Abbey Christmas

The monks of Mount Michael wish everyone a very Merry Christmas.  The monastic community celebrated the Vigil and Christmas day Masses with guests then celebrated a Christmas dinner and  gift exchange in the Abbey on Christmas evening.

Vigil Mass Photos - Abbey Gift Exchange

Breakfast with Santa

Thank you to the Mount Michael Alumni Association for sponsoring Breakfast with Santa!

Photos taken by Bro Luke
Professional Photos Dropbox

Christmas Band & Choir Concert

More Photos

Short mp3 Audio Clips: Band - Choir
A complete set of mp3 files of the concert are available for Mount Michael students and their families to download.
You will find the .zip file link in the "Headline News" section of our Sycamore homepage. 

Programme

Mount Michael Mens Chorus

Noel, Noel

Arr. by Linda Spevacek

**featuring Ian Kim

The First Noel/Pachelbel’s Canon

Arr. By Michael Clawson

**featuring Tharein Potuhera, Junho Ho, Andrew Ahn, Broden Kaps, and Ian Kim

Carol of the Bells (Ukranian Christmas Carol)

Mykola Leontovich; Words and Arr. By Peter J. Wilhousky

A Holly Jolly Christmas

Johnny Marks; Arr. By Greg Gilpin

Mount Michael Concert Band

A Fireside Christmas

Arr. By James Swearingen

I Wonder as I Wander (Appalachian Carol)

Concert Band Setting by Robert W. Smith

Angels We Have Heard on High

Traditional Arr. By Chip Davis; Adapted by Robert Longfield

Mount Michael Men’s Chorus, Concert Band, Strings, and Audience

A Holiday Sing-Along

Arr. By John Moss

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Mount Michael Mens Chorus

Jack Blaser (Bass I)                            Trenton Sedlacek (Bass II)

Skyler Davis (Tenor II)                      Joshua Snyder (Tenor II)

Jean-Marie Djidjoho (Bass II)            Nicholas Snyder (Tenor I)

Kyeongmin Kim (Bass I)                   Blake Worsham (Tenor I)

Cole McNally (Tenor II)

Accompanist:  Mrs. Theis

Mount Michael Strings

       Violin                                                  Cello

            Tharein Potuhera                                Junho Ho

Mount Michael Concert Band

Flute

Ian Kim

Clarinet

Andrew Ahn

Joshua Hering

Donovan Kaelin

Broden Kaps

Chaemin Lee

Trumpet

Chad Duerfeldt

Jacob Gathje

Dylan Herrmann

Percussion

Jack Blaser (timpani, auxiliary)

Nicholas Carson (auxiliary)

Ian Price (bass, piano, auxiliary)

Max Swinarski (snare, trap)

Kyeongmin Kim (Mallets)

Alto Sax

Addison Cousin-Hardrick

Cole McNally

Armel Mignondje

Tenor Sax

Levi Kicken

Trombone

Trevin Detwiler

Trenton Sedlacek

Baritone

Daniel Davies

Tuba

Joshua Davies

Joseph Niemerg

Christmas Luncheon

Mount Michael monks, faculty, staff & students get into the Christmas spirit with steak & chicken for Lunch!

More Photos (95)

Christmas Is For Giving

Mrs. Crnkovich checks her list for the Family Gift Project

This Advent Mount Michael students and families participated in several different programs to aid those in need. For admission to the basketball season kick-off a can of food for Heart Ministry was offered for admission.  Mount Michael also participated in the food drive for Operation Others and all our families participated it the annual Needy Family Christmas Project providing Christmas gifts for all family members of several families in need.

Elkhorn Robotics Tournament Champions

The winning team/ alliance at Saturday December 3rd's Elkhorn Robotics Tournament.  It included the Mt. Michael team 1970K  "Knight Shift" that includes: Nolan Gottsch, Drew Goddard, Nick Huetter, Nolan  Huetter, Reilly Jackson, and Lukas Williams.  The three students on each end are from Elkhorn High School.

Picture provided by Elkhorn coach/ mentor Glen Benes.

Alum elevated to Cardinal

VATICAN CITY (AP) - Pope Francis welcomed 17 new cardinals from five continents on Saturday, including Omaha native Cardinal Blasé Cupich of the Archdiocese of Chicago.

