beckman catholic

blaz er trails alumni newsletter

may 2015

in remembrance

Page 1

Peter Knipper ‘80

May 19, 1991

Gary Drees ‘82 May 28, 1991

Timothy Burkle ‘85

May 25, 2004

Doug Wernke ‘01 May 12, 2012

“Do not go where the path may lead; go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson

be a trailblazer

Dianne (Delaney ‘67) Reicher, West Dundee, IL. And Mary (Delaney ‘79) McGuire, Central City, on the death of your mother, Eillene George, March 22.

Elaine Hansel, ‘72, Dubuque, on the death of your sister, Dianne (Hansel, ‘77) Wuchter, April 9.

Patricia (Wegmann, ‘68) Kruse, Dyersville, on the death of your mother, Pat Willenbring, April 18.

Vicki (Burger, ‘69) Kramer, Hopkinton, Julie (Burger, ‘71) Schilling, Dubuque, Lolly Burger, ‘72, Cascade, and Ernie Burger, ‘75, Vina del Mar, Chile, on the death of your sister, Lori (Burger ‘81) Miller, April 18.

Gwenn (Wessels ‘68) Evers, Urbandale, Karmen (Kramer ‘87) Wilhelm, Marion, and Kourtney (Kramer ‘89) Keough, Clive, on the death of your husband and father, John (Jack) Evers, April 18.

Ann (Brunkan, ‘84) Wink, Marion, Tim Brunkan, ‘87, Eldridge, and Jennifer (Brunkan, ‘91) Brunkan-Smith, Mission, KS on the death of your father, Joseph Brunkan, April 23.

Karen (Mensen, ‘74) Hillers, Guttenberg, Ken Mensen, ‘75, Cedar Rapids, Ron Mensen, ‘76, Earlville, Duane Mensen’77, Solon, Carla (Mensen, ‘80) Lechtenberg, Manchester, and Pat Mensen, ‘84, Petersburg, on the death of your mother, Janice Mensen, April 25.

Michael Boeckenstedt ‘68 May 12, 2005

Connie Goldsmith ‘73

May 10, 2007

Lanz McDermott ‘76 May 31, 2010

Scott Knipper ‘77

May 25, 1976

Jeffrey Thier May 25, 2002

upcoming reunions Class of ‘75- June 27, 2015 Pat Mescher

Class of ‘80- July 4, 2015 Mark Singsank

Class of ‘85– Sept. 26, 2015 John Hermsen

Class of ‘90– TBD Peggy Petlon petlon@iowatelecom.net

Class of 2000- Sept. 6, 2015 Nick Knepper

Class of 2010- August 1, 2015 Jenna Stelken

From the

Development Director

The end of the school year is upon us. Senior awards will be held Thursday and senior semester tests scheduled for Friday, Monday and Tuesday. The annual Baccalaureate ceremony was held May 2, highlighted by an inspirational address from faculty member Michelle Geistkemper ’98. The 49th graduating class of Beckman Catholic will receive diplomas on May 17. The last day of school for the student body is May 20.

We have received reunion information from several classes which is posted below. Anyone having information for reunions for the Classes of ‘70, ‘95, or 2005, please pass the information along to the Development Office.

The Blazing Forward campaign is at $7,382,237. If you are interested in contributing to the campaign, please contact the Development Office for detailed information.

Thank you for your support of Beckman High School and Catholic education.

Tim Pins

in memory of

May they Rest in Peace

beckman catholic

scholarship golf classic

The 3rd annual Beckman Catholic Scholarship Golf Classic is scheduled for May 23. Four person best shot. There are only 4 4-somes left as of May 4. Please contact Jenny (Steger ‘’97) Osterhaus 563-542-2415 to register.

Lori (Burger ‘81) Miller

Oct. 10, 1962 - Apr. 18, 2015

in sympathy with alumni

Dianne (Hansel ‘77) Wuchter

Jan. 21, 1958 - April 9, 2015

birdies for charity Follow the John Deere Classic, make a pledge to BHS and take a chance on winning big. https://birdiesforcharity.com

beckman catholic

blaz er trails alumni e-newsletter may 2015

Beckman Catholic Events

Page 2

“Do not go where the path may lead; go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson

be a trailblazer

Seniors Participate in Real Life Academy

Students Participate in FFA Leadership Conference

Real Life Academy was held for current seniors on March at Beckman Catholic High School. Some area businesses that assisted in the event were Casey’s, State Farm Insurance, American Trust , Fidelity Bank and Trust, ShopKo, Tri-Vets, and various other volunteers from the community.

Each senior was given their life situation at the age of 27 in the career of their choice. They were given a month's salary based on research from the Iowa Workforce Development. Students then needed to support themselves by budgeting for housing, transportation, insurance, food, entertainment, savings, donations etc.

“Real Life Academy was a great experience that all Beckman seniors were able to partake in. The seniors were able to practice what it takes to be independent. This was a wonderful experience for me because I learned to save money when it is possible,” said Bildstein.

