School News

Congratulations to Sofia Sierra, daughter of Rafael and Victoria Sierra, who was honored by the Kiwanis Club of Rochester as our February Student of the Month.  The Lourdes Science Department nominated Sofia for this award for her work ethic, curiosity, and dedication to her studies.  She is an exceptional student who always asks engaging questions.  Sofia completed an internship at the Mayo Clinic in the Orthopedic Surgery Artificial Intelligence Lab and as a result, is getting her first publication!  She has also been involved in Rochester Football Club, WHO Club, CAM Club, Future Leaders in Medicine Club (Leader),  Kairos Master of Ceremonies and leader, Varsity Girls Soccer, nannying, and working as a hostess at the TapHouse West-End. Sofia's Honors and awards include being apart of National Honors Society and an AP Scholar with Distinction. She intends after high school to attend a four-year university majoring in Biological Sciences pursuing a Pre-Medicine track. Congratulations, Sofia!

Congratulations to Nixon Shull, son of Scott and Jami Shull, who was selected as the January Student of the Month.  Nixon Shull is a student dedicated to bringing his best effort to everything he does - academically, athletically, and through opportunities for service. Nixon contributes and succeeds consistently, without ever drawing attention to himself, but frequently encouraging and supporting others around him. He is respectful, thoughtful, and a young man of great character. 

Nixon is a member of the National Honor Society and participates in soccer and golf.  Nixon has received two varsity letters for soccer and has participated in Camp RYLA. Following graduation, he plans to attend the University of Minnesota, become a Navy Officer and eventually work as a financial advisor.  Congratulations, Nixon!

Congratulations to Emily Leitzen, daughter of Dan and Erica Leitzen, who was selected as the December Student of the Month.  Emily participates regularly in class discussions, has a positive attitude in the face of challenging assignments, and works really well with her peers. Emily is an overall fantastic student, both in her intellectual abilities and in her overall character - not to mention she is a certified Quizlet creator!  Emily is a member of the National Honors Society and participates in Alpine Skiing, WHO Club, CAM Club, Cultural Exchange Club, Art Club and co-leads the Tomorrow Club.  She additionally donates tie blankets and baked goods to the Dorothy Day House.  Emily has received All-Conference recognition for the Rochester Alpine Ski team in 2021 and All-Conference Honorable Mention in 2022. Following graduation, she plans to attend college for interior design.  Congratulations, Emily!

Congratulations to Patrick Streefland, son of Bryan and Colleen Streefland, who was honored by the Kiwanis Club of Rochester as our November Student of the Month.  Patrick has excelled in honors and advanced math classes since 9th grade and was nominated for this award by the Lourdes Math Department.  His extracurricular activities include National Honor Society, Math League, baseball, basketball, and football during his time at Lourdes.  After high school, Patrick plans to attend a four year college. Congratulations, Patrick!

Amelia O'Connor, child of Jennifer O'Connor, James O'Connor, and Christina O'Connor, was recognized by the Kiwanis Club of Rochester in October as the Student of the Month from Lourdes High School. Amelia was nominated by the Lourdes English Department for her understanding of how literature engages with the human experience, both in our current society and throughout history.  She is commended for consistently bringing thoughtful questions to class that engage classmates in constructive dialogue and intertextual discussion.  Additionally, Amelia has demonstrated a sophisticated knowledge of literary conventions and how they influence our understanding of the world. She is involved in concert and pep band, theatre tech and National Honor Society.  Next year, she will be attending a Minnesota four-year college. Congratulations, Amelia!

Congratulations to Sadie Johnston, daughter of  Michael Johnston and Jean Schultz, who was selected as the February Student of the Month. She was nominated by the Lourdes Spanish Department and was honored by the Kiwanis Club of Rochester at their luncheon this month.   Sadie is hardworking, dedicated and always goes beyond the requirements for class. She  is an exceptional student. Sadie is very involved in extracurricular activities including: Band (first chair clarinetist, section leader and soloist), Highlighters (trombonist), Winter Drumline (first synthesizer/soloist), Cheerleading Co-Captain, Eagle Eye newspaper, LHS Yearbook Club, Varsity Golf, and Cultural Exchange Club.  Notably, Sadie is the President of the Lourdes chapter of the National Honor Society, an AP Scholar Award recipient, and a Girl Scout Silver Award recipient.  Following graduation, Sadie will pursue a degree in Marketing & International Business. She plans to continue her Spanish studies after high school through a study abroad program.  Congratulations, Sadie!