The ceremony took place around 4 a.m. Omaha time. Cupich grew up in south Omaha and spent time at several area parishes. He was among three Americans elevated to cardinal.

Cardinal Cupich attended St. Johns' Seminary which preceded Mount Michael Benedictine School.  He attend 2 years of Seminary College here which were offered at that time besides the high school seminary program

View Entire Article & Videos from Omaha's WOWT 

Journalism Team earns honors in competitions

Nebraska High School Press Association workshop and competition:

Journalism team photo taken in Lincoln during the NHSPA Workshop

All three publications that the journalism team produces, The Mount, The Seeker, and The Freelance placed in competition.

The Freelance(online) received an award of Merit.

The Seeker(yearbook) received a Superior(This is the highest award our yearbook has received in this competition, and the first time the publication as a whole has been awarded)

The Mount(Print edition) received a Cornhusker (This is the highest award possible for any publication and it is the first time our print edition has received it.  “I am particularly proud of this achievement because it reflects the work of the entire team.  To get this honor it means our team is not only writing well, but also editing and laying out pages well.” Adviser Gina Fosco said.

A few of the Knights attending the Conference in Indianapolis 

Journalism Education Association/National Scholastic Press Association Convention

Students attended workshops, networked with other high school journalists and competed in write off competitions.

Patrick Halpin’17 received an honorable mention in Sports Writing.

UNL Math Day Results

2016-2017 Math Team

The Mount Michael Knights had an award winning day at the annual UNL Math Day.  On the PROBE I (Problems Requiring Original and Brilliant Effort) exam Mount Michael earned second place in their division missing 1st by .75 of a point. They placed 4th out of all schools in Nebraska. In the Quiz Bowl they also placed 2nd.  The Knights had 5 individuals place in the top 40 out of more than 1700 participants.

• Junho Ho and Max Nguyen tied for 13th place
• Kevin Zhang earned 20th place
• Vincent Dai earned 26th place
• Zach Cairney earned 31st place

More Photos from Max Nguyen

Ropes Retreats @ Boys Town

Both the Seniors & Freshmen held their class retreats this fall at Boys Town featuring the "Ropes Retreat"   All learned much and had a great time.  Senior Photos - Freshmen Photos

Come Blow Your Horn

Our fall production of "Come Blow Your Horn" opens tonight!

The performances are Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 7:00 pm on the stage.  Doors will open at 6:30. This show is a comedy about a pair of brothers who do not want to grow up despite the best efforts of their parents.  The show features some hilarious performances by Robert Baxley, JP Jensen, and Tomas Weekly as a father who is convinced his sons are "bums!" More Photos

Bits & Pieces

November is always a month of quiet transitions, fall moving toward winter and outdoor sports to indoor activities.

Despite the quiet appearance of November there are still many things going on at the Mount.

All Souls Memorial Service

The Monastic community gathered with guests at the cemetery to commemorate those members of the greater Mount Michael Community that have passed away in the the last year.  Afterward everyone gathered in the Abbey for heavy Hors d'oeuvres and beverages. More Photos

All Saints Mass

The school community gather in the DJ Sokol Chapel to celebrate All Saints day.  Abbot Theodore Wolff OSB was the celebrant. More Photos

Red Cross Blood Donations

Students, faculty, staff and family members all participated in the blood drive.  It was noted that their were a lot of first time donors.   The goal of 37 pints was met with 39 pints. Thanks to all who donated and those who helped to make the event a success. More Photos

Sophomore Retreat

The annual sophomore retreat was put on by Youth Frontiers. The Repect Retreat was held at The Mount on Thursday.   More Photos

Cross Country: Another Banner Year!

Coach Gathje, Zach Cairney, Sebastian Alegrett, Liam Bova, Nick Huetter, Andrew Ahn, Nick Carson, Joey Recker, Peyton Hottovy, Andrew Wilson, Alex Crnkovich

Peyton Hottovy & Nick Carson

The Knights put forth their finest performances of the year to claim the Class B Runner-up trophy at the State Cross Country Meet at Kearney.

The Knights competed against 3rd place Norris at several meets this year beating them only once during the regular season.  That was at the Kearney Invitational.

At state the team was led by seniors Nick Carson who was the 3rd place medalist and Peyton Hottovy who was the 5th place medalist.

