We have begun the spring semester at SMH, and we are excited about the upcoming prospects offered in academics, athletics, and activities.

The students completed an exciting first semester in December. School spirit is high after the successes of the fall semester. The football team completed an undefeated season to win the State D-2 Championship for the first time since 1984. The one-act cast and crew won the district contest and placed fourth at the state contest in Kearney.

Now that we are into the second semester, we are in the middle of exciting seasons for the boys' and girls' basketball teams and the wrestling team. The speech team is preparing for upcoming competitions, and the music department is beginning preparations for the musical. The seniors have been busy finalizing their applications to colleges and making plans for a senior trip. Their final semester will be a busy one, and graduation will be here before we know it.

We are making plans for Catholic Schools Week with this year's theme of 'Catholic Schools: Making a World of Difference.' This is always a good time for us to think about how our Catholic education has made a difference in our lives. Our parents made sacrifices to send us to a Catholic school. In fact, a Catholic education is possible only because sacrifices have been made by many, from the parents who pay tuition so that their children can attend, to the educators who work at Catholic schools for typically lower pay and fewer monetary benefits. The point is that we all believe that the benefits of a Catholic education greatly outweigh the sacrifices we make. It is this belief that created St. Mary's and continues to sustain our school after more than 100 years. If you believe, as I do, that attending St. Mary's has made a positive difference in your life, then please continue to support our school through your prayers, service, and contributions. With the help of our dedicated alumni and benefactors, St. Mary's will continue to provide high-quality Catholic education for many years to come.