OUR SCHOOLS

ALUMNI 2018-19 A Community Inspiring Success GIVING BOARD OF TRUSTEES he SMCS Board of Trustees areas of focus include increasing 2019-20 Tvisibility and communication, BOARD OF TRUSTEES hiring and evaluating the system president, facilitating third-source Helen Englebert, SMCS President fundraising for the system and Kathleen Healy Osland, Chair developing growth opportunities. Steve Pable, Vice Chair Curriculum and education issues are the Phil Kerwin, Secretary responsibility of the schools led by our Kristen Bergstrom, Treasurer school principals. Each principal works Lori Vegso, at-large closely with and under the direction The Reverend Dennis Bergsbaken of the system president, who is The Reverend Paul Paider responsible for keeping the board informed. The Reverend Robert Kollath Mary Krueger The board includes the pastoral leaders William Bittner from each of the five parishes in Dr. David DeWitt Neenah and Menasha, and members who are selected and appointed by the Dan Engelhard board’s governance committee. Terms Terry Jack of service for the SMCS Board of Kim Massey Trustees are three years, with a Natalie Ripley maximum of two consecutive terms Bryan Rosiejka (six consecutive years). The board Ron Schreier meets at St. Mary Catholic High School Paul Seveska on the third Wednesday of every month, Ron Steffen except July.

ACCREDITATION St. Mary Catholic High School is accredited by AdvancEd. The elementary and middle schools are accredited by the Council of Religious and Independent Schools (WRISA). The schools are also a member of the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) and WRISA.

SMCS teachers, specialists and aides meet the requirements of the Diocesan Foundation Catechetical Certification process and are licensed educators, and all teachers and specialists hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. n the summer of 2018, The SMCS Board of Trustees Marketing Committee embarked on a mission to assist in creating the key components of our mission, vision, values, promise and tagline. This committee is comprised of SMCS staff, I trustee members, parents and local marketing professionals. The goal was to create a comprehensive plan, which would clearly communicate who we are. Several key stakeholders were directly involved in the creation. It was an extremely collaborative effort and represents our shared vision. With stronger messaging, our community will gain a far better understanding of all the remarkable things taking place in our SMCS community. Students, alumni, families, faculty, staff and parishioners can all join in sharing personal experiences which first hand illustrate the mission and commitment to developing students who make a difference in our communities. Each student is fortunate to receive a very strong foundation which remains with them as they move forward in life. Our entire system touches so many lives in very special ways. It is important we bring the opportunity to share in our mission to give our community the best chance possible at future success. SMCS Board of Trustee member, Lori Vegso ‘80, organized the effort. “SMCS is a fantastic, faith-filled system and we want people to know it, share it, and celebrate it! Our opportunity is to more clearly and consistently articulate who we are and what we stand for,” said Vegso. “With this improved messaging, students, families and staff can help share who we are, along with their personal success stories, in a way that supports our mission.” SMCS President, Helen Englebert and the SMCS Board of Trustees understand the need to share our mission and celebrate all of the great opportunities available on a much wider scale. Our system’s academics, co-curricular activities and faith-based approach to education combine to form our philosophy toward developing students to be better prepared for what they will encounter in the future. You will see updated touches moving forward in our messaging and communications. Consistently sharing the SMCS mission is vital to share because it defines the reason for our existence.

SMCS MISSION Preparing and inspiring students to lead meaningful lives, rooted in the teachings of Christ in our Catholic tradition. SMCS VISION To be celebrated as the school system where students discover and develop their God-given talents and experience success through learning, faith and service. SMCS VALUES ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE through dedicated teachers, smaller class sizes, nationally recognized programs, state of the art facilities and technology. FAITH AND MORAL VALUES integrated into curriculum and school life to serve others with compassion and integrity. INCLUSION where we welcome and respect all students, families, faiths, and backgrounds in a supportive and safe community. SELF-DISCOVERY AND PERSONAL GROWTH in a vibrant environment promoting life-long learning. STEWARDSHIP by sharing God-given gifts to positively influence an ever-changing world. SMCS PROMISE As a member of the St. Mary Catholic Schools community, every student will have the opportunity to: ACHIEVE ACADEMIC SUCCESS through the commitment of dedicated teachers and staff who are invested in students’