Complete Mount Michael Team Results
1 3 Nick Carson SR 16:30.61
2 5 Peyton Hottovy SR 16:41.54
3 21 Joseph Recker JR 17:37.12
4 36 Andrew Ahn SR 18:07.52
5 ( 45) Nicholas Huetter SR 18:22.62
6 ( 50) Liam Bova JR 18:30.01

Complete Results - Photos by Joel Carson

Hottovy & Carson Finish 1st & 2nd at XC District Meet

	TEAM RESULTS
1	Norris	28
2	MOUNT MICHAEL	28
3	Gretna	53
4	Skutt	59
5	Elkhorn	60
6	Elkhorn South	101
7	Waverly	131
8	Bennington	132

Andrew Ahn, Nick Huetter, Joey Recker, Nick Carson, Peyton Hottovy, Liam Bova

INDIVIDUAL RESULTS	PLACE	TIME
Hottovy, Peyton	1	16:45.3
Carson, Nick	2	16:51.2
Recker, Joey	8	17:28.3
Ahn, Andrew	17	17:58.6
Huetter, Nick	29	18:31.3
Bova, Liam	34	18:49.6

Medalists

*By being runner-up at the District Meet, the cross country team qualifies for the State Meet held next Friday in Kearney.

Peyton Hottovy, Nick Carson, and Joey Recker were District Medalists by placing in the top fifteen. Hottovy's win was his first ever in a cross country race.

*Norris was the District Champion because of tie breaker. Their 5th runner was ahead of our 5th runner.

New Oblate

Randy Rosenthal signs his oblation on the alter.

At Sunday vespers Randy Rosenthal made his Oblation as a Mount Michael Oblate. Afterwords a reception was held in the monastery.

What is an oblate? 
Literally translated, an "oblate" is an offering, or someone who offers himself or herself to God. In the world today, Oblates of St. Benedict are everyday people who seek to live extraordinary lives of devotion. Because Oblates of St. Benedict offer themselves for the service of God in their everyday lives, in so far as their station in life permits, they come from and continue to live out their faith in all walks of life. They might be farmers, office or industrial workers, homemakers, students, bankers, health care workers, lawyers or teachers. They may be Catholic or non-Catholic, young or old.

Oblates take no binding vows, but they dedicate themselves in a special way to live as balanced Christian people, offering witness to the world of Christ's transformative power. What sets them apart from other devoted Christian people is their special way of living out an enriched Christian life, according to the Gospel as reflected in the Rule of St. Benedict. - More Photos

Randy Rosenthal and Abbot Michael Liebl O.S.B.

Knights Race To River Cities Conference Runner-up

Nick Huetter, Peyton Hottovy, Joey Recker, Nick Carson, Andrew Ahn, Liam Bova

The Mount Michael cross country team had a great day racing on their home course for the runner-up title. The Knights placed 3 runners as River Cities Conference medalists,  Nick Carson 4th, Peyton Hottovy 5th, and Joey Recker 9th. South Sioux City, who won the meet,  are considered the favorite to win the state meet in a couple of weeks.

The JV Knight also had a great day placed 2nd among junior varsity teams.  

Thursday will be the District Meet held in Lincoln @ Pioneers Park.  Go Knights!

Complete Results - Varsity Photos - JV Photos

Grandparents Day

This year Grandparent's Day started out with the  celebration of Mass in the Gym.  Each grandson presented his grandmother with a red rose to celebrate the day. After Mass everyone took timeout to chat and snack in the Armory or gym.  Some also took a short tour of the school.  More Photos

Feast of the Archangels

The Mount Michael community gather in the DJ Sokol Chapel on September 29th to celebrate the feast of our patron Saint Michael and the Archangels.

Fr. Daniel Lenz O.S.B. was celebrant.  More Photos

Two Mount Michael Knights are National Merit Semi-finalists; 3 Commended Students

Over 1.6 millions juniors from more than 22,000 high schools entered the 2017 competition. Semifinalists represent less than 1%  of high school seniors that took the test. This year Mount Michael's semifinalists are Andrew Ahn and Zach Cairney.

To become a Finalist, the Semifinalist and his or her high school must submit a detailed scholarship application, in which they provide information about the Semifinalist’s academic record, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, employment, and honors and awards received. A Semifinalist must have an outstanding academic record throughout high school, be endorsed and recommended by a high school official, write an essay, and earn SAT® scores that confirm the student’s earlier performance on the qualifying test. 

