from Fr. Timmerman Even though the snow impeded onour schools celebrating CatholicSchools Week, we are no lessthankful for all that Catholicschools do for our students,community, and nation. Nationaltest scores, high schoolgraduation rates, collegeattendance and other data showthat Catholic schools frequentlyoutperform schools in both thepublic and private sectors. Thereis a great infographic that showsthe facts and figures about theexcellence and promise of growthin our country's Catholic schools.Clearly, Catholic schools lead theway for excellence in faithformation and learning. We greatlyappreciate all those who supportour Aquinas and St. Mary'sCatholic Schools. Thank you.God Bless.

Catholic SchoolsWeek:Jan 31-Feb 5 Even though the weatherdidn't cooperate, CatholicSchools Week powered on.Here is the outline of howAquinas & St. Mary'scelebrated. Sun: Celebrate Your Parish Aquinas students thanked all 13 parishes during MassMon: Celebrate Your Community All School Mass celebrated by Bishop James ConleyTues: Celebrating Students SNOW DAYWednesday: Celebrating the Nation SNOW DAYThurs: Celebrating Vocations Aquinas share their talentsFri: Celebrating Catholic Faculty, Staff and Volunteers No School

Catholic Schools Week

All School Mass with Bishop Conley On Monday February 1st, Aquinas & St. Mary'sstarted celebrating Catholic Schools Week with aspecial Mass celebrated by Bishop Conley at St.Mary's Catholic Parish.

Students Share their TalentThe Student Council sponsored the 4th AnnualTalent Show at Aquinas on Thursday, February 4th.Participants had try-outs to be in the top ten topreform on Thursday.

After Mass, Bishop Conley visited Aquinas Middle& High School. He talked to the seniors, one middleschool class, and the high school choir (shownbelow).

For more pictures, please follow this link.

First Place: Victoria & Valeria Whitmore performinga Beatles Medley

Second Place: Jon & Jacob Kadlec performing"Livin' After Midnight" by Judas Priest

Third Place: Rebeca Rerucha performing "Little ToyGuns" by Carrie Underwood

Sports

Wrestling Conference Runner-Up

Conference wresting was held on Saturday, January23rd at Fremont Bergan. As a team, Aquinasplaced 2nd behind Columbus Scotus. Fourwrestlers won first place: Brendon Comte, AnthonyEickmeier, Mathew Kindler, and Joseph Reimers.

Senior WrestlersAquinas celebrated senior night on January 21stagainst Boone Central/Newman Grove. Seniors:Nolan Helgoth, Conner Kranda, Augustine Reimers,Matthew Kindler, Jayden Sylvester and BrendenComte. As a team, Aquinas beat BCNG 52-34.Matthew Kindler celebrated his 100th career win.

Wrestling District Runner-UpFeb. 12-13 at Syracuse, NE

7 Going to State (Feb. 19-20)Anthony Eickmeier (3rd), Nolan Helgoth (2nd),Conner Kranda (2nd), Kyle Petree (1st), JosephReimers (1st), Matthew Kindler (1st), and BrendenComte (2nd). Follow for more results.

Faith & Service

Inaugural NGLS Victoria Whitmore,

a member of the

David CityFFA Chapter and astudent at AquinasCatholic HighSchool participatedin the inauguralNext Generation Leadership Summit (NGLS) onJanuary 25th in Lincoln. During the NGLS, theyoung leaders took the Surviving to Thriving 10xChallenge starting with a $200 investment. In 60minutes, these future leaders were able to raise$3,044. The Food Bank of Lincoln stretches $1 to$5. With that donation they can give 9,000 meals topeople in need. Watch this video about the NGLS.

March for Life in Lincoln, NENebraska March for Life was held on Saturday,January 30th. Courtesy picture.

March for Life in D.C.

Fr. Stec, religion teacher at Aquinas and pastor atImmaculate Conception in Ulysses, led eightAquinas students to the March for Life in D.C. onJanuary 22nd. Due to weather, the trip was cutshort so they could get home before the storm.Courtesy picture.

Bishop Conley with Aquinas Campus MissionariesOn January 17th, Bishop Conley came to Aquinas to meet with the Campus Missionaries. Aquinas Campus

Missionaries has been around for 12 years, currently led by Fr. Steele, Sr.

Ann Marie, and Sr. Karen Marie. Read more here.

"These are a greatgroup of kids.

I was glad to be able totalk with them, and to

experience theircommitment to being

missionary disciples ofJesus Christ."

