC PRESIDENT EMERITUS:
Rev. Lloyd A. Gnirk
RONCALLI CATHOLIC PRINCIPAL:
T.J. Orr, 1996 Alumnus
RONCALLI CATHOLIC EVENT AND ALUMNI:
Melissa Baumann
Support from our advertisers make Pride Magazine possible. Please consider
joining current advertisers in supporting our Pride Magazine communication
efforts. Each issue is sent to nearly 2,500 contacts. The electronic
advertisements are linked directly to your own business’ website and
readers are encouraged to consider our advertisers.
For more information contact Melissa Baumann at
mbaumann@roncallicatholic.org or 402-571-7670 x. 113
A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
Dear Roncalli Catholic family,
Congratulations Class of 2021! We say goodbye to another
great class that has left their mark behind. Although it has
been another challenging school year, the Class of 2021 has
shown how strong they are. Please jump to page 6 for Gradua-
tion Snapshots.
Each year, Roncalli Catholic bestows four awards to select
individuals. This year Jacob Wolff was awarded the Alumni of
the Year Award and addressed the seniors at their Senior
Breakfast. The purpose of the Alumni of the Year Award is to
recognize alumni who have made significant contributions to
society, and distinguished themselves by personal achieve-
ments, leadership and the unselfish giving of time, talents and
resources. Please read about Jacob Wolff on page 8.
Also awarded at the Senior Breakfast is the Volunteer of the Year Award recognizes a volunteer whose
service has had a significant impact on the school. Mr. Chris Retallick received this award and you can
read about Mr. Retallick on page 9.
At Graduation, the Honorary Alumni Award is presented to those who are not alumni of Roncalli
Catholic High School but to those who have exhibited a consistent interest in, and support of, Roncalli
Catholic over a significant period of time. They earn this recognition and award through loyalty, ser-
vice and support of the school. This year, the award was presented to Arlene and Dan Zack for their
contributions to Roncalli Catholic since 1995. To read about their contributions, please jump to page 11.
Each year at Festa del Leone, Roncalli Catholic High School awards its highest honor, the Pope St.
John XXlll Award. This award is given annually to an individual who embodies the qualities of a Ron-
calli Catholic education and has made a difference in the community. To honor Pope St. John XXlll, the
award recognizes outstanding service to “children and friends of God.” Patrick Kerrigan was honored
at the 32rd annual Festa del Leone with the Pope St. John XXlll Award. Please read about Mr. Kerrig-
an’s significant contributions on page 12.
Thank you to the Chairs of Festa del Leone this year, Melissa and Jeff McGill. They did a wonderful job
and are the subject of our Alumni Spotlight this issue. Please turn to page 14 for the story of Melissa
and Jeff McGill and their history with Roncalli Catholic.
This marks my last letter as President of Roncalli Catholic. I have enjoyed my tenure here, and I appre-
ciate having had the opportunity to work with you. Thank you for the support, guidance, and encour-
agement you have provided to me during my time at RCHS. Even though I will miss the Crimson
Pride. I will continue to keep you all in my prayers.
As always, thank you so much for your continued support of Roncalli Catholic. Our successes are your
successes as we could not do any of it without the strong support of our entire community.
I wish you a blessed and relaxing summer with your family and loved ones!
Sincerely,
Ann O’Connor
President
Class of 1978 3
Save the Date
Swing with Pride - August 2nd
Taste of Pride - November 19th
Trivia Night - February 19th
Festa del Leone - April 9th
4
CONGRATULATIONS
CLASS OF 2021
Congratulations graduates! Forever, people will recognize the Class
of 2021 as a unique group of students who rose above and beyond
during a time of great challenge.
We ask that you take the values instilled in you the last four years:
Embrace change while on your path to discovery, with the message
of the Gospel as your compass, and faith as your shield, bravely seek
out knowledge and fidelity in all that you do. We firmly hold our con-
nection to each other as one family united by the steadfast love of
Christ and one another. We will see you soon, Class of 2021!
Live Jesus in our hearts, forever!