Update: Andrew Ahn & Zach Cairney were both named Finalists in the spring of 2017

From the approximately 16,000 Semifinalists, about 15,000 are expected to advance to the Finalist level, and in February they will be notified of this designation. All National Merit Scholarship winners will be selected from this group of Finalists. Merit Scholar designees are selected on the basis of their skills, accomplishments, and potential for success in rigorous college studies, without regard to gender, race, ethnic origin, or religious preference.

Mount Michael is also pleased to announce that 3 knights were named commended students.  Commended students represent approximately the top 5% of students that took the exam.

Congratulations Knights!

National Merit list of Knights from previous years

61st Annual Fall Festival

What a day! A huge thank you to everyone who joined us at the 61^st Annual Mount Michael Benedictine Fall Festival.

The Fall Festival is a special event and it's always a wonderful reminder of what an amazing community we have! Thank you for volunteering your time in order to support our monastic community. Whether you volunteered at a food booth, made a donation, set-up, baked cakes, cleaned-up, helped at a game booth, loaded a hay-rack ride, tore-down, or helped a guest feel welcome -- everyone was an integral part of making the event a success!

Thank you for your support!

Fall Festival Photos - Fall Festival Photos by Fr. Daniel - Cleanup Photos

Zhang Selected as First Knight by Student Body

Three Mount Michael seniors were nominated by their fellow classmen to receive this award.  Those nominated are recognized for their strong character and discipline; their ability to place others before themselves; their vow to be loyal, generous and humble in deed; and their embodiment of the five Benedictine values of moderation, service, integrity, community and hospitality.

Those students nominated were: Zach Cairney; Caiden Groff; and Eric Zhang. The Mount Michael student body voted to determine the winner.  

Mount Michael Head of School, Dr. David J. Peters presented the First Knight Award to Eric Zhang and was accompanied by previous First Knight winners Logan Kalkowski ’15 and Michael Fisher ‘16.

The Three Nominees

Zach Cairney, the son of Brian and Susan Cairney.  Zach attended St. Vincent DePaul through 8th grade.  He is currently involved in Student Council and runs on both the Mount Michael Cross Country and Track teams. He volunteers at the St. Vincent DePaul Math Counts Club and assists with the Mathnasium.  Zach is also an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion and assists in the Chapel.   Zach plans to attend a university where he will major in Actuarial Science.

Caiden Groff, the son of Aaron and Melissa Groff.   He attended St. Patrick’s in Elkhorn through the 8th Grade.  Caiden currently serves as the Mount Michael Student Body President as well as participates on the Ambassador’s Club.  He starts on the Mount Michael varsity football and baseball teams and was elected as last year’s winter sports Yell Leader.  Upon graduation, Caiden plans to attend one of the United States Service Academies.

Eric Zhang, the son of Bo and Yanrong Zhang Taiyuan, China. Eric attended middle school in his home country of China.  He is involved in the Mount Michael Student Council and competes on the Speech Team.  Eric has been a Red Cross volunteer in his native China as well as a volunteer in an Elkhorn nursing home.  Eric plans to major in Economics and attend graduate school.

2016 First Knight Eric Zhang Accompanied by Mount Michael Parents Ronald and Darci Kaps

Faculty Retreat Caps School Preparations

The morning before the first day of classes saw the entire faculty and staff gathered in the DJ Sokol Chapel for a morning or reflections lead by Fr. Eugene McReynolds OSB a member of Mount Michael's monastic community who lives and works at Boys Town.

Fr. Eugene focused on several different topics. He gave pointers and emphasis on the importance of teaching more than content.  The daily task of teaching life skills to our students is of great significance.  The later part of the retreat put emphasis on the importance of spirituality in our daily lives to keeps us anchored. More Photos

Annual Mass & Picnic Kickoff the School Year

The biggest crowd ever was in attendance at the opening school picnic. With a record enrollment of 249 it was estimated that a crowd of nearly 900 were gathered at the bell tower for Mass and dinner. The picnic was sponsored by the Mount Michael Booster Club which supplied the main course of fried chicken.

