Recognition Day was held on May 1, 2012. On this special day, the Cougar Family celebrates the achievements of our students. The seniors began the day with their class Mass, followed by breakfast, and their official induction in the Gross Catholic Alumni Association. Student, parents, families, and friends gathered in the main gym to take part in the awards ceremony.
We also congratulate the class of 2012 seniors and scholarship recipients! 60% of the class received academic and athletic scholarships, including three ROTC scholarships, to public and private universities totalling $6.5 million! Click here for the graduating Class of 2012 and their impressive list of scholarships.
Man & Woman of the Year is awarded to a male and female senior student for demonstration of the gift of self, leadership, family spirit, concern for others and the school, academic success and basic integrity. The 2012 Man & Woman of the Year are Anton Rice and Anne Grzywa.
Bro. Leo Willett, S.M. Award is given each year to a male and female senior student for four years of outstanding service, generosity, and gift of self to the development of the Cougar Family. The 2012 Bro. Leo Willet Award winners are Conner Burke and Abigail Peters.
Gross Catholic Spirit Scholar Award is presented to a male and female senior student each year for academic excellence and promotion of the Cougar Family spirit. The 2012 Gross Catholic Spirit Scholars are Blake Schneiderwind and Jill Fahrer.
Ortman Scholar Award is named for the school's founding donor, Mrs. Louise Ortman Gross, wife of Mr. Daniel J. Gross. The Ortman Scholar Award is the highest academic award given to a graduating senior who has achieved academic excellence by attaining a cumulative grade point average of 4.0 or higher. These receipents will be be awarded their medal at the graduation ceremony on May 23.
Spirit Scholar Award is presented to a male and female student from the junior, sophomore, and freshman classes for academic excellence and promotion of the Cougar Family spirit. The 2012 Spirit Scholars are juniors Kevin Humlicek and Elizabeth Targy; sophomores Noah Arneson and Renee Lohaus; and freshmen Vincent Rice and Teresa Blankman.
Most Representative Student is presented to a male and female student from the junior, sophomore, and freshman classes. The 2012 Most Representative Students are juniors Zachary Knicky and Hannah Beaudoin; sophomores Benjamin Williams and Madelyn Pechar; and freshmen Matt Herting and Sarah Watson.
Other awards presented at Recognition Day included:
National Merit Finalist - senior Rachel Wilwerding
Omaha World Herald Top Student Scholar - senior Rachel Wilwerding
Omaha World Herald Scholars - seniors Sara Ficenec and Ian Ginnaty
ROTC Scholarships - seniors Michael Friend, Army; Ryan Rowe, Navy; Rochelle Dugas, Coast Guard
Woodman of the World Society American History Student Award - junior Paige Krupa
Omaha World-Herald Key Staffer Award - senior Taylor Wilson
Rebecca A. Cleveland Fine Arts Award - seniors Mariah Townsend and Jennifer Lamagna-Reiter
Stan Macaitis Iron Man Award - seniors Matthew Kerkman, Yankee Krajicek, Kaitlin Johnson, Luke Pietryga, Olivia Placzek, Anton Rice and Dylan Travis