5
RCHS GRADUATION
WEEK SNAPSHOTS
The entire class of 2021 Salutatorian, Elizabeth Mendick
Carlos Rangel, Jenna Andersen, Leo McNeil, and Damian Richter Valedictorian, Abigail Schwarz
Larissa Good, Devin Miller, Hailey Kamtz, and Justin Bryson Mr. TJ Orr, Principal, congratulating Chloe Lanphier
6
Wisdom
We will confidently approach life’s challenges using
experience, knowledge and right judgment blazing
new trails to find success in everything we do.
roncallicatholic.org/giving/giving-opportunities
Alumni of the Year Award Recipient
Jacob Wolff, Class of 2014
In 2018, Jacob started a scholarship
grant, the Wolff PACK ( Pride, Attitude,
Courage and Kindness) at Omaha Ron-
calli Catholic High School. The schol-
arship is designed to provide financial
aid to involved students who wish to
remain at Roncalli Catholic. The first
annual Wolff PACK scholarships were
awarded on May 15, 2019.
In his free time, Jacob is an avid sports
fan supporting the Nebraska Corn-
huskers, Creighton Bluejays, Minnesota
Twins. His hobbies include woodwork-
ing, small business support, philan-
thropy, and engaging in public reforms.
The purpose of the Alumni of the Year
award is to recognize alumni who have
made significant contributions to soci-
ety, and have distinguished themselves
by personal achievements, leadership
and unselfish giving of time, talents and
resources. This year’s recipient of the
Alumni of the Year award goes to Ja-
cob Wolff.
Jacob graduated Valedictorian in 2014
from Roncalli Catholic. While in school,
Jacob was involved in numerous activ-
ities. Upon graduation, Jacob attend-
ed the United States Naval Academy,
where he graduated and commissioned
with the class of 2018. Jacob is currently
at the rank of Lieutenant Junior Grade.
Volunteer of the Year Award Recipient
Chris Retallick
Chris is married to Cindy who is a
1987 graduate of Roncalli Catholic
and has four boys, Danny, Christo-
pher, Corey (Class of 2020) and Ja-
cob.
Retallick was awarded the Volunteer
of the Year at Roncalli Catholic’s 2021
Senior breakfast. “ We don’t look at
Chris as a volunteer. We look at him
as a part of our Crimson Pride Fam-
ily.” Said Principal T.J. Orr. Roncalli
Catholic is grateful for people like
Chris Retallick who dedicate their
time, talent and treasure to Roncalli
Catholic High School.
Chris Retallick has been a part of
the Jr. Pride Athletic Association Thank you Chris!
since 2011 when he began helping to
coach football. He joined the Board
in 2012 and a year later in 2013, Re-
tallick became the President of the
organization and still holds that seat
today.
Since becoming the President of Jr.
Pride, Chris has added multiple ac-
tivities to the organization including
Trap Shooting, Cross Country, Bas-
ketball Tournaments, Cheerleading,
Flag Football, Summer camps and
Wrestling.
Courage
As guides, we will help students face real-world
challenges so they can persevere – with mental
and moral strength – setting them on the right
path to learn, grow and thrive in a diverse world.
10
roncallicatholic.org/giving/giving-opportunities/Honorary Alumni Award Recipient
Arlene and Dan Zack
Michael, Arlene, Brittany, and Dan Zack Arlene and Dan Zack
The Honorary Alumni Award is presented to those who are not alumni of Roncalli Catholic High School
but to those individuals who have exhibited a consistent interest in, and support of, Roncalli Catholic over
a significant period of time. They earn this recognition and award through loyalty, service and support of
the school.
This year, the award goes to a couple who have been actively invovled with Roncalli Catholic since 1995.
That’s 26 years and counting. There is no more deserving couple of this award than Arlene and Dan Zack.
Arlene and Dan began their involvement in 1995 when their son, Michael Zack was a Freshman. While
their son graduated in 1999, their daughter, Brittany, began as a Freshman in 2002, graduating in 2006.
During the years their children were students, both Arlene and Dan volunteered in numerous activities.
Although the Zack’s children gradated Roncalli Catholic, Arlene and Dan never left. In fact, it could be said
that the Zack’s became even more involved.