academic development and take extra measures to help students attain their highest potential. OUR SCHOOLS DISCOVER AND DEVELOP THEIR FAITH to live as a dynamic disciple of Christ. BE PART OF A SUPPORTIVE AND SAFE COMMUNITY where parents, students, faculty, and staff are valued and respected in our school community. EXPLORE THEIR UNIQUE PASSIONS and curiosities through enriching experiences and a diverse selection of co-curricular opportunities. EXPERIENCE AN IDEAL LEARNING ENVIRONMENT through best-in-class facilities and technology to facilitate collaborative learning and interactive programming. LEARN IN AN INCLUSIVE ENVIRONMENT with an expectation of respect and kindness for others. EARLY CHILDHOOD EXPERTISE his past year, SMCS made it a priority to enhance To ensure a well-rounded start to their academic futures, our already strong early childhood program fieldtrips are planned to expand the curriculum beyond (P3 & K4). Led by Principal Tina Fairweather, the school walls; social skills, cooperation, manners and T the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale respect for others are incorporated into the classroom (ECERS) was utilized, which is a classroom assessment environment and daily expectations; holidays, traditions tool designed to measure the quality of group programs and different cultures are taught and celebrated. The by collecting data through classroom observations and environment is further enhanced with faith development staff interviews. The assessment is a 43-item rating scale nurtured by modeling Catholic values. “We appreciate the organized into seven environmental subscales. Our scores values we try to emphasize at home are consistent with were good but we identified areas for improvement and the values that the teachers focus on at school,” says as a result, all classrooms received new science materials Sarah Champa, SMCS early childhood parent. including new sensory and light-up tables. As in all SMCS buildings, Additionally, every early maintaining a safe environment childhood classroom received for every child is a top priority. a facelift with brand new state While wanting to allow easy of the art furniture! The furniture access for family members, is bright, energetic and made Our Early Childhood program is school entrances are locked and with all natural woods. This the gateway to our fabulous system. have security systems that allow furniture brings desired We did our homework, we listened visitors and guests’ admission continuity between our into the buildings. classrooms. It is important that and we made adjustments. the look of our classroom match I believe we have set ourselves up Each day the school buildings the level of care and education are open at 7:15 a.m. for student our early childhood students to spark an interest in our students drop-off. Teachers and staff are receiving at SMCS. “It’s the to be lifelong learners in a Catholic supervise the students until classes begin. Extended learning feeling you get the first moment environment that fosters positive you step into the building, there (11:00 a.m. -3:00 p.m.) is available is a warmth you don’t find other values and attitudes. for all half day students as places, “says Meghan Foster, - Kelly Beisenstein-Weiss, needed and SMCS offers a SMCSH early childhood parent. SMCS Director of Admissions nutritious lunch program that provides hot, well-balanced We determined a need for full meals. After school care is day 4-K, which is new for 2019-20. We discovered available to families, who would like additional childcare very few facilities offer this option. Students have the when schools are dismissed until 5:30 pm. In addition to continuity of being with the same teacher for the entire traditional after-school care, we offer enrichment classes day and it gives working families peace of mind. (karate, art, dance and more).

