Catholic Schools honor distinguished graduates
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Each year during Catholic Schools Week, Catholic schools throughout the country, in cooperation with the National Catholic Education Association (NCEA), honor graduates who exemplify the schools’ values and ideals.
The Distinguished Graduate Award spotlights graduates of Catholic schools who have significantly contributed to American life or the Catholic Church.
“Each year, at this time, we take a moment to look back at the roots of our community and recognize an individual who exemplifies the mission of Catholic education,” said Lisa Grellner, principal of St. George School in Linn.
She said the award is an honor given to “those who have taken the values learned within these walls and used them to make a significant contribution to American life and the Catholic Church.”
Here are some of this year’s honorees:
FREEBURG
Holy Family School honored Ryan Libbert.
“We appreciate all of Ryan’s hard work for our parish and school community,” said Principal Debbie Reinkemeyer.
JEFFERSON CITY
St. Joseph Cathedral School honored Matt and Kim Beffa, who are graduates of the school and of Helias Catholic High School.
Both of their children are enrolled in the Cathedral school.
Mr. Beffa holds a degree in biology. Mrs. Beffa holds a degree in business management.
Both have held various positions within the community.
In 2017, they bought the Bee at Home business from Mr. Beffa’s mother. The business provides personal care to individuals in their home who otherwise might need to move to a senior care facility.
The couple also volunteer to assist people in the community who are homeless, helping prepare meals for homeless and at-risk children through Halo in Jefferson City, and helping to cook and serve meals at the Salvation Army Center of Hope.
The Beffas are active in their parish and the Knights of Columbus.
Mrs. Beffa serves on the Home and School Association. She helps set-up and execute the school’s Mission Carnival, Field Day, Daddy Daughter dance, and the Dine and Dance.
Either or both can be seen volunteering in the cafeteria, at school parties or on library duty.
“Kim and Matt have definitely lived out the Stewardship Way of Life in our community, parish and school,” said Principal Gina Bailey.
Immaculate Conception School honored Jill (Forck) Kliethermes, a member of the Class of 1984.
Mrs. Kliethermes and her husband, Jerry, have been part of Immaculate Conception Parish for many years.
All three of their children attended I.C. School, during which time Mrs. Kliethermes was involved in many school activities and projects.
She continues to be faithful in service to the parish as a member of the Parish Pastoral Council and an integral member of the Vocations Committee, which develops opportunities for students to know and understand what God is calling them to do.
She is quick to offer help with various parish activities.
St. Peter School honored Rhonda Shimmens, a member of the Class of 1974.
She is a lifelong member of the St. Peter Parish and school community, with connections spanning more than six decades.
She attended St. Peter School and graduated from Helias Catholic High School. Raising her own family in the faith, she sent all three of her children to St. Peter and now joyfully watches six grandchildren follow in their footsteps.
“Her life beautifully reflects a deep commitment to Catholic education, faith and service,” said principal Gayle Trachsel Ed.D.
Mrs. Shimmens has quietly and faithfully served her parish in countless ways over the years, volunteering with the Giving Tree, parish meals, school events, fundraisers, and wherever help was needed.
Her generosity extends beyond the parish through service with United Way, Dreams to Reality, March of Dimes, and SSM Health.
Professionally, she devoted more than 43 years to SSM Health, where she earned a reputation as an exceptional nurse.
Her career was honored with the DAISY Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2019. In 2023, the Rhonda Shimmens Scholarship was established to support continuing education for nurses and healthcare professionals.
“Rhonda serves with humility, compassion, and joy!” said Dr. Trachsel. “Her positive spirit continues to inspire!”
LINN
St. George School honored Bradley Deeken, a member of the Class of 2004.
He is vice president of Commercial Livestock Lending at Farm Credit, a role that places him at the heart of his agricultural economy.
He was recognized in 2017 by the Agricultural Leaders of Tomorrow. As the owner of Agricultural Application Services, he provides essential fertilizer- and lime-spreading services to the farmers. He is also a partner in the Seven Mile Ranch and Cattle Farm.
“While his professional success is impressive, it is his commitment to our parish that truly defines him as a ‘Distinguished Graduate.’” said principal Lisa Grellner.
He has served on the St. George Parish Pastoral Council and the St. George School Advisory Board and as chairman of the parish picnic.
“He doesn’t just talk about faith, he lives it through tireless volunteering and by ensuring that his own children receive the gift of a Catholic education, passing the torch to the next generation,” said Mrs. Grellner.
“Brad proves that a Catholic education is not just about what you learn — it’s about who you become,” she said.
VIENNA
Visitation Inter-Parish School honored Mark Buschmann.
He is deeply invested in Visitation Parish and the local community and “is a wonderful example of how to use time and talent to serve others,” said principal Maggie Rush.
He has volunteered for 19 years to supervise students every Monday morning before school. He served on the Visitation School Advisory Council when his two children were students. He has also been a member of the Visitation Parish Pastoral Council.
In the community, he has been a member of the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department for over 30 years, attaining the current rank of First Assistant.
He has also served on the Vienna Senior Housing Board and Farmers Elevator Board and is a member of the Vienna Fraternal Order of Eagles-Bassett Aerie.
He has helped with many Home and School fundraisers, coached youth ball teams, worked the concession stand for high school events and chaperoned the Vienna High School senior trip.
WESTPHALIA
St. Joseph School honored Chris Fennewald, a member of the Class of 2000, and his wife, Amber, who received an Honorary Degree from the school for all the time she spent helping young minds at school.
Their three children currently attend St. Joseph School.
For any school event, the Fennewalds are first in line to help set up or clean up afterward.
From repainting hopscotch lines to arriving early to set up for Grandparents Day, “this family is the glue that holds our school together,” said Principal Jeremy Horvath.
“It is clear to see that Christ is leading this family to be exemplary role models of community and faith for us here in Westphalia,” he said.