Since their last child graduated, Arlene and Dan have been an integral part of several activities within
the Roncalli Catholic community. They have been invovled with the firework stand, Swing with Pride Golf
tournament, football admissions booth, and counting of gate money. Perhaps the most incredible thing
that Arlene and Dan do occurs all year round. Since 2006, Arlene and Dan request, and obtain, gift certifi-
cates for our major fundraiser, Festa del Leone. Often times, Arlene and Dan would amass a total of $7,000
in gift certificates. These additions are invaluable to the Fundraiser and make a significant impact on the
school.
Arlene and Dan, we can never thank you enough for all you have done and your exceptional contributions.
We are forever grateful.
Thank you Arlene and Dan!
11Pope St. John XXlll
Patrick Kerrigan, Class of 1970
Each year at Festa del Leone, Roncalli Catholic High School awards
its highest honor, the Pope St. John XXlll award. This award is given
annually to an individual who embodies the qualities of a Roncalli
Catholic education and has made a difference in the community. To
honor Pope St. John XXlll, the award recognizes outstanding service
to “children and friends of God.”
Patrick Kerrigan was honored at the 32nd annual Festa del Leone
with the Pope St. John XXIII Award. Patrick graduated from Archbish-
op Rummel High School, class of 1970. His passion for the mission of
Roncalli Catholic is evident in his participation in events, his charita-
ble contributions to capital and facility improvements, and his willing-
ness to continue to be involved. He is an integral part of the Roncalli
Catholic fabric. He always looks for exciting ways to engage students
Kathy and Patrick Kerrigan in learning opportunities outside of the classroom, like sending
students to Duncan Aviation in Lincoln, and sharing his personal and professional experiences at school
assemblies.
We are appreciative of the many initiatives Patrick has taken part in to further the impact of a Roncalli
Catholic education, most recently his willingness to fund students’ tuition at Metropolitan Community
Collegethrough the Career Academy. The Career Academy provides students with the opportunity to get
a jump start on their chosen field by earning a Career Certification while still in high school. Roncalli Cath-
olic is the first Catholic High school in Omaha to offer such a program. The job training, information, and
interpersonal skills that this program provides are invaluable. The Career Academy will have a lasting and
profound impact on the life of each student enrolled.
Outside of Roncalli Catholic, Patrick has been a
member of the Industry Advisory Board for the
Raikes School of Computer Science and Business
at UNL, serving as its chairman off and on for half of
its existence. He also participates, where allowed, in
all levels of education. He has worked with St Pius X
Grade School in Omaha to collaborate with UNO to
implement Bricklayer software training at Pius. He
meets regularly with Prep and Marian high schools in
Omaha. At Lincoln Pius X High School Patrick served
on its STEM committee. He keeps in touch with
leaders at Creighton and UNL and most recently is
participating in the UNO Math Department’s imple-
mentation of the Omaha Mathematics Academy for
High Achieving Students.
We are grateful to Patrick for the many blessings Kaylee Bergstorm, Tiana Earlywine, Ms. Ann O’Connor,
and opportunities he has bestowed upon Kathy and Patrick Kerrigan, and Seth Leddy
12
the Roncalli Catholic community.Faith
We will put Christ at the forefront of all we do
with trust, confidence and conviction. We will live
in communion with one another and serve our
global community with love and compassion.
13
roncallicatholic.org/giving/giving-opportunities/2021 Chair Spotlight
Melissa and Jeff McGill
For Melissa (Nolan) McGill, Class of 1989
and Jeff McGill, Class of 1988, saying that
Roncalli Catholic is like family rings true
in more than one sense.
Melissa’s dad was a teacher, then
Vice-Principal and then Principal. Me-
lissa’s younger sibilings also attended
Roncalli Catholic, including her brother
Mike Nolan. Jeff’s older sibilings; Mau-
reen, and Jack, along with a couple of
aunts, all attended Roncalli Catholic.
One thing that happened was they
While at RCHS, Melissa was involved in developed and kept great friendships.
a variety activities, including National In addition, Melissa and Jeff are high
Honor Society, Student Council, EMHC school sweethearts that started dating
and played volleyball and soccer. during their Junior and Senior year, re-
spectively.
