Students at St. Rose of Lima School in Denison honored Mary with a maycrowning as part of the school Mass.

Growing up in Guadalajara, Mexico, Willie Suárez always knew he wanted to be a professor. His parents never discouraged this dream, but they did talk with him about the possibility of not earning enough as a professor in Mexico. So, he initially earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration. That decision ultimately led him to move to the United States for college, knowing he would need to learn English to succeed in the business world.

Sixty-six golfers from six high schools participated in the annual CYO golf meet in Fort Dodge on April 30. The Carroll Kuemper Catholic boys and the Algona Bishop Garrigan girls won the team championships at the meet.

Danbury Catholic school raised nearly $51,000 in their flower fundraiser this spring. The students met their goal and were even over by $998. For those who want to shop the cash and carry sale, please come to the school on Friday, May 9 to pick up flowers.

In a rare and prestigious visit, Dr. Justin Moore, CEO of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), delivered an address at Briar Cliff University on April 23, to recognize the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program for winning APTA’s 2024 Student Advocacy Challenge.

Sioux City Bishop Heelan Catholic Schools announced that three seniors have been awarded a Golden Ticket, a full-ride to attend Sioux City Morningside University this fall. These recipients are: - Madison Mullins, who plans to study Nursing - Kaylee Baker, who also plans to study Nursing - Kathy Perez, who plans to study Criminal Justice and Political Science

Diocese of Sioux City Catholic Schools Office Director of Education Services, Kelly Kohout, and Boone Sacred Heart School Principal Sue Eldridge and two Sacred Heart middle school teachers, Maribeth Niday and Lea Kruse, attended a blended learning in Catholic schools symposium at the University of Notre Dame.

There is power in music. The rhythm of the notes, the rise and fall of the melody speak a language that can often be understood by people of many different tongues. At Briar Cliff University, an old genre of music is planting a new foothold in the region, welcoming young people to campus in a unifying effort of culture and music.

Denison St. Rose of Lima School held its annual gala on April 5 at the Stables at Copper Ridge, with Denim and Diamonds as the theme. David Simmons entertained with Neil Diamond cover songs, and Staley's Catering served the meal. Tom Pauley and Jarod Muhlbauer auctioned the live auction. A total of $79,139 was raised for St. Rose of Lima School.

Sioux City Bishop Heelan Catholic Schools announced the April 10 Annual Auction raised over $1,100,416 in support of the entire Heelan system.

Iowa Alliance for Choice in Education contributed a letter to the Cedar Rapids Gazette refuting the state auditor's comments regarding Educational Savings Accounts. Diocese of Sioux City Catholic Schools Superintendent ​Patty Lansink was one of the signers ​of the letter.

Gehlen Catholic School is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Amanda Anderson as its new President. Dr. Anderson, a Le Mars native, brings a well-rounded background in education, having held leadership positions at Iowa State University and the University of South Dakota. Her work has focused on wellness, fitness education, and curriculum development. She also directed the Exercise Clinic at Iowa State and recently served as a substitute teacher throughout the Le Mars community, giving her valuable insight into both higher education and K–12 settings.

Pocahontas County Farm Bureau delivered an incubator to the first grade classroom at Pocahontas Catholic School on March 18. Hailey Webbink's students have been carefully tending the eggs and after 21 days, the baby chicks started to hatch. They will be delivered to a local farm this weekend.

Since September, Briar Cliff University students have been pen pals with George Bruder’s fourth grade class at St. Mary School in Humboldt. On April 4, the BCU students took a special road trip to visit their pen pals in person. The day was filled with meaningful moments, celebrated Mass together, enjoyed recess and spent time learning from one another. As one BCU student stated, “This was the best day ever!” The visit was a beautiful reflection of friendship, connection and shared joy across generations.

Storm Lake St. Mary School President Father Brent Lingle announced that Kate Swanson will serve as PreK-12 Principal for the school with new hires Amanda Woodall and Kathleen Besch to serve as assistant principals starting with the 2025-26 academic year. Longtime 6-12 Principal Ryan Berg will be moving to Bettendorf at the end of the current school year.

Abby Lee, a senior at Bishop Heelan High School, has been selected as the April 2025 Rotary Club Student of the Month. She will be honored during the Rotary Club meeting on April 7. Lee has a 4.236 GPA, ranking her seventh in her class. She has been active in National Honor Society, Student Council , Pep Club, Miracle Makers, basketball, volleyball and soccer. Abby is the daughter of Stuart and Delna Lee of Sioux City.

The Sioux City Bishop Heelan 'Cowboy Up' Auction on April 10 is set to raise funds for safety-focused projects. With 20 live auction items up for grabs, as well as a wide selection of super silent and silent auction treasures, there's numerous items available for all supporters.

The Friends of Gehlen Catholic Ball had a "run for the roses" of its own, raising an impressive $338,516 for the 38th annual fundraiser March 29 in LeMars. (Photo of check presentation doesn't include the Fund-A-Cause dollars.)

Briar Cliff University's annual Sister Muriel Ford Lectureship was held on March 28 in the St. Francis Center, and brought together faculty, staff, students, community members and social work alumni in celebration of 50 years of accreditation of the University’s Social Work Program. The guest speaker was Barb Newhouse, a member of Briar Cliff Class of 1980 who earned a Bachelor of Social Work. She has an extensive career in leadership roles with organizations such as the American Cancer Society, Alzheimer’s Association, Autism Society, Arthritis Foundation, Children’s Heart Foundation, the United Way and most notably, the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge.

Father Paul Nguyen celebrated first reconciliation for the second grade students at Pocahontas Catholic School.