The 2024 GACCC Homecoming Court included front, from left, Homecoming King Alejandro Perez and Homecoming Queen Adyson Luebbert; back, Diego Onate, Dylan Schinstock, Izzy Kreikemeier and Brooklyn Steffen. Congratulations!

House of Ignatius members have signed up for the Adopt a Highway cleanup:

• Meet at 8:00 a.m.on Saturday, September 28 at the Highway 275 mile marker 214, north of West Point on the road to Beemer.
  
• Please bring gloves.
  

Click the link below to order your Edge tshirt. The orders will close at noon on Wednesday, Oct. 2.

Our next First Friday K-12 grade Mass, Adoration, and Benediction service will be on October 4, 2024. We previously extended the day by ten minutes to ensure that all of our students have an opportunity to participate in Adoration and Reconciliation throughout the day. However, we can now move the Benediction service back to 3:15 p.m., and then dismiss from the church at 3:30 p.m., returning to our regular dismissal time. This means you will no longer need to worry about late dismissals from school.

Also, this first Friday falls during the week of The Feast of The Guardian Angel. To help celebrate this, Father Weeder and the entire school will have a Eucharistic Procession on Friday, October 4, after Mass at around 8:50 a.m. We will walk around the campus, bless both school buildings, then the K-6 will return to class, and the 7-12 will process back into the church to begin Adoration.

We invite GACC families to this Mass, all-day Eucharistic Adoration, and 3:15 p.m. Benediction service. We hope to see you there!

With less than a week to go, our Jay Run fundraiser has raised $11,278. We are only a little over halfway to our $20,000 goal, but we are confident Bluejay Nation will "go the extra mile" in the next few days to hit that goal!

The 3rd Annual GACC Jay Run will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 2 at Neligh Park in West Point. Parents are invited and encouraged to come and cheer on the students! This annual event is fun for students, and is also a fundraiser to support on-going maintenance for the Activity Center and athletic fields.

October 1 is the final day for online donations and paper pledge forms to be turned in and counted toward prizes.

Please download the pdf below for complete information on HOW TO DONATE, prizes and race day schedule.

If you have family members who would prefer to donate using a paper pledge form, instead of donating on-line, download the .pdf below for a paper pledge form. ALL paper forms need to be returned to the school office by October 1.

Download the PDF below for the Registration Form.

Members of the 2024 Guardian Angels Central Catholic volleyball team are, from left, front row: Emma Ebel, Tia Strehle, Joelle Peatrowsky, Izzy Kreikemeier, Addison Kaup, Emma Cohee;

back: Peyton Hutchinson, Tessa Lund, Charlie Dinslage, Bailey Gerths, Juli Ridder, Kara Ridder, Hailey Kreikemeier and Addison Doescher. Photo courtsey of Mike O'Brien/ West Point News.

"The Bluejay Volleyball team is working toward a goal of bettering our game this year! The team is younger than most, with many being first year starters," said Head Volleyball Coach Maddie Gideon. "We are such a small team this year, but that has allowed us so much more practice and playing time. We look forward to the rest of the season and where we can end up!" added Coach Gideon.

All pro-lifers are encouraged to attend a meeting at Native 32 Winery on Oct. 1 at 7 p.m. All ages welcome. Students who are voting age are especially encouraged to attend.

The competing ballot initiatives on abortion will be explained, and we'll discuss ways to educate your friends and neighbors about how to vote pro-life. This is very important as the election is quickly approaching. Please contact Wendy Ridder 402-380-1562 or Joann Kreikemeier 402-372-3841 with questions.

All GACC parents are encouraged to attend this dynamic FREE workshop:

Click the link below to take the FREE Temperament Assessment prior to the workshop. Screenshot your results and bring it with you to the workshop on October 2.

October

2 Staff School of Faith -NOON DISMISSAL

2 Jay Run

2 Metanoia Catholic Temperament Workshop, 7 p.m. in the Cafeteria

2 Grs. PS - 12 wear Life Runner Tshirts with uniform bottoms

8 SPA Family Night at Harvest Moon, Oakland, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

9 K-12 Parent Teacher Conference - NO SCHOOL

10-11 Fall Break - NO SCHOOL

14 2nd Quarter begins

18 K-8 Cheer & Dance Clinic, 6 p.m. at the Beemer Football Field.

19 SPA Paper Trailer, 8-10 a.m.

23 Freshman Retreat at St. Leo's, Snyder

29 PS - 12 Picture Retakes

30 Edge, 7-8:30 p.m.

November

1 Holy Day - NO SCHOOL

13 "Purified" and "Gender" Talks, 6 p.m. in the Activity Center

16 SPA Paper Trailer

20 Edge, 7-8:30 p.m.

27 Grandparents Mass, 10:30 a.m.

27 Noon Dismissal

28 Thanksgiving - NO SCHOOL

29 Thanksgiving Break - NO SCHOOL

Starting on Wednesday, October 2, students may wear their Life Runner t-shirts on the first Wednesday of the month, with uniform bottoms.