Our early childhood programs are housed in each of We work with families individually to transition to K-12. the SMCS Elementary Schools. Students have access SMCS participates in the Wisconsin Parental Choice to outdoor playgrounds, school libraries, updated Program (WPCP) and works to make a K-12 education technology, school gyms and older student role models. affordable for every family. SCRIP can be used to reduce Use of our elementary specialized teachers in the areas tuition costs. Approximately 30% of SMCS families of art, music, phy-ed and library are available to our new participate in SCRIP. full day 4K students. As a result of our efforts, 2019-20 early childhood Our dedicated, energetic and highly qualified faculty, enrollment numbers are up! As in all things we do, we all of whom possess Wisconsin licensure or required will continue to strive to do our best to prepare and inspire Wisconsin Registry certification, have created an students to lead meaningful lives, rooted in the teachings environment that fosters social skills, cooperation, of Christ in our Catholic tradition. manners and self-worth. Enhancing these

character-building foundations, academic readiness OUR SCHOOLS is also promoted through reading programs and other related skills of learning, speaking, and writing. Our WRISA (Wisconsin Religious and Independent Schools Association) accredited program also provides hands-on curriculum options in the areas of mathematics, science and physical development through large and small motor activities. SMCS AQUINAS PROGRAM ew to the SMCS educational model last year, the Stacy Sweetalla, SMCS Aquinas Program coordinator SMCS Aquinas Program debuted. For these students and teacher is excited about the program, “This year in grades 3-5, their self-directed and inter-disciplinary we are introducing a few new activities that promote N activities take place in a multi-age classroom within collaborative learning and results-based outcomes, such the St. Mary Elementary campus. Developed to meet the as planning and implementing a fundraising plan for new educational needs of those who will thrive in a project-based playground equipment. Another classroom addition will environment led by a teacher certified in gifted-and-talented be the Genius Hour where students choose a topic that education, the SMCS Aquinas Program provides unique interests them and they research the topic, create a opportunities for students to work through challenges in comprehensive presentation and present their findings ways that suit their personalities and learning styles. to the class.”

An emphasis is placed on giving students more The 2019-20 school year has produced a bump in responsibility of their learning and the ability to work at enrollment with students eager to learn in this amazing, their own pace; thereby teaching them how to prioritize innovative program. and improve their time management skills. The concept of in-depth analysis of a situation and collaborative brainstorming to provide solutions is encouraged and Additional information about the SMCS practiced on a daily basis. In addition to independent Aquinas Program: study, working in small groups and project-based learning, students also integrate with their age peers in a variety of The SMCS Aquinas Program offers specialized ways throughout the day (such as band, world languages, instruction for high ability students in grades 3-5. lunch and the all-important recesses). Students work at a higher pace while digging deeper into the content to gain greater knowledge and depth. SMCS Aquinas Students: Activities that promote this type of learning include: • Have higher abstract logical reasoning skills • Creating, designing, conducting experiments and • Manipulate information about a topic in order to drafting conclusions for a science fair project draw unique inferences • Attending a self-advocacy workshop and then • Thrive on complexity in the curriculum making a presentation to the rest of the class • Engage intellectually and have unique, original about what they learned ideas • Global Read Aloud: collaborating via Skype with • Flourish in a challenging environment led by a other students to participate in activities related certified gifted and talented teacher to the same book • Environmental learning: attending a science fair at a weather station, field trip to a landfill and The program is open to students who apply, complete the recycling center assessment process, and are admitted into the program. Potential participants will have demonstrated the ability to set and work toward goals and to work independently on tasks at hand. Invitations for admission are based upon In April 2019, a field trip to Miller Park allowed the standardized assessment results, prior completion of students the see various science experiments that classroom projects, and administrator recommendation. showed how different parts of weather affect environment. For example, a demonstration showed To learn more about the evaluation process, please visit how dangerous hail is by taking a windshield and a the SMCS website at smcatholicschools.org or inquire with

wooden door and sending ping-pong balls through one of the SMCS Elementary School principals. OUR SCHOOLS a machine that causes them to go as fast as hail can. After the presentation put on by the meteorologist, the students were able to walk around and visit different exhibits at the science fair, such as learning about the black hole and electricity. They were then able to enjoy a bit of the Brewer game before heading home. PROJECT LEAD THE WAY (PLTW) eaching students how to adapt and embrace the ever-evolving subject of science can be a PROJECT LEAD THE WAY T challenge at any grade level.