“I had a great time at Real Life Academy. Many local business generously volunteered their time to help us learn life-long skills. It gave us a brief look at what it will be like once we are on our own in the real world. Real Life Academy was a great way to learn life skills and have fun at the same time,” said Westhoff.

“I thought the Real Life Academy was great! It was very eye-opening seeing just how much things like groceries and gas can cost in a months time. It was very helpful that the people representing the businesses were just as interested in it as we were. It helps when you get people that are willing to help you and are interested in what you are doing. Like I said earlier, it was a very eye opening experience,” said Funke.

The 87th Iowa FFA Leadership Conference was held April 19-21 in Ames. The conference hosts over 5,000 FFA members and guests from across the state who come to learn more about careers in the agriculture industry, compete for scholarships and volunteer in the community.

The following FFA students competed at the conference: Seniors Jenna Bonert, Jay Wessels and Trent Westoff; Juniors Nick Bagge, Amber Bonert, Katelyn Goldsmith, Kristi Mensen, Tia Recker and Kevin Steffen. The areas that they competed in were Ag Communications, Poultry Judging, Biotechnology, State Band, National Dairy Judging Awards and Blue and Gold Awards.

Jenna Bonert, ‘15 and Amber Bonert, ‘16 received 4th place Gold in the Ag Communications contest.

Kevin Steffen, ‘16 was a member of the silver medalist Poultry team.

Jay Wessels, ‘15, Trent Westoff, ‘15, Nick Bagge, ‘16 and Katelyn Goldsmith, ‘16 received a silver in the Biotechnology contest.

Katelyn Goldsmith, ‘16 also recived a Gold medal in the FFA band.

Tia Recker, ‘16 and Kristi Mensen, ‘16 received the Iowa FFA Foundation Ambassadors Award for their work during the National Farm Toy Show held in the fall of 2014.

beckman catholic

blaz er trails alumni e-newsletter may 2015

Beckman Catholic Events

Page 2 “Do not go where the path may lead; go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson

be a trailblazer

Student Compete & Place at WAMAC Art Show

Beckman Students Perform at State Solo & Ensemble

Music Students Perform at Dessert Pops Concert

Page 3

Beckman had a strong representation at the State Solo and Ensemble contest held at Cascade High School on April 11.

Students performing in the instrumental division were Rebecca Kennedy, ‘16 with her flute solo and received a Division 1 rating, Elise Westhoff , ‘16 who also had a flute solo and received a Division 1 rating and rounding it out was Autumn Heiderscheit ‘15, Lauren Bollweg ’15, and Shannon Schuster, ‘15 with a mixed woodwind trio performance which received a Division 3 rating.

The vocal students who performed were Elise Westhoff, ‘16, Samantha Otto, ‘16 and Carter Shaull, ‘16. Westhoff and Otto both received an Excellent (II) rating and Shaull received a Superior (1) rating.

On April 15, 12 Beckman students attended and participated in the 2015 WAMAC Art Show at Maquoketa High School. The students had works in 15 different categories and competed for placement in each category.

This year we had three students receive awards in their respective categories. In Graphic Design, Emily Koetz , ‘16 received 2nd place and Katelyn Schmitt, ‘15 received 3rd place.

In the Print making category, Shannon Burkle, ‘15 received 2nd place.

As a part of the day, the students were able to tour the gallery of Rose Frantzen, a nationally acclaimed artist who is a native of Maquoketa.

Emily Koetz, ‘16 presents her work at the WAMAC Art Show.

Beckman students at WAMAC Art Show in Maquoketa, IA.

The Beckman Singers' final public concert of the school year featured choral, duet, and individual selections from a variety of Broadway musicals including, "The Phantom of the Opera," "The Drowsy Chaperone," "Hairspray," "West Side Story," "Once," and many more. This concert also included the distribution of vocal awards for our students. Our two top awards for senior vocalists were awarded to Skye Miller who was the recipient of the Outstanding Senior Vocalist Award, and Sam King was the recipient of the Iowa Choral Directors Association Award. Following the performance, everyone was invited to a dessert reception in the school commons.

Concert Choir performing “You’ll Be In My Heart” from Tarzan.

Seniors performing “I Lived” as their senior song.

beckman catholic

blaz er trails alumni e-newsletter may 2015

Beckman Catholic Events

Page 4 “Do not go where the path may lead; go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson

be a trailblazer

National Honor Society Induction

Drake Relays

Students Complete School-to-Business Mentoring Program

The varsity girl’s track and field team competed at Drake Relays April 24-25. Qualifying students were the 4x100 Relay team of Isabel Brehm, ‘16, Grace Nebel, ‘16, Morgan Funke, ‘18 and Shalyn Wessels, ‘16. Junior Shalyn Wessels also competed in the long jump.