Mr. Lammli's Food and Nutrition class honed their culinary skills by making apple, peach and cherry pies from scratch. The office staff can attest that the pies were delicious! The bakers included, from left, front row: Abraham Lopez, Dylan Schinstock, Ian Kreikemeier, Blake Engelmeyer;

back row: Collin Nebuda, Trey Schlecht and Ethan Engelmeyer.

The tickets are FREE. To reserve your ticket, use the QR code on the poster and it automatically does it. If you register through the GACC website, you will need to enter the code "westpoint".

On Wednesday, November 13, Guardian Angels Central Catholic will host a Double Feature Event with Jason Evert featuring two talks: "Purified" and "Gender & the Theology of Your Body." The presentations are FREE, but a ticket is required to attend. Scan the QR code in the poster above to receive your ticket.

This family-based event invites parents, teens, and all adults to learn about God’s plan for love, and to consider what is the meaning of sex, gender, and the human body? It combines two of Jason Evert’s presentations, "Purified" and "Gender & the Theology of Your Body," with a time of prayer and adoration for everyone, as well as with the sacrament of Reconciliation available.

Free resources will be distributed to every attendee, so that every member of the family can take items home to help them discover how their body as a man or woman reveals their identity and calling, and to live a life of purity.

The senior class held their retreat on September 4 at Fontanelle Forrest, Nickerson. Pictured from left are: front row - ZaraNae Torres, Mackenzie Schmid, Elizabeth Hasemann, Kennedy Baumert, Kate Jansen, Shelby Perchal, Natalie Ruskamp, Adyson Luebbert, Brooklyn Steffen, Grace Hunzeker, Skylar Kaup, Izzy Kreikemeier;

back row - Abraham Lopez, Luke Hagedorn, Carter Bramlet, Diego Onate, Chase Smith, Jordan Timmerman, Konnor Kralik, Caleb Ridder, Isaac Wooldrik, Noah Brichacek, Jaxson Brunsing, Hayden Throener, Cody Hass, Alejandro Perez, Thomas Karnopp, Trey Schlecht, Ethan Engelmeyer, Simon Kreikemeier, Dominic Johnson, Ian Kreikemeier, Logan Rolf, Dylan Schinstock, Ben Oligmueller.

As of Sept. 4, we've raised $ 3.4 million (and collected $ 1.2 million of that)! We’ve had 124 unique donors (of 107 contacts made by committee members), including a grant of $100,000. In order to reach our ultimate goal of $9 million by 2028, we desire more widespread participation and hope to eventually have 800 unique donors. The campaign will be successful if all give some, not some give all. Any contribution is appreciated and meaningful!

One hundred percent of the donations go directly to the school, which is a nonprofit 501(c) corporation. Neither the Archdiocese nor any other professional or outside organizations take a part of the money. As you evaluate your end-of-year financial status, and possibly sell grain this harvest season, please remember that your donation toward the campaign could have a significant tax deduction for you, while equally benefitting the school. If you can’t donate, consider helping as a volunteer!

Additional information to know: The campaign is contributing $98,000 toward staff salaries this school year. Bids were approved for the new HVAC system for the elementary and gym buildings, with the work scheduled to be started in the spring 2025 and finished by the start of next school year! GACC continues to grow and has had a net gain of 19 students since May 2024. We are eager to see more financial progress so that we can add more space!

Contact the school administrators or any campaign members with campaign questions. Donations can be sent to the rectory or school, labeled “GACC Capital Campaign.” The school website also has a page with all the campaign information. Beginning this week, GACC alumni will receive a mailing with campaign information. THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS!

This week's comic strip was designed by Bailey Gerths.

There are extra 2023-2024 yearbooks for sale. The cost is $65. See Mrs. Thoene if you would like to purchase one.

Seniors will get a monthly email of state and national scholarships they can apply for; while the odds are not as good as they are for our local scholarships, students should still apply. The payoff could be big! Here are a few scholarships due first semester:

• Growing Together Career Scholars Program (Cooperative Education Scholarship): Due Dec. 1
• NHS Scholarship: Due Dec. 1 at 1 p.m.
• Nebraska Poultry Education Scholarship: Due Dec. 15
• Hagan Schlorship: Due Jan. 15

Open to all! If you’re considering college in Omaha, or are curious about what the Newman Center has to offer, come stop by our Open House and let us show you! You’ll find a warm welcome and answers to any questions you may have, from staff and current students.

The Open House is a unique opportunity to hear directly from the Newman Center students on why they love being a part of the community. If you would like more information or can't make it on October 13, you can visit jpiiomaha.org to fill out the Get Connected form, or get in touch with Meg Collins directly (402-557-5575, meg.collins@jpiiomaha.org).