When SMCS adopted the Project Lead The Way TIMELINE (PLTW) project-based curriculum four years ago, it was implemented in grades 3-5, but we prepared to expand the initiative into all grade levels over time. It is now fully integrated in grades K-12. 2016-17

The national program focuses on providing a hands-on understanding of the topic of study – not SMCS incorporated two relying on just lecture or video learning. “One thing Launch modules for that I love and appreciate about Project Lead The students in grades 3-5 Way is that it is constantly improving, pushing and at all three SMCS elementary morphing to identify what’s coming up next and campuses, as well as provide new ways to change the way we all learn Gateway computer science,” says Jill Ahles, SMCS Middle School science units for grades Principal and PLTW Administrator. seven and eight.

SMCS has had a long and successful VEX program history. PLTW provides a meaningful connection between that program, the classrooms, and other co-curriculars. For instance, through learned 2017-18 curriculum in the class ‘Energy and Environment’, students are able to draw connections between limited resources and sustainability. SMCS added Launch modules for grades two To support this innovative and effective style of and three, and introduced teaching, there is a core group of lead teachers a flight-based module for who provide a network of support and training students in sixth grade. to all SMCS teachers. Stacy Sweetalla (SM), Karie Ann Zeinert (SMM), Lauren Zeineger (SG), Maggie Knecht (SMCHS) along with principal Ahles, are the lead teachers who use the train-the-trainer model to benefit fellow educators. To ensure the continued 2018-19 success and funding for Project Lead the Way, there is a working advisory group that focuses on financial support through sponsorships and other funding K-8 was fully implemented. models, as well as guiding the implementation and SMCS added Introduction training logistics. to Engineering to the high school as well as an PLTW class topics vary between grade levels but additional Energy and the cover a broad range of science themes ranging from Environment module for human anatomy, animal and environment, flight and grade eight science. space, to computer and medical science.

SMCS President Helen Englebert envisioned PLTW OUR SCHOOLS as a foundational platform on which SMCS is able to build an integrated STEM program. Principal Ahles 2018-19 believes this approach provides a vehicle to get updated and future-focused science programming, figuratively and literally, into the hands of all students. SMCS added a second high school class, Principles of Engineering. NOT ALL OF US CAN DO GREAT THINGS, BUT WE CAN DO SMALL THINGS WITH GREAT LOVE. – St. Teresa of Calcuta

CAREER DAY e held our first career/mentor Wday on April 10, 2019 at St. Mary Catholic High School. SMC alumni staff and SMCS parents came together to share their college and life experiences with our students.

The speakers did two 20-minute rotations talking with groups of 10-15 students. Students were delighted to learn more about various careers that they are interested in. We plan on presenting this opportunity every year in helping bridge our alumni with our students. Brian Hale ‘76 spoke to students about If you are interested in taking part his marketing experience. in our next career/mentor day, please contact Sue Peters at [email protected] or 722-7796 x 803. ZEPHYRS ATHLETES INDUCTED INTO THE SMC ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME The 2019 SMC Athletic Hall of Fame induction took place on Saturday, November 9, 2019 before St. Mary Catholic Schools’ Z-NIGHT celebration. Four individuals and one team were welcomed into the group whose athletic accomplishments are commemorated in the SMC Athletic Hall of Fame.

Andy Kolosso ’75 Andy was recognized for his extensive involvement with football, and track teams during his time at St. Mary Central High School and after graduation. During his career in football, Andy was named on the All-Conference Team his junior and senior years. In , the team won conference his senior year and he made the All-Conference Team. He continued his football career at the University of Wisconsin-Plateville (UWP) from 1975-78. He started 40 straight varsity games, earned four varsity letters and was on the All-Conference Team his sophomore, junior and senior years at UWP. In the years since SMC and college, Andy has spent time coaching basketball at New London High School and assisted in coaching football at both St. Mary Central and Hortonville High School alongside his son Tom, as well as being the activities director for Hortonville Area School District.