Jeff played football and soccer. Though
he was not involved in a lot of extracur- After graduting from Roncalli Catholic,
ricular activities, he still was able to learn both of them went on to college. Melis-
a lot of lessons of hard work and dedica- sa graduated from the College of Nurs-
tion from that time in his life. ing through the University of Nebraska
Medical Center. Jeff finished a degree
Jeff McGill Senior Photo Melissa (Nolan) McGill hugging her dad in Recreation Administration from the
University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Melissa works at Midwest Gastrointes-
tinal Associates as an Infusion Nurse. “I
really like my job. Roncalli Catholic really
taught me the caring friendliness you
need to be a nurse, to always be hard-
working and how people interacted
with others around them.”
142021 Chair Spotlight
Melissa and Jeff McGill
Jeff has been working with the Omaha
Fire department for the last 13 years and
currently is a Fire Apparatus Engineer
and Paramedic. “Every day is unique,
you never know what the day is going
to bring with my job. So uniqueness is
commonplace.”
“Roncalli Catholic helped me in instilling
the values of our faith in our everday at
school,” Says Melissa. “Anywhere from Their life at Roncalli Catholic is not lim-
how you treat people to how to work ited to their children’s activities. Jeff has
hard. I just wanted that for our own kids. become an essential part of the volun-
RCHS has such good support with the teers of RCHS. Among other things, he
teachers and other families and just the works concessions for the Booster Club,
close friendships too. They even carry was the Vice President of the Boost-
through with playing sports.” er Club, as well as the Legion Baseball
President.
Melissa and Jeff McGill have three sons:
Nolan (2015) McGill is an electrician, While they volunteered more with their
Logan (2018) McGill is currently a Junior older children, they still volunteer at
at Morningside College, Brady (2024) Roncalli Catholic. Jeff was awarded the
McGill is a Freshman at Roncalli Cath- distinction of Volunteer of the Year in
olic. All of them are alumni of St. Ber- 2016.
nard’s Catholic School.
Thank you Melissa and Jeff for chairing
the 2021 Festa del Leone!
15
Jeff McGill on the RCHS soccer team Jeff and Melissa McGill with their 3 sonsSummer 2021
Class of 2021
Raul Alarcon Salvatore Gianni Hill Carlos David Rangel
Jenna Claire Andersen Truman Randal Horn Myah Lynn Ricchiardi
Abigail Grace Anderson Robert Maurice Howell lll Damian Michael Richter
Jabez Al-Lee Anderson Emily Rose Ivaskevicius Jacob Timothy Ryan
Abigail Lynn Bennett Hailey Alexis Kamtz Cameron Michael Schafer
Kaylee Michelle Bergstrom Claire Marie Kastl Benjamin William Schott
Natalie Eleanor Blumenkemper Caitlin Nicole Keating Abigail Ann Schwarz
Nathan Matthew Brekel Thomas Vincent Kenny Maria Rose Sellers
Justin Chike’ Bryson James Jude Kraft Haylen D’Shawnn Coulter Sims
Johnpaul James Carney Chloe Christain Lanphier Erin Maeve Thomas
Michael Charles lll Seth Francis Leddy Ayden James Urban
Gabriel Dean Clements Kathryn Ann Little Garrett Brian Vosika
Syionna D’Nae Conner-Wilder Ella Joan Matthies Qinzhi Wang
Jason Anthony Crouch Thomas Charles Maxwell Max Gerald Wiese
Jeese Lawrence Crouch Abigail Bernice McGrane Samuel Ellis Wiese
Erykah TyLynn Drummer Leo Xavier McNeil Jason Frederick Willis
Zoe Maire Durr Nicholas Andrew Meier Claire Catherine Wilson
16
Daniel Joseph Emsick Jr. Elizabeth Ann Mendick Ryan Matthew Witt
Ty Joseph Evangelisti Devin Ananda Miller Jonathon Michael Young Woodworth
Jeffrey Hunter Goetz Josiah Francis Miller
Larissa Lynn Good Brendan Patrick Monaghan
Nolan Anthony Gorczyca Quinn Patrick Mulcahy
Ryan Lawrence Greenwood Andrew Rapheal PelleritoYou can also read
