Distinguished graduates honored during Catholic Schools Week

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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 that exemplify the schools’ values and ideals.

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

Freeburg

Holy Family School honored Dale Struemph.

Mr. Struemph gives of his time and talent in many ways, currently as a member of Holy Family School’s Building Expansion Committee and the Holy Family Parish Pastoral Council.

He also serves as a member of the board of the Capital City Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), an organization that looks after the interests of a child in very difficult situations, and is a supporter and contributor to the United Way and The Special Learning Center.

Jefferson City

• Immaculate Conception School honored Toni (Struemph) Miller, a member of the Class of 1994.

Mrs. Miller is a familiar and busy sight at the school, “volunteering for many school activities, including being a room parent, serving in the lunch room, helping with the Scrip Program, and assisting with athletic activities,” said Principal Heather Schrimpf.

She has also served as president of the Home & School Association and on the Immaculate Conception School Advisory Board.

“She is quick to offer a helping hand with the various fundraisers and school activities that happen during the year,” said Mrs. Schrimpf.

“Toni, thank you for your faithful witness and your continued support of Catholic education at Immaculate Conception School!” Mrs. Schrimpf stated.

• St. Joseph Cathedral School honored Steve Meystrik, a member of the Class of 1985.

He graduated from Helias Catholic High School, studied educational and counseling psychology at the University of Missouri and completed a master’s degree in business education from William Woods University in Fulton.

He worked for a short time for the Department of Education in Cape Girardeau before beginning a 27-year tenure in human resources with the Missouri Department of Transportation, the last three years as H.R. director.

After retiring from the state, he took up a second career as coordinator of stewardship for Cathedral of St. Joseph Parish.

“In fact,” stated Principal Gina Bailey, “Steve has lived the Stewardship way of life from a young age.”

His family lived close by while he was growing up, so if altar servers didn’t show up for Mass or if servers were needed at the last minute for a wedding or funeral, he and his brother were just a call away.

Mr. Meystrik is a lifelong member of Cathedral of St. Joseph Parish, receiving all of his sacraments there and then marrying his wife Theresa 23 years ago in the Cathedral.

Three of their four daughters graduated from the Cathedral School, with their youngest now in junior high.

Mr. Meystrik is a member of the Knights of Columbus Bishop McAuliffe Council 12992.

He attends numerous parish events, always holding doors, greeting parishioners and working behind the scenes to make sure the events go off without a hitch.

“Although Steve will say this is part of his job, many events around here would not be successful without him,” Mrs. Bailey stated.

• St. Peter School honored Paul and Frances Meyer.

Mrs. Meyer passed away in July.

Mr. Meyer is a 1951 graduate of St. Peter High School, forerunner to Helias Catholic High School in Jefferson City.

He and Mrs. Meyer lived a life deeply rooted in Catholic values, community service and family devotion.

After Mr. Meyer’s military service in the Korean War, he completed his studies and pursued a career in accounting.

The couple, married for 66 years, raised five children and consistently emphasized the importance of a Catholic education for them.

Mr. and Mrs. Meyer were both actively involved in various school and church activities.

They volunteered together, supporting school endeavors and exemplifying a shared dedication to their faith.

Their involvement extended to the Parent-Teacher Association, Helias Booster Club, and Knights of Columbus, where Mr. Miller held a Fourth-Degree membership.

Throughout Mrs. Meyer’s battle with Alzheimer’s disease, Mr. Meyer remained a devoted caregiver and continued to attend Mass virtually, pray the Rosary daily, and serve as a poll worker for the Cole County election board.

“The Meyers’ life story reflects a legacy of faith, community engagement, and familial love,” stated Principal Gayle Trachsel, Ed.S. “Their enduring commitment to each other and their shared values have left an indelible mark on the St. Peter School community.”

Linn

St. George School honored Alfred Brandt, a member of the Class of 1981.

“Alfred exemplifies how service to his community and his Church are intertwined parts of who he is,” said Principal Lisa Grellner.

Mr. Brandt and his wife, Sonya, have a son who is a student at St. George.

Mr. Brandt is a proud member of a large family that is deeply rooted in the Catholic faith.

Mrs. Grellner described his life journey as a “tapestry woven with threads of unwavering dedication, leadership and a deep-seated love for all things dairy.”

“From his graduation from Linn High School in 1985, his education at Lincoln University, and throughout his career, Alfred has never strayed from his passion, building a legacy for himself and inspiring others along the way,” said Mrs. Grellner.

He serves as chairman of the State Milk Board and National Cattlemen’s Beef Board, and leader of the Missouri Dairy and the Missouri Holstein Association.

He has been honored as the Dairy Farmers of America Member of Distinction and as the National Jaycees Outstanding Young Farmer.

“He isn’t just a farmer; he’s a pillar of the dairy industry,” Mrs. Grellner noted.

Mr. Brandt has also served on the Osage County R-2 School Board, the Linn Lions Club, and the Osage County Fair Board.

“He’s a true believer in building bridges and empowering his community to thrive,” Mrs. Grellner stated.

An active and faith-filled member of St. George Parish, he has served as chairman of the parish Fall Festival and as a member of the Parish Pastoral Council.

“He speaks of a sense of self-worth, nurtured by the caring St. George Parish community and the timeless teachings of the Church,” said Mrs. Grellner. “His story reminds us that success comes not just from hard work, but also from compassion, service and faith.”

Mexico

St. Brendan Parish in Mexico honored Aaron Sells, a member of the Class of 1997.

His father, aunts, uncles and cousins attended St. Brendan School, as do his own children and many nieces and nephews.

He often shares memories and lessons he learned during his time in school, such as the desire to stand out as a “good apple” and role model.

While at St. Brendan, Mr. Sells developed a love for athletics, playing basketball and running cross country for the school, as well as Little League baseball.

He continued playing sports in high school and enjoyed tutoring children at Eugene Field Elementary School.

He played baseball for two years as a student athlete at John Wood Community College before transferring to the University of Missouri, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration.

Wanting to stay in the Mexico area, Mr. Sells began working at POET Bioprocessing in Laddonia, where he has remained for over 17 years, currently as the plant’s planner/scheduler.

He and his wife, Tami Sells, have been married for 13 years and have two children attending St. Brendan School.

“Having children here has afforded them the opportunity to give back to the school in many ways,” said Principal Kathryn Coulson. “As a family, they are highly involved with the school and church community and are always willing to jump in where needed, from volunteering at dinner auctions to moving furniture and cleaning bathroom stalls.”

Mr. Sells has coached St. Brendan School basketball for two years and Optimist baseball for several years — “positions he uses to help youth realize their God-given talents and achieve confidence in their abilities,” said Mrs. Coulson.

 In addition, he volunteers as an usher at Sunday Mass and is an active member of Knights of Columbus Council 3760.

“You’ll often find him cooking fish or chicken for fundraising events,” Mrