Briar Cliff University in Sioux City is excited to announce the return of its Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, a versatile and dynamic major designed to prepare students for a broad spectrum of career opportunities and advanced studies. With a focus on problem-solving, theoretical understanding, and practical application, the Mathematics major will be available to students starting in the upcoming academic year in Fall 2025.

Iowa State University Women's Basketball program announced that Algona Bishop Garrigan graduate Audi Crooks reached 1,000 career points in her 49th career game - the fastest of any ISU women's basketball player to reach this milestone.

Just as the Three Wisemen gave gifts to Baby Jesus, St. Rose of Lima School students in Denison mirrored the actions of the Epiphany as the students purchased and then donated baby items to the local Crawford County Baby Boutique.

Storm Lake St. Mary High School named the 2025 Athletic Hall of Fame athletes that will be inducted at the Jan. 17 homecoming game, including the 1935-36 boys' basketball team. In addition to their athletic victories, 10 of the 12 members served in the military during WWII. Other inductees will include Tim White, Class of 1987 and former boys' basketball coach, Brad Wilkening.

St. Mary's School in Storm Lake welcomed Deb Mortensen, a children's author, to the school last month. Mortensen is a retired teacher who used her own personal experience in working with students to create a wonderful children's book titled "Not Me."

Denison St. Rose of Lima School held Posadas before Christmas. Miguel Salazar was Joseph and Kiana Ochoa was Mary. Both are fifth grade students.

The Knights of Columbus from St. Mary’s Parish in Humboldt held their annual Keeping Christ in Christmas poster contest.

Denison St. Rose second graders had a project based learning assignment - successfully running a hot cocoa stand. Their assignment included planning, budgeting and designing a menu and stand. They learned real world experiences The monies collected will be used for a fun activity for Catholic Schools Week.

The American Legion came in to congratulate the Denison St. Rose of Lima fifth graders on their flag essays for the state contest. They each received a coin and a flag sticker. Aaron Mena was selected as a finalist for Post 8. He will read his essay on Jan. 13 to see if he moves on to the next round.

The fifth grade students of Pocahontas Catholic School baked cookies and made candy to deliver to the businesses in Pocahontas that support the school. Parents came to spend the afternoon assisting with the project.

The SOS Thrift Store presented a check to Storm Lake St. Mary School for $153,850 at the elementary school Christmas concert on Monday night.

Storm Lake St. Mary School held their elementary religion retreat last Friday. They celebrated the feast day of St. Nicholas with many fun, hands-on activities.

This week, Spencer Sacred Heart School students lit the second candle of the Advent wreath, symbolizing PEACE.

On the feast of St. Nicholas Dec. 6, Kuemper Catholic students were delighted to be visited by St. Nicholas. He shared stories of his incredible life, his acts of kindness and the importance of generosity and compassion. St. Nicholas' message of giving and helping others resonated with the students, reminding us all of the true spirit of this season.

Boone Sacred Heart School students delivered non-perishable items to a local food pantry this past week. The school thanks all who participated in the county-wide food collection.

Students at LeMars Gehlen Catholic Schools packed over 400 Advent gift bags.

As the end of the calendar year approaches, opportunities for year-end giving can come to mind for tax savvy supporters. John Schmitz and Lexa Hawkins in the Office of Stewardship and Development hope that a donation to the Msgr. Lafferty Tuition Foundation (MLTF) may be up for consideration. Those contributing to the MLTF program receive a 75% Iowa tax credit on the total of their donation and other federal tax benefits could apply.

A Pocahontas Catholic School third grade student is encouraging reading in his classroom by sharing his favorite books with classmates.

Partners for Patriots dogs-in-training have been on the Briar Cliff University campus to help students and staff de-stress. In turn, the students are assisting the non-profit organization, based in Anthon.

The Cash Raffle winners were announced on Facebook Live on Nov. 27.