Kali was honored for her participation in volleyball, basketball, and softball while she was at St. Mary Kali (Houselog ‘04) Sawyer Central High School. She played volleyball from 2002-04 and lettered junior and senior years as well as being awarded an Honorable Mention All-Conference. During her basketball career, she earned team honors as MVP both her junior and senior years and was awarded 1st Team All-Conference her junior and senior years. Addi- tionally she was voted the Most Improved (Pitcher) for her softball skills. Kali continued her education and graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (UWEC) studying Biology-Pre Professional Health Sciences as well as Northwestern Health Sciences University where she received her Doctor of Chiropractic in October of 2011. During her college years she played four years of women’s basketball, two years at Minnesota State University where she was team captain her sophomore ALUMNI year and two years at UWEC. She continued her love of sports as the SMC assistant varsity coach from 2011-12 and head coach from 2014-17. ZEPHYRS ATHLETES INDUCTED into the SMC Athletic HALL OF FAME

Jordan Michalkiewicz ’05

Jordan was recognized for his participation and success in football, basketball and baseball at St. Mary Central High School. Along with playing football for two years, he played three years of basketball, earning 1st Team All-Conference in the 2004-05 season. Jordan played baseball all four years earning 1st Team Utility Player in 2004 and team honors as MVP, Conference Player of the Year in 2005. During his baseball career at SMC, the team had back-to-back state appearances. After graduating from St. Mary Central, Jordan attended the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh, where he studied finance and continued his baseball career for two years. He received his MBA from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.

Gene Patzner ’63

Gene was honored for his participation in both basketball and baseball for all four of his high school years. He was fortunate to go to the State Tournament with both teams and was honored as MVP in basketball and All State Team in baseball. Gene continued his education at Lewis College in Illinois where he majored in Business and played baseball. Post college, he coached 5th-7th grade Seton girls basketball for five years. He additionally started the Palisades baseball league and coached there for three years (and won every year).

1940 Boys Basketball Team:

• Sylvester Burghart • Farnham Johnson • Coached by: • Clarence Ciske • Bernard Kluba Coach Robert Zuercher • Joseph Fieweger • William Resch • Managed: Edward Mottl, Al Kolasinsky, and F. Staniak • Norman Griesbach • Jerome Schuller • Giilbert Huelsbeck • Alfred Taves (all members are deceased) LEADERSHIP DAY 2019 BARB (BRAUN) UNRUH ‘83 TONY GERHARZ ‘77

