Welcome Aboard
Sr. Mary Elizabeth - Religion
Sr. Maria Jacinta (welcome back) – Religion, Spanish I
Stu Jeck - PE, Tech, FB
Jeff DeLaTorre – HS AD, Am Govt.,World Civ.
Jacey Rupe - JH ELA – “I am a new teacher committed to creating a Christ-centered learning environment while building strong relationships with students and encouraging academic and spiritual growth. I want to support each of my students in reaching success both inside and outside of the classroom. I couldn't be more excited and grateful to be teaching 7th and 8th grade ELA for my first year at St. Mary's Colgan!”
Eric Swanson - HS Math – Mr. Swanson has earned both his undergraduate degree in Mathematics and master’s in educational administration from Emporia State University. Eric Swanson is a devoted educator, leader, and follower of Christ with over 31 years of experience serving students, staff, and school communities. Throughout his career as both a mathematics teacher and building principal, he has been guided by a heart for servant leadership—leading with integrity, humility, and a deep commitment to developing others. At the center of his life is his faith and his family. Currently, Eric continues to invest in students as a high school mathematics teacher, instructing in General Math, Pre-Algebra, and Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, and Statistics. He and his wife, Teri, have been married for 31 years and are blessed with four children—Jordan (and his wife, Sera), May, Paxton, and Carter—and a cherished granddaughter, Rosie. They attend St. Ignatius Parish in Neodesha.
Thank you for your service
Wayne Cichon – Math – Mr. Cichon has taught Mathematics and coached at SMC for 43 years. Prior to SMC, Mr. Cichon spent 6 years at Bishop Miege in Kansas City. With several state basketball championships to his name, Mr. Cichon was an assistant football coach for many years, a track coach, and drove countless miles as a bus driver for so many activities and athletic events. Mr. Cichon plays to spend time with family and fishing among other things.
Dave Main – Spanish - has taught Spanish at SMC for five years, also assisting in Scholars Bowl and Golf. Before that, Mr. Main was a substitute teacher at St. Mary's Elementary and St. Mary's Colgan High School for seven years, including subbing full-time for a few semesters in Geometry for Chuck Smith while he began his political career in Topeka. Previously, Mr. Main taught a total of twenty-seven years in public schools in Missouri and Kansas; Walker, MO, Canton-Galva in Kansas, and Adrian, MO. “After thirty-nine years in education I am retiring, but plan to sub at SMC when needed, travel a little more, and spend time with my family and friends.”
Sr. Mary Magdalene IHM – has taught various religion classes at SMC for the past three years and will be returning to Hutch-Trinity.
Lola Wade – Theatre - graduated from Missouri Southern State University in 1972 with a BS in Secondary Education majoring in Theatre and Speech Communication and a minor in English and Journalism. She has taught since 1972, 54 years, at the following school systems: Galena High School, Joplin Area Catholic Schools, Riverton High School and St Mary’s Colgan High School. She was awarded National Heart of the Arts Teacher in 2021. Her husband of 54 years is Dennis Wade and they have a daughter, Natalie Abernathy and a son Shane Wade along with 3 grandchildren…Austin, Spencer, and Allie. Mrs. Wade and her husband attend First Baptist Church of Galena, Kansas. When asked about retirement plans: “I plan on sitting on my front porch and reading with a Diet Coke in my hand.” Mrs. Wade will stay on to produce and direct the fall and spring musicals in 26-27.
Sr. Mary Ann IHM - has taught 6 years at Colgan in two three-year stints: 2018-2021 and 2023-2026. "It has been a joy to see my 7th and 8th graders from the Covid years grow up to be the wonderful faith filled graduates of 2025 and 2026. I will miss the faculty and students that I have worked with through these years. I will be returning to KMC in Wichita next year. Altogether I have taught in the Diocese of Wichita for 43 years."
Shawn Seematter - has spent the past 9 years at SMC serving as the Head Football Coach. During his 9 years here, he also served as the AD for 3 years and assistant baseball coach for 4 years, teaching math, strength and conditioning, and PE. All together he has spent 13 years in education. He will be going to work for Crossland Construction as a high school recruiter starting this summer. “My experience at SMC will always be very dear to me. It has been a great honor to represent such a great school and community, and one that I took great pride in. The support and commitment from the students, parents, and community are truly incredible.”