-Bishop Conley

Submit a Prayer RequestAquinas Middle & High School attend EucharisticAdoration every month. We are gathering intentionsfor them to pray during Adoration. Please emailyour prayer request toinfo-Aquinas@cdolinc.net

Shroud PresentationOn February 12th, the Turin Shroud Center Affiliatebrought an actual size replica of The Shroud ofTurin. The Aquinas Middle & High School were ableto listen to an educational andinspirational presentation by Jim Bertrand M.Ed (pAfter the presentation, the replica Shroud went toSt. Mary's Catholic Parish for another viewing andpresentation that evening. To learn more go tohttp://shroudofturin.com/

Jeans for Teens at AquinasAquinas senior Mackenzie Eller is currently sponsoring the "Jeans for Teens" blue-jeandrive through the organization "Do Something". The drive will continue through Februaryat Aquinas Catholic Schools. The donated jeans will be donated to Blue Valley, CatholicSocial Services, and Good Will around the state. Persons who would like to donate tothis charitable cause may drop jeans off at the Aquinas main lobby until the end ofFebruary. Read more here. Read the article here.

Academics

Spelling Bee Winners Aquinas Quiz Bowl

The Butler County Spelling Bee was held on

January 31st. Aquinas Middle School had three

placers: Matthew Vrbka (Runner-Up), Nathan

Johnson (3rd Place), and Ben Shonka (5th).

Read more here.

in the Sweet SixteenAquinas Quiz Bowl defeated Pender to move on tothe second round. On February 8th they competedagainst Humphrey Public and won with a score of3-2. They will compete on February 18th at 10:30a.m. Aquinas Quiz Bowl is coached by John Svec.Aquinas Quiz Bowl Members: Luke Burwell, BenWisnieski, Felcia Pandorff, and Colin Hain.

FFA Livestock DistrictsThe Junior team placed 2nd, qualifying for state.Those teams members are Laurel Ockander,Caeden Pierce, Allie Frasher, Hayden Schawang,Hannah Moravec, Kate Slama, Kael Jakub &Mason Helgoth. Individually placing in the top 10,Laurel was 5th and Hannah 8th.The Senior Team placed 5th. Team membersincluded Grant Romshek, Calvin Hascall, AnnaKobza Felicia Pandorf, Dustin Papa, KatieRomshek, and Kalan Zeilinger. Individually, Katielead the team placing 15th.

The Arts

WSC Festival of Honors BandSix Aquinas studentsparticipated in the Wayne State College Festival ofBands on January 30,2016. Pictured are: LibbyAschoff; Jill Witter; KaelJakub; Emily Dalton; KatieAschoff. Not pictured:Amanda Stuhr. Courtesyphoto.Please read more.

Duet Make Aquinas History Aquinas Speech Duet: Jon Kadlec and Amanda

Stuhr placed 11th at the Lincoln SE Speech Meet

on January 23. Based on their performance, they

were given a bid to the National Individual Events

Tournament of Champions. They are the first

Aquinas students to ever earn a bid. Kadlec and

Stuhr need one more bid to qualify for the

Tournament of Champions. Best of luck.

For more information about the Bid Qualifications:

http://nietoc.com/how-to-qualify.html

St. Mary's News

Guest Artist from Omaha

Both fourth gradeclasses were blessedto learn how to fuseglass from BarbGreen, guest artistfrom Omaha. Look at morepictures here.

Alumni Update

Mini-MonarchSt. Mary's 5th Gradeteacher, Alison Fozzard, welcomedthe newest memberto their family. Dylanwas welcomed byDad (Tyler) and Big Brother, Adam.

Monarch MemorialsPlease join us inpraying for theAquinas alumni andfriends that are nolonger with us, mayGod grand themeternal life.Click here.

Scott Hlavac '92 Visits AquinasScott Hlavac was a guest speaker for thefreshman health class on January 13th and 20th.During the first presentation, he explained thedangers of electricity and water. Scott also talkedthe students through what to do if they ever foundthemselves in a car accident with a power linepole.

On January 20th,The secon Scott focused on CPRon an adult and child (pictured right). He alsoshowed them how to use a defibulator.

Alumni Potato Bake a SuccessThe Alumni Potato Bake was held on February 12. It did fall on a Friday during Lent, but many were able toenjoy a potato with all the veggie fixings. The proceeds go toward two senior scholarships. To learn moreabout the senior scholarship or check up on the next Alumni event (GOLD RUSH, April 9th) please followthis link.

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