The Outstanding Catholic Christian Service Award The Alumni Achievement Award was presented to was given to Barb (Braun) Unruh ‘83. Barb has Tony Gerharz ‘77. After high school, he continued his a great faith and lives that faith throughout her education at UW-Oshkosh, receiving a degree in everyday life, as well as within our community. She Physical Education with an Education minor and coordinates parish meals for the Pillars Adult & coaching emphasis. Family Shelter, is an Alpha group leader, participates as a Perpetual Adoration chapel adorer and He is married to Gale and the two celebrated their 30th coordinates adorers for SMCHS. anniversary in the summer of 2019. They have three children, Elizabeth, Christina and Meredith. After high school, she continued her education at Valparaiso University and the University of West Tony is currently the head baseball coach at Oshkosh Florida, receiving a Bachelors in Social Studies West and has been honored with several awards Education and Social Work. She also received her including being inducted into the Hall of Fame for the: Masters in School Counseling from Northeastern • 2016 Wisconsin Baseball Coaches Association Illinois. Barb and her husband Dan have four • 2013 Snitz Club - Oshkosh children, Lucas ‘13, Lauren, ‘16, Ethan ‘19 and Evan, who is in 9th grade at St. Mary Catholic High School. • 2012 Wisconsin State Baseball League In 2014, Tony was awarded the Wisconsin Baseball Coaches Association Distinguished Service Award. He also received the Wisconsin Coalition against Sexual Assault Voices of Courage Educator Award in 2018. CLIFF UITENBROEK ‘83 Tony continues his involvement in the community. He has been active with: • The Wisconsin Baseball Coaches Association for 35 years • The Wisconsin Football Coaches Association • The Wisconsin Baseball Coaches Association Classic Chairman • The Wisconsin Baseball Coaches Association District/Conference Rep for 20 years ALUMNI The Distinguished Service Award was presented to Cliff Uitenbroek ‘83. Cliff continually shares his time and talent with our SMCS community as well as our surrounding community. He has a love for theater and helps our students build stage sets. He was a volunteer firefighter for 20 years, including becoming active chief. He volunteers for the Make-A-Wish Foundation and is a regular volunteer for Holy Spirit parish including bingo events, the church picnic, and the building and grounds committee. Cliff and his wife Chris ‘86, have two daughters, Jessica, ‘13 and Molly ‘19. Cliff has been a local business owner since 1992. STAYING CONNECTED YOUNG ALUMNI HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE

SMCHS hosted a young alumni visit day for graduates from 2014-2018. The visit day gave alumni the opportunity to re-connect, visit with former teachers, staff and classmates, take a tour of our new facilities and share experiences with our current students. The alumni were invited to participate in a discussion with SMCHS students during mentor groups and were invited to stay after to visit with teachers over lunch.

THIRD ANNUAL SENIOR BREAKFAST

Seniors gathered together to watch the sunrise as they reminisced about their high school years. They started the morning off with Zumba and then enjoyed a hot breakfast provided by SMCHS and served by fellow alumni. Thank you to Scott Zielinski ’88, Jeanne Griffith ’80, Lauren Unruh ’16 and several of our parents and staff for getting up early and making this day so special. REUNIONS 1953 The Class of 1953 celebrated their 65th class reunion. They started off their weekend with a tour of St. Mary Catholic High School. They continued their night with a fish fry followed by a luncheon at Waverly Beach on Saturday.

1958 The Class of 1958 celebrated their 60th class reunion at Waverly Beach. In addition to renewing friendships, sharing stories and enjoying dinner together, they had a recognition ceremony for their deceased classmates. The ceremony consisted of reading a name and releasing a dove for each of their 32 known deceased classmates.

1970 The class of 1970 enjoyed reconnecting with an impromptu gathering.

1973 The Class of 1973 celebrated their 45th class reunion at the Fin-N-Feather. They started the night with a three-hour boat cruise followed by dinner and music as they reunited with their all classmates throughout the night.

1974 ALUMNI The Class of 1974 enjoyed a beautiful day outside as they celebrated their 45th class reunion at Waverly Beach. REUNIONS

1978 The Class of 1978 celebrated their 40th class reunion at the Stone Toad.

1988 Celebrating their 30 year class reunion, classmates gathered to enjoy a fun night catching up with each other and enjoying the night in style at the Appleton Yacht Club.

1998 The Class of 1998, gathered at the Stone Toad to celebrate their 20th class reunion.

2013 The class of 2013 got together at Waverly Beach for their very first reunion. They had a blast reminiscing about their high school years. CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CLASS OF 2019!

The Meier family celebrated three generations of SMC graduates. Ruth Meier ‘19, joined her grandfather Gordon Meier ‘40 and her father Don Meier ‘82. Congratulations Meier Family!

The last of The Andersen crew have graduated. Sydney, Class of 2019, joined her five siblings, Calvin ’07, Erin ’09, Melanie ’11, Ethan ’15 and Regan ’17. ALUMNI Kudos to the Andersen Family! CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR SMC ALUMNI WHO ACHIEVED THEIR HIGHER EDUCATION GOALS IN SPRING 2019!