The next few days the faculty will be having meetings and the freshmen are having a day of orientation.   Boarding students move in on Wednesday and classes begin on Thursday.

Everyone is looking forward to an great year. More Photos

35 Knights Named AP Scholars

Last May the College Board Advanced Placement exams were taken.  The results are in and 25 graduated seniors and 10 juniors were named AP Scholars.

7 AP Scholars with Distinction:  Average of 3.5 on all AP exams taken and scores of 3 or higher on 5 or more of these exams 
     Matt Coghill, Tyler Degener, Paul Forget, Christian Keller, Min Chang Kim, Luke Krajewski, Jackson Thompson.

12 AP Scholars with Honors:  Average of at least 3.25 on all exams taken and 3 or higher on 4 or more of these exams
     Andrew Ahn, Logan Baumberger, Sam Bohart, Zach Cairney, Jack Hitzemann, Junbin Huang, Ben Hynes, Jack Morrissey, Brendan Nicholas, Alex Stoupa, Sam Van Haute, Sebastian Winters.

16 AP Scholars: A score of 3 or higher on 3 or more AP Exams;
     Jacob Bova, Nick Carson, Jeremiah Connealy, Max DeMayo, Alex Earsley, Randall Esquivel, Caiden Groff, Junho Ho, Nick Huetter, Reilly Jackson, Broden Kaps, Case McNally, Jae Jun Park, David Recic, Ryan Reid, Muxuan Tang.

Congratulations Knights!

View Previous Years Scholars

3RD ANNUAL ALUMNI MEET

Numerous alumni, students and families gathered at the Mount last Friday for the Meet. 

3RD ANNUAL ALUMNI MEET RESULTS

1. Zach Hytrek ’16, 10:45

2. Nick Carson ’17, 10:55
3. Eric Crawford ’00, 11:17
4. Sam VanHaute ’16, 11:24
5. Michael Collins ’12, 11:33
6. Joe Wolpert ’98, 11:42
7. Coach Gathje, 11:44
8. Marcus Cronin ’15, 12:01
9. Jack Hitzemann ’16, 12:01
10. Alex Crnkovich ’19, 12:05
11. JT Cronin ’13, 12:23
12. Michael Pecha ’99, 12:36

13. Colten Venteicher ’08, 12:42
14. Nick Huetter ’17, 13:13
15. Zach Cairney ’17, 13:13
16. Sam Oakes ’99, 13:26
17. Michael Sojka ’12, 13:32
18. Clifford Roepke ’20, 13:39
19. Joseph Johansen ’20, 13:44
20. Patrick Collins ’19, 13:45
21. Jacob Gathje ’20, 14:09
22. Nick Buresh ’20, 14:14
23. Nolan Huetter ’18, 14:31
24. Jake Ridder ’07, 14:44
25. Dylan Parlor ’07, 15:01
26. Andy Jewell ’08, 15:37
27. Skyler Davis ’19, 16:02
28. Dylan Venteicher ’11, 16:14
29. *Curt McKnight ’01, 16:22
30. *Bryan Schrader ’01, 16:23

Zach Hytrek races to the finish line.

31. Sam Wooten ’20, 16:34
32. Ben Luettel ’98, 16:53
33. Jarrett Crnkovich ’14, 17:08
34. John Mikulicz ’14, 17:08
35. RJ Lebbert ’07, 17:12
36. Beth LaFave, 18:10
37. Tom Swanson ’01, 19:!6
38. Alex Schrier ’20, 20:12
39. Alan Schrier, 20:12
*Results sent in from Phoenix.

TEAM SCORES
1. Mount Michael Alumn i- 1, 3, 4, 5, (6), (7) = 13
2. 2016 Mount Michael Team – 2, 9, 13, 14 (17), (18) = 38

Conditions: Sunny, 80 degrees, calm

Meet Officials: Kevin and Jackie Hytrek (Zach '16), David Pecha '93 (Ethan '32), Brian Cairney, (Nick '12 and Zach '17,) Ben Gathje '22, and Melissa Gathje.