Congratulations to the following students who were inducted into the Beckman Chapter of the National Honor Society on April 8. Their selection is based on the four characteristics of scholarship, leadership, character and service. The following juniors were inducted:

Danielle Besler, Christopher Grebner, Luke Manternach, Amber Bonert, Jacob Grover, Samantha Otto, Jacqueline Ehrlich, Ben Hageman, Carl Schneider, Natalie Fallon, Troy Hammann, Carter Shaull, Nicholas Fallon, Tyler Hirsch, Sarah Tegeler, Katelyn Goldsmith, Rebecca Kennedy and Elise Westhoff.

Seventeen seniors participated in the Mentoring Program during the 2014-2015 school year. This is the twenty-first year for the school-to-business partnership designed to provide students with learning experiences about the workforce. The program stresses the importance of job readiness and attempts to introduce skills involved with a specific career choice. Students receive 5 credits and spend 4-5 hours each week at the job site. The following seniors were involved in the program this year:

Paige Bildstein – Hennessy Catholic School

Eric Boeckenstedt – Susan Theisen, Beckman Athletic Trainer

Abbie Decker – Susan Theisen, Beckman Athletic Trainer

Jenna Dunkel – Mercy Medical Center

Lauren Faust – Western Dubuque Special Education

Adam Funke – Century Building Supply

Mallory Hoffmann – Brides & Weddings

Maci Jacque – Mercy Medical Center

Brooke Klostermann – St. Francis Xavier School

4x100 Team: Morgan Funke, Grace Nebel, Shalyn Wessels, Isabel Brehm

Quiz Bowl Nine Jr. High students competed in the 9th Annual Quiz Bowl on April 11 at Drexler Middle School.

Congrats to the following students:

Trinity Helle ‘19, Owen Grover ‘19, Matt Halverson ‘19, Marcus Schneider ‘19 , Elizabeth McGrane ‘20, Haley Burlage ‘19, Clay Carton ’20, Anna McAuliffe ‘20 and Abby Klostermann ‘20.

McKayla Klostermann – American Trust & Savings Bank

Kaitlyn Kluesner – St. Francis Xavier School

Robbie Kramer – EIMCO

Eric Mensen – Tri-Vet Associates

Carly Meyer – Mercy Medical Center

Courtney Scherbring – Fidelity Bank & Trust

Morgan Tomas – Mercy Medical Center

John Trenkamp – Riesberg Rental

beckman catholic

blaz er trails alumni e-newsletter may 2015

Beckman Catholic Events

Page 5 “Do not go where the path may lead; go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson

be a trailblazer

World Food Prize Iowa Youth Institute

Seventh Grade Students Experience History in West Branch

On Friday, April 24th, the 7th graders traveled to West Branch, Iowa to take a tour of the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library. Students were able to participate in an exhibit design activity and a World War I Trench warfare traveling exhibit.

Amber Bonert ‘16, Katelyn Goldsmith ‘16 and Noah Sabers ‘17 at World Food Prize in Ames.

The World Food Prize Institute at Iowa State University was held on April 27. Over 250 high school students from across Iowa gathered to explore critical global issues and academic and career paths in Science, Math, Engineering and Technology fields (STEM). The Iowa Youth Institute has been referred to as the most significant event to inspire high students to focus on the global issues in STEM.

The Iowa Youth Institute connects students interested in science, agriculture and related fields with Iowa leaders and innovators on the cutting edge of science and research. Each high school student wrote a research paper on a key issue that impacts hunger in another country. The students propose their own solutions in small-group roundtable discussions facilitated by academic and industry experts, and students and teachers also participate in hands-on activities in research facilities and labs at Iowa State University.

This year, Beckman participated in the event with teachers, Cheryl Kluesner and Dawn Mausser accompanying Amber Bonert ‘16, Katelyn Goldsmith ‘16 and Noah Sabers ‘17. The students researched the following topics and each received a $500 scholarship to Iowa State University.

Amber—The Need to Know: Improving Health Education in Bolivia.

Katelyn—Dust in the Wind: Crisis of the Sahel in Niger.

Noah—Chile, A Land of Contrasts.

Junior Katelyn Goldsmith reflects on the experience. “The World Food Prize was a really awesome experience. It was amazing to meet and discuss with both the current and future leaders of the fight against hunger. Over the day I gained an acute understanding of the importance of working together to feed 5 billion people by 2050.”

Agriculture Business Students Tour Local Dairy Farm On April 29, Beckman Ag Business students visited Reuter Dairy of Peosta. Reuter Dairy is a 800 cow operation that averages just shy of 31,000 lb. rolling herd average that focuses on family while integrating technology.

All cows wear transponders that track heat cycles, body temperature, milk production and rumen movements. The dairy is owned by father-son team of Rick and Dan Reuter. They talked about their expansion and about the importance of hard work and timely employees that are willing to work as a team.

“It was such a great experience going to visit Reuter Dairy. It was so interesting seeing their operation of milking close to 800 cows compared to my family milking 50 cows. It was a great time and a great learning experience for my future in agriculture,” said Tommy Lehmann, ‘16.