Carter Gagne ’14 Alex Depies ’15 University of Wisconsin-La-Crosse University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh

Ethan Andersen ’15 Sam Hunt ’15 Minnesota State University, St. Norbert College Mankato

Kayla VanDyke ’14 Jenna Thelen ’14 University of Wisconsin-Madison University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse

Meg Prosser ’13 Claire Kalaus ’15 Marquette University Marian University

Natalie Ullrich ’13 Matt McParlon ’15 Rachel Ullrich ’11 Marquette Unviersity University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire University of Iowa CONGRATULATIONS ON NEW BEGINNINGS

STEW KOSKINEN ‘01 RYAN PETERS ‘12

Congratulations to alumnus Stew Koskinen ’01 and his wife Stacie on the birth of their first child, Robert Donald Koskinen.

Congratulations to alumnus, Ryan Peters ’12 on his marriage to Brielle Smith. The two were married on Friday, August 30, 2019. They are also new home owners and live in Neenah. SAM KOSLOWSKI ‘10 LEISA CONN KOSLOWSKI ’11 GRACE DEJNO ‘14

Congratulations to alumnus, Alumna Grace Dejno ’14 was recently ALUMNI Sam Koslowski ‘10 and alumna, engaged to Hayden Krueger. They both Leisa Conn Koslowski ‘11 on the graduated from UW-Stout and are arrival of Emma Jean Koslowski currently working in the Milwaukee area. to their family. Emma Jean is their They will be married in Green Bay, first child. October of 2020. ALUMNI IN THE COMMUNITY

PATTI HOULIHAN ‘75 JAKE BERGSTROM ‘02

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Fox Valley Alumnus Jake Bergstrom ’02 has formed a special Best Friends bond with Zach Fenner since they were matched Patti Houlihan ‘75, marks 25 10 years ago. Zach was just seven years old when he years of service to local youth at met Jake. The two of them have had numerous outings Best Friends. Patti is a force of together, from bowling, to fishing and attending nature. She has recruited more Packers games. mentors than anyone can count and is that rare adult still eating As a young boy, Zach didn’t have a male figure in his PopTarts! We love you Patti and life, so his mom decided to contact Big Brothers Big CONGRATS on 25 years of giving Sisters to see if a match could be made. Jake has been back to children in need. able to help fill that void over the years. Jake won the title of “Big Brother of the Year”, not only in the valley but the entire state of Wisconsin from an essay that Zach wrote on the impact Jake has made on his life. CONGRATULATIONS JAKE! JOHN WALLACE ABRAHAMSON ‘10

BETH KNAPINSKI ‘12

Service in our community Thank you to our SMC alumnus John Wallace Abrahamson ’10 for your continued service in our community. A young boy’s scooter Fox Cities Convention Visitors Bureau was stolen and John, a police officer Alumna Beth Knapinski ’12 joined The Fox Cities with the Menasha Police Department Convention & Visitors Bureau (FCCVB) as their went over and above the call of duty Marketing Communication Director. Beth earned her and purchased a new scooter for the bachelor’s degree in communications from Bradley University in Peoria, IL in 2015. She joined FCCVB young boy. GOOD WORK JOHN! after working in marketing and communication leadership roles at health care organizations in Nebraska, Washington and Vermont. WELCOME HOME BETH! ALUMNI UPDATES

DAKOTA BAYER ‘14 NATHAN JACK ‘13

COAST GUARD Dakota was a four year member of our STEM Education Club and robotics team. He now is in the Coast Guard stationed on the west coast in Washington. Dakota is an Avionics New Fox Crossing Police Officer Electrical Technician as part of an air crew Alumnus Nathan Jack ‘13 was flying aboard a rescue helicopter. He is sworn in at the Village Board the Flight Mechanic and one of his meeting back in July. His father responsibilities is operating the rescue Terry was given the privilege of basket and hoist. Dakota shared a video of pinning on his son’s badge. a rescue he assisted with of an unconscious Congratulations Officer Jack! boater off the coast of British Columbia. CONGRATULATIONS DAKOTA!

