Distinguished graduates honored during Catholic Schools Week

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Each year during Catholic Schools Week, Catholic schools throughout the country honor graduates that exemplify the schools’ values and ideals.

Here are some of this year’s honorees from the Jefferson City diocese:

JEFFERSON CITY

St. Joseph Cathedral School honored Ann Linhardt, a member of the Class of 1989.

Mrs. Linhardt has spent the past 21 years in education. She began her career at the Special Learning Center in Jefferson City, became the director of Brain Balance 13 years later, and has spent the past years teaching at St. Joseph Cathedral School.

She and her husband Craig have three children, who attend the school.

Upon receiving the award, Mrs. Linhardt thanked many of her former educators, who had such a huge impact on her life. 

She shared some advice she gives to her second-graders: “When you are suffering, or stressed, or feel like you are being tested in your faith ... go to the Cross and feel the Kiss of Jesus, feel His embrace, feel His heart is open to love you!”

Immaculate Conception School honored Josh Kampeter, a member of the Class of 1997.

He and his wife Emily are very active in Immaculate Conception Parish, leading music at Masses on weekends, occasionally with their two children, who attend I.C. School.

Mr. and Mrs. Kampeter “are also very involved with other parish activities as well,” said Heather Schrimpf, principal. “Their love for Catholic education and the Catholic faith is evident. They have committed countless hours to volunteer for numerous functions and parish events.

“They continue to be a great asset to our school and parish,” said Mrs. Schrimpf.

MARSHALL

St. Peter School honored Stephanie Thomson with this year’s “Friend of St. Peter” award.

“She is a helper,” stated Mary McCoy, principal. “And when she’s finished being a helper, she finds a way to help some more. She is a teacher, a mother, a leader, a go-getter and a doer. There is no job she’s unwilling to tackle.”

Ms. Thomson collects bids when they’re needed, helps bake cinnamon rolls the school fundraiser, and was instrumental in purchasing a swing set for the school.

“She’s committed to Christian values, not just in the way she speaks, but in the way she interacts with others, in the way she supports our school, in the way she lives,” said Mrs. McCoy.

 

MEXICO

St. Brendan School in Mexico honored Vince Fuemmeler, a member of the Class of 1986.

Mr. Fuemmeler coached boys’ basketball for four years, chaired the dinner auction for two years, and was on the parish advisory council and school advisory council.

He is active in the larger community, serving as past president of the Mexico Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club and YMCA.

He continues to serve St. Brendan Parish by welcoming and providing instruction to people who are interested in becoming Catholic; assisting with providing meals to people who are homebound; and is discerning a possible call to the permanent diaconate.

Mr. Fuemmeler founded his own company, called IMS, in 2008 to help businesses streamline operations with information technology support and software.

He and his wife, Sandy, have two sons, who attended St. Brendan School.

“Through his life, Vince has demonstrated that he is truly dedicated to sharing with others what he has learned starting with the foundation provided by the education he received at St. Brendan School,” an article about him stated.

“The education and high expectations, opportunities for leadership and moral development received at St. Brendan School helped shape the life and career of Vince Fuemmeler,” the article stated. “His demonstration of a life of stewardship in being a grateful and giving disciple continues to be a model to students today.”

WESTPHALIA

St. Joseph School honored Jim Massman, a member of the Class of 1967, with its Distinguished Graduate Award.

Since graduating, Mr. Massman has continually dedicated his life to giving back to his parish and his elementary school, stated Patricia Kirk, principal.

He and his wife, Darlene, are owners of Massman Plumbing and Wiring.

They have two daughters, who are members of St. Joseph Parish, and eight grandchildren. Four of them attend St. Joseph School.

“For many years, Jim was responsible in making sure the plumbing was working in the bathrooms of the school,” Ms. Kirk noted. “And whenever the lights would go off or a plug would not work, Jim was right there fixing it, no matter what time of day or night. “

He still helps out at school whenever needed.

“You have seen Jim working many years with parish picnics and the Spring Dinners,” said Ms. Kirk. “Nowadays, Jim has added another job title for his life as you see him working along with Darlene in the garden area north of the Hilda House in summer, fall, winter and spring.”

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