History of KCHS

Kearney Catholic High School opened its doors on September 5, 1961, marking the beginning of a proud tradition of Catholic education in central Nebraska. Construction began in July 1960, and the school was dedicated just over a year later by Bishop John L. Paschang. The $600,000 facility included a front mural inscribed with “Behold Thy Mother”—a vivid stone depiction of the crucifixion that emphasized the school’s dedication to the Blessed Mother.

Kearney Catholic started with 123 students in grades 7–10, growing steadily and graduating its first class in 1964. Over the decades, the school expanded thanks to the steadfast support of alumni, families, and the broader community.

Growth milestones have included:

• 1994: Additional sixth-grade classrooms, a multi-purpose room, and a music room.
• 1999: Addition of a dedicated art room.
• 2006: Through the $3.8 million “Proud Past. Promising Future.” campaign, the school added remodeled classrooms, the Cope Coliseum, Marshall Band and Choral Room, wrestling room, and weight room.

The Moving Forward in Faith campaign (2014–2018) delivered even more:

• Phase I: Two science rooms and retired prior campaign debt.
• Phase II: Six new classrooms, upgraded infrastructure, and additional parking.
• Phase III: A new chapel—built around the original school mural—expanded foyer, and improved main entrance and office areas.

In 2022, the Kearney Catholic High School Foundation and the Kearney Catholic High School Administration led a strategic planning process involving school leadership, staff, clergy, school families and the community.

The purpose was to take an honest look at our strengths, as well as the opportunities to better address the needs of our students, staff and families. This strategic plan is a road map to navigate our way to an even more vibrant and valuable Catholic School.

One of the top priorities to emerge from this process was the creation of excellent and safe outdoor facilities for students—leading to the vision and construction of Stars Stadium. This transformational $7,043,000 project is nearing completion thanks to the overwhelming generosity of donors who have contributed $6,513,787, leaving just $530,000 left to fundraise. Stars Stadium has quickly become a source of school pride and community connection, serving as a home for Kearney Catholic athletics and hosting Sub-District and District girls’ soccer finals, as well as District Track meets. The stadium is more than a sports facility—it’s a symbol of what faith, unity, and generosity can build.

Today, Kearney Catholic serves grades 6–12 with over 360 students and has graduated more than 1,900 alumni since 1964. The Kearney Catholic High School Foundation, established in 1981, continues to secure the future of faith-based education through endowments, planned giving, and community partnerships.

As Fr. Raymond Hain shared at the 1961 dedication, “To serve the needs of the whole man we must instill the ideals of a Judaeo-Christian culture into our education.” With a strong past and a visionary future, Kearney Catholic remains a shining symbol of faith, generosity, and excellence.