Is your junior or senior child considering UNK? Here are some visit days:

• Loper Preview Days - Oct. 4, Oct. 18, Nov. 15
• Educator Explorers Day - Oct. 8 (more details to come)
• Pre-Law Day - Oct. 28
• Criminal Justice Day - Oct. 30
• UNK Science Day - Nov. 26

Application Fee Waiver Aug. 1–Nov.1

Our application for admission is open! First-year students from Nebraska can use the code "HUSKER" to apply for free through November 1. Students who apply for admission by Nov. 1 will be notified of their scholarship awards on Feb. 12. Seniors are encouraged to consider applying to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln for Fall 2025!

Nebraska is test-optional for admission and test-preferred for full scholarship consideration. We encourage students to take the ACT/SAT and submit their test score to maximize their scholarship consideration. Click the link below to apply to UNL.

Expanded Student Visit Opportunities

The best way for students to get a preview of all they can accomplish at Nebraska is to experience it for themselves! During a visit, they will see the spots on campus where they'll spend time studying, living, collaborating, building friendships and making core memories. Plus, they'll learn more about student involvement opportunities and important admission, scholarship and financial aid information.

Husker Weekdays are available Monday-Friday. This option allows students to tour campus with a current Husker and meet with a representative from the college of their choice.

Red Letter Days allow students to tour campus with a current Husker, eat lunch in a dining center, learn about engagement opportunities and explore resources for success.

• October 11
• October 18
• November 1
• November 15

The Cornhusker Connection event on Friday, October 4 is a half-day visit during Nebraska's homecoming week that allows students to visit college open houses, tour the campus, and browse a "Get to Know You" fair featuring various organizations, offices, and college representatives.

Paying for College

The Nebraska First Responder Pledge demonstrates the University of Nebraska–Lincoln's commitment to Nebraska law enforcement officers, firefighters, firefighter-paramedics, and their dependent children by waiving in-state tuition after calculating other scholarships and grants.

Nebraska Promise

The Nebraska Promise covers tuition—not including housing and meals—for students with family incomes of $65,000 or less (AGI) or those who are Pell Grant-eligible. Students will automatically be considered once they submit their complete application and the FAFSA Form. Students should file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Form as early as December, and by June 1, 2025, for consideration.

Supplemental Scholarship Application

Admitted Huskers can further maximize their scholarship consideration by submitting the supplemental Scholarship Application, which opens October 1 in MyRED under the "Financial Aid" tab. The supplemental Scholarship Application is your students' key to be considered for departmental, leadership and service scholarships.

Careers in Manufacturing & Engineering Day

October 22, 2024

click the link below to register

Want to visit another day?

Check out all of the ways to visit Southeast Community College!

click the link below to register

Northeast Community College is hosting Hawk Visit Days once a month this year! This year's dates include morning sessions only (9:30 am - 11:15 am/11:45 am if eating in the cafeteria).

Each session will include a tour of campus and our residence halls, a student panel, a Next Steps presentation, and lunch in our Hawks Point dining hall!

Registration is limited to 150 students per day on a first-come, first-served basis.

** Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2024 **

9:15 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

**Hawk Visit Day - Applied Technology Focus **

This Hawk Visit Day will focus on the Applied Technology programs with lab tours led by faculty and current students. Limited space available.

EducationQuest puts out very informative videos and webinars that can help you understand the process. Plus, lucky viewers will win scholarships for watching.

EducationQuest will host virtual events throughout the fall semester focused on financial aid and college planning. Financial Aid Program webinar attendees will have a chance to win one of six $500 scholarships!

Webinars require advance registration. All times are Central.

September

11 Webinar: Financial Aid Program at 6:30 p.m.

16 Webinar: Financial Aid Program at 6:30 p.m.

18 Spanish Webinar: Financial Aid Program at 6:30 p.m.

20 Webinar: Financial Aid Program at 1 p.m.

23 Spanish Webinar: Financial Aid Program at 6:30 p.m.

25 YouTube Livestream: Your Senior To-Do List at 7 p.m.

October

2 Webinar: Financial Aid Program at 6:30 p.m.

16 YouTube Livestream: Scholarships…How to Score Big! at 7 p.m.

Watch at this link: https://educationquest.org/events/?utm_source=Professionals&utm_campaign=ef71b45fce-counselor_bulletin&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-ef71b45fce-%5BLIST_EMAIL_ID%5D&mc_cid=ef71b45fce&mc_eid=03d02f5b9f

The Walter Scott, Jr. Pathway Scholarship supports students pursuing up to a two-year degree in approved skilled and technical fields of study. This scholarship covers full tuition and fees, plus room and board for up to four consecutive semesters. Download the .pdf below for more information.

Email: justin.wardyn@gaccbluejays.org
Website: www.gaccbluejays.org
Location: 419 East Decatur St., West Point, NE 68788