ERIC MEIER ‘18, KEVIN GRIEF ‘16 CLAIRE KALAUS ‘15 & LUCAS UNRUH ‘13

Congratulations Claire Alumna Claire Kalaus ’15 has joined Notre Dame’s Marching Band SPIRITUS. When Claire was in middle Eric Meier ’18, Kevin Grief ’16 and Lucas Unruh ’13 and high school she enjoyed several played with the band of the Fighting Irish. Eric retreats with SPIRITUS and felt the and Kevin are currently members of Notre Dame’s calling to be a missionary one day. marching band and Lucas was marching as a Notre Claire recently graduated from

Dame Band alumnus. There are 250 members in the Marian University and loves to go ALUMNI band that were joined by 500 alumni for part of a camping, swimming and spending half-time show. EXCITING! her time on stage in musicals. WAY TO GO CLAIRE! MAY THEY REST IN PEACE

On Thursday, November 1, 2019, St. Mary Catholic High School celebrated a Remembrance Mass with special prayers for alumni and friends of the school who passed away in the previous year. Each deceased member of our community was represented by a family member or student who carried a lit candle as part of the procession into Mass. During the liturgy, the names of deceased loved ones were read aloud as part of the litany.

NOMINATE SOMEONE TODAY

The St. Mary Catholic Schools family feels it is important to recognize outstanding accomplishments of our graduates as well as their contributions to their communities. For that purpose, we have established several recognitions for SMCS alumni.

• Outstanding Catholic Christian Service Award honors an alumnus who has demonstrated faithful service to the Lord in vocational ministry, Christian service or a church leadership position, and through his or her continued support of St. Mary Catholic High School. The nominee exhibits a self-sacrificing way of life by going beyond expectations in service to others.

• The Distinguished Service Award recognizes an alumnus who has given his or her time, energy and resources to enhance the well-being of St. Mary Catholic High School and the community. He or she exhibits a high degree of leadership, character and integrity. This person’s loyalty and service support SMCHS and the community in moving into the future.

• The Alumni Achievement Award is presented to an alumnus who displayed strong leadership while a student at SMCHS, who has achieved distinction in his/her community and/or field of expertise, who continues to support SMCHS and/or Catholic education, and who lives out Christian values. The nominee must have graduated from St. Mary Catholic High School at least ten years ago.

Do you know an alumni who has the qualifications to receive one of these awards?

Please visit https://smcatholicschools.org/alumni/ or contact Sue Peters, [email protected] or (920) 722-7796 ext. 853

ALUMNI SHARE YOUR NEWS Submit your items …….. engagement, wedding, new job, graduation, etc. to [email protected] GIVING 2018-19 The addition of an engineering class to the high school as well as an high school as well the to addition of an engineering class The science 8th grade Module for and the Environment additional Energy donations Way The Lead in Project $24,000 through a provide designed to and user-friendly website, new vibrant A $19,000 information and useful of our mission overview comprehensive over just Mary Elementary totaling St. at Street Digital signage on Third of the high visibility location advantage which takes $17,000 A stunning and safety conscious $220,000 remodel of the high school of the high remodel $220,000 conscious and safety A stunning office front both for attire and professional spirit wear for in funds $37,000 SMCS pride promote to staff and students program in our literacy $95,000 of almost investment A second

• • • • • • 2018-19 donor financial support assisted in providing: financial support assisted donor 2018-19

Tuition assistance in excess of $422,300! in excess assistance Tuition Funds in excess of $332,400 for student activities through fine arts/activity/athletic booster club and booster fine arts/activity/athletic activities through student of $332,400 for Funds in excess school events elementary/middle academic initiatives Underwriting of $83,310 in new Annual fund support