Meet Photographer: Joel Carson (Nick ’17)

Alumni Meet Champions
2016- Zach Hytrek ’16, 10:45
2015- Lukas Buehler ’12, 10:56
*2014- Tommy Feichtinger ’12, 10:04

*Course Record
**Mount Michael Time Trial Record Holder- Andrew Karstrom ’13, 10:24

Alumni Meet Team Results
2016- Alumni- 13, 2016 MM Team – 38
2015- Alumni- 18, 2015 MM Team – 26
2014- No meet held
2013- No team scores kept

Participants Per Year
2016- 39
2015- 32
2014- No meet held
2013- 11

Beth LaFave

Race Starter: Matt Luettel '03

Alum Wins State Trap Shoot Championship

Lumir Zach Drahota

Mount Michael Benedictine Alum Lumir Zach Drahota '14 won the Nebraska State Doubles title shooting 100/100 and won the state High All Around Championship with a record setting 398/400!   The three events which comprise the HAA are the Doubles (100/100), Singles (200/200) and the Handicaps (98/100 @ 27yds).  

He didn't miss until his 394 target!

Shopko Foundation Award for Hands on Security Lab Equipment

"Dr. Thomas Rzemyk, Director of Technology and Cyber Security Instructor for Mount Michael Benedictine was awarded $500.00 today by the Shopko Foundation. The funds will be used to purchase technology equipment for hands on wire security labs in the classroom. Thank you to Shopko Foundation for your generous grant award!

1's & 6's Five-Year Reunions

The 5-Year reunions were recently held at The Mount. It started with a social as everyone arrived followed by a steak dinner a brief program and lots of stories and laughter.

View All 1's & 6's Reunion Photos

Athletic Year Wraps Up By Adding Another Banner to the Palace

Coach Kent Christenson, Miles Hock, J.T. Hudson, Luke Krajewski, Johnathan Hudsom Lorcan Jamal

The Mount Michael Golf team punctuated the closing of the 2015-2016 school year by winning the State Class B Golf Runner-up Trophy to add another banner to the palace.  The two-day competition was held at Pioneer Golf Course in Lincoln.  Three Knights were also individual medalists.  Sophomore Johnathan Hudson placed sixth while seniors JT Hudson and Luke Krajewski tied for eighth place. 

Individual District Champion; Team Runner-up

The Mount Michael golf team posted great results at the recent district championship held at Tiburon Golf Course.  J. T. Hudson finished as the district champion with a score of 73 and Luke Krajewski was a 7th place medalist with an 80.

 As a team they Knights were runner-up behind Elkhorn but ahead of Skutt who defeated them on the conference level last week by one stroke.

Jacob Hudson (12), 73
Luke Krajewski (12), 80
Johnathan Hudson (10), 87
Miles Hock (11), 88
Douglas Jamal (10), 95
The Knights will compete at the state meet Monday 5/24 & Tuesday 5/25 at Pioneers Golf Course, Lincoln.

Go Knights!

56 New Alum Knights: Graduation 2016

Graduation for the Class of 2016 was celebrated in "The Palace". Fr. Daniel Lenz OSB celebrated the Eucharist and Rev. Bro. August Schaefer OSB gave the homily. After Mass the school validictorian Luke Krajewski spoke. Head of School Dr. David Peters addressed the gather next. Dr. Peters and Abbot Michael Liebl OSB then presented the diplomas to the graduates. A reception was held in the Armory afterwards.

Senior Class Plans - Graduation Photos - Graduation Video

Bro. August's Homily (PDF) - Dr. Peters' Talk (PDF) - Luke Krajewski Address (Video)

Class of 2016 Accomplishments

• There are 56 graduates, with an average ACT score of 28.5.
• Of the 56 graduates, 18 (32%) received offers of full-tuition scholarships.
• The Class of 2016 has earned $6.6 million in scholarship offers.
• The Class of 2016 was accepted to 69 colleges in 28 states.

Academic All-State

Congratulations to the following Knights who have been recognized by the Nebraska School Activities Association  as Academic All-State Award Winners during the 2015-2016 school year.

Cross-Country Peyton Hottovy Zach Hytrek	Football Jeremiah Connealy Patrick Halpin	Tennis Luke Krajewski Alex Stoupa	Basketball John Hudson Jack Straka
Speech Broden Kaps	Swimming Jackson Thompson	Wrestling Zach Hytrek	Journalism Leo McGrath Ben Murray
	Track & Field Jeremiah Connealy Tyler Degener	Golf Luke Krajewski

Nebraska School Activities Association