Please take time to nominate someone worthy of the Distinguished Service Award
Criteria for Award
1. Nominee must be a STC Graduate at least 20 years.
2. Is an active practicing Catholic.
3. Life of leadership and service is an outstanding example
of Catholic values, virtues and ideals.
4. Service has made a significant impact on others.
5. Public knowledge is sufficient to support the nomination.
6. If able, nominee should be able to accept award in
person at Annual Reunion Banquet on June 26, 2004.
My nomination for the Distinguished Service Award:
Name: _________________________________________
Grad. Year: _____________________________________
Address: _______________________________________
City: __________________________________________
State: ____________________ Zip: ______________
Accomplishments: _______________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
Submitted by:
Name: _________________________________________
Address: _______________________________________
City: __________________________________________
State: ____________________ Zip: ______________
Phone:_________________________________________
email: _________________________________________





Catholic Schools Week
Each year about this time a week is set aside to focus on Catholic school education. For the younger students it means spotlighting the people and events of their daily routine through a variety of activities and classroom projects. For the older set it means a ‘free day’ at some point during the approaching semester. The highlight of the week is usually a visit by the Bishop of the Lincoln Diocese and an hour of prayer and thanksgiving.
A product of Catholic school education myself and having educated three children through this system, I appreciate the sacrifices that many parents and educators have made in this regard.
I can also appreciate the fact that Catholic schools, or any private school for that matter, might not be the best for every young person. Simply observing the dress code might be a source of conflict and tension. Other regimental procedures and practices might cause the average student to shun this experience and turn to a more traditional system. This remains a topic around my own holiday dinner table so I do have an appreciation for other opinions.
Personally, I recall an episode at Regis University in Denver. A particular Jesuit priest was quite stingy when it came to handing out decent grades. For example, a ‘B’ meant that you had some prenatal aptitude or by some miracle you became exposed to a spiritual revelation. With only two tests involved, a half semester and end of semester test, the importance of these grades were paramount. And, with my aptitude lying somewhere within the lower 50%, a ‘B’ became quite precious to say the least.
This particular priest/theologian/teacher/comic practiced the art of handing out the results of one’s exam in full view of the entire class, usually adding some derisive remarks while doing so. As he approached my desk with paper in tow, he suddenly stopped as if thrown into an epileptic shock. Moments passed as he reviewed his own work. Finally, in his normal loud voice he said, "Mr. DeMars, it says here that you are receiving a ‘B’- as a result of this effort. Enjoy it, for it will be the last ‘B’ that you will ever receive from me!"
As I reflect on what Catholic schools have done for me during my lifetime, those little inconveniences, these minor restrictions have become an asset throughout the years.
Here at the Hastings Catholic schools, our teachers continue to provide our students with all the tools necessary to perform well after high school, be it a college education or entry into the job market. These kids are prepared in every way and statistics hold this statement to be true as do testimonials from graduates. However, teaching children the “abc’s and the 123’s” is one thing, forming a child to be God-fearing and respectful, loving and caring for their fellow man is another. We all know that these attributes do not just happen, they are taught. They are taught by their parents first and their educators, second. Catholic schools reinforce these virtues on a daily basis from ages 5 – 18. The discipline practiced removes ‘self’ from the equation and inserts ‘others’ first. After all, isn’t that what we are all called to do, to be Christ-like in our actions and words; to serve, not be served?
Do not be mistaken. Though Catholic schools attempt to assist parents in raising their children to be caring, respectful individuals, they are still children and are more than capable of doing all the other things that children can do. Even as an adult I find the good Lord still shaking his head at me occasionally. But those efforts and examples remain steadfast in the essence and core of Catholic education.
This is what we are teaching our children at St.Michael’s Grade School and St. Cecilia’s Middle/High School.

CECILIAN Society/Memorials
The CECILIAN society is a group of individuals or couples who have made the decision to leave any portion of their estate to St. Cecilia’s Church, St. Michael’s Church, the Hastings Catholic Schools, the Hastings Catholic Schools Trust (Stonazek) or the St. Cecilia’s High School Endowment. This can be a very simple procedure.
When in the presence of one’s attorney, simply mention that you wish to leave any portion of your estate to the charitable organization of your choosing. Knowing your particular financial picture, he should have recommendations in this regard. If he does not, your accountant should be able to direct you as to which asset in your portfolio might be best to offer for tax purposes. Homes, life insurance policies, rental properties, land, investments and IRAs are the most common. Many dollars might be saved by simply asking a few questions.
In many cases, donors may be able to take advantage of the numerous benefits derived through a Charitable Remainder Trust or a Charitable Gift Annuity. These instruments allow for tax-free income to be directed in a variety of methods. The HCS Development Office will be happy to assist you with these possibilities. Once accomplished and the Development office notified, your name(s) will be added to the growing list of caring individuals who have done likewise.
Memorials are another way of helping our churches and schools. Many friends and family members wish the loved one to be remembered in some fashion. They also wish to show their love and concern for the surviving family but have no other way of doing so than through a memorial. Naming one or more of the entities mentioned above has been increasingly helpful to our institutions.


RECENT MEMORIALS
Mary Roth - $125 • Kathleen Consbruck - $1,113 • Anton Potrzeba - $325


We are in need of old STC Year Books. Please contact the Alumni Office.


STC Alumni Reunion and Golf Tournament
June 25 & 26, 2004
• Golf Tournament will be Friday, June 25, 2004 at Southern Hills Golf Course. Tee time 8:00 a.m. Please get your team together and send your reservations in ASAP. If you don’t have a team, we will find one for you. This is open to all Alumni and spouses.
• Friday night get together: 5:00 to 10:00 p.m. at Murphy’s Wagon Wheel. Come join the fun!!! Sponsored by: HCS Development Office.
• Reunion 2004 Saturday, June 26, 2004
• 4:30 p.m.: Mass at Holy Cross Chapel – Crosier Park
• 5:30 p.m.: Registration and social, at the Holiday Inn Convention Center
• 7:00 p.m.: Dinner and Entertainment will follow registration at the Hastings Holiday Inn Convention Center.
Scrumptious food and great entertainment will be provided.


Basketball/Volleyball Tournament
March 26-27, 2004
Registration and check-in will start at 4:00p.m. on Friday the 26th or before joining your team on the court. Fee is $25.00 per person which includes registration, T-shirt and Saturday evening party. If you would like to play but don’t have a team to play on, please let us know and we will put you in with another team that might be short of a player or two. The Saturdayevening party will be at the Knights of Columbus Hall at 7:30 p.m. Cover charge is $7.50 for Saturday evening for non players. ALL Alumni and spouses are invited to join the festivities.