Congratulations to Catherine Gilman, daughter of Lisa and Gregory Gilman, who was honored by the Kiwanis Club of Rochester as the January Student of the Month.  Katie was nominated by the Lourdes Religion department for being an outstanding scholar and also for consistently being there in all the ways we hope for.  She is reverent, respectful, reliable, and brings a renewed spiritual energy to the Lourdes community. Katie’s extracurricular activities include: Volleyball, Concert Choir, Center Street Singers, We Help Others (WHO) Club, Choices Always Matter (CAM) Club, Lourdes Student Ambassador, and National Honor Society.  Katie has received superior ratings in both solo and ensemble vocal performances and, this past fall, she was selected to be part of the Hiawatha League Honor Choir.  She received the Minnesota State High School Volleyball Coach Association Academic All-State Award after completing her final year of high school volleyball.  Katie will be attending Iowa State University next year and will major in Architecture.  Congratulations, Katie!

Congratulations to Jonah Morris, son of Trina and Jonathan Morris, who was honored by the Kiwanis Club of Rochester as our December Student of the Month.  The Lourdes Social Studies Department nominated Jonah for this award for his work ethic and dedication to his studies. Jonah strives to understand complex concepts in Economics and Philosophical Thought and works hard every day. Jonah’s extracurricular activities include: Varsity Soccer (Captain), Future Leaders in Medicine Club, Lourdes Student Ambassador, Mayo Clinic summer internship, volunteer service within his church community and the Rochester community.  Jonah plans to major in Biology or Neurobiology at college next year with the goal of pursuing a career in medicine.  Congratulations, Jonah!

Congratulations to Eric Waldbillig, son of Jeff and Polly Waldbillig, who was honored by the Kiwanis Club of Rochester as our November Student of the Month.  Eric has excelled in honors and advanced math classes since 8th grade and was nominated for this award by the Lourdes Math Department.  His extracurricular activities include Math League, Concert Band, Marching Band, Jazz Band, Winter Drumline, and the One Act Play.  Eric has been a Math League Division Medalist, HVL Honor Band Participant, and was selected All Conference for One Act Play.   After high school, Eric plans to attend the University of Saint Thomas to study Actuarial Science. Congratulations, Eric!

Rochester Catholic Schools announces with great excitement that Mary Spring has accepted the permanent position of principal at Lourdes High School. Ms. Spring served as assistant principal in 2019 and has led Lourdes as interim principal this academic year.

“Ms. Spring continues to exceed all expectations for this role,” said Dr. John Wald, co-chair of the RCS Board of Trustees. “She is committed to developing a rigorous academic environment, including enhancing the math and science curricula and developing programs that allow students to pursue college credit.” 

Most recently, Ms. Spring was instrumental in launching the partnership with St. Mary’s University of Minnesota’s Program for Advanced College Credit (PACC) in which students can earn college credit through Concurrent Enrollment courses while remaining on the Lourdes campus.

Ms. Spring began as a member of the Lourdes teaching faculty in 2003 and has taught in both the English and Religion departments. During her tenure, she played a key role in developing the English curriculum and taught Concurrent Enrollment and Advanced Placement courses. Additionally, as a member of the administrative team since 2015, Ms. Spring co-wrote and managed the New Teacher Mentoring Program.

Prior to teaching at Lourdes, Ms. Spring earned a Masters in Secondary Education as a participant in Seton Hall University's Educational Partners in Catholic Schools (EPICS). While teaching at Lourdes, Ms. Spring earned a Masters in Educational Leadership from the University of Notre Dame's Mary Ann Remick Leadership Program. Both educational experiences have solidified her commitment to Catholic education.

“Ms. Spring promotes the RCS tenets of whole-child excellence, faith-based character, and a devoted community,” said RCS Board of Trustees Co-Chair Fr. Tom Loomis. “She fosters a welcoming learning environment dedicated to helping all students discover their unique gifts and talents and reach their highest potential.”

"I am honored to lead Lourdes High School in our mission to provide educational opportunities that prepare young men and women for lives that are rooted in faith, demonstrate a love of learning, and cultivate an understanding of the importance of living for the good of others. I am truly humbled," said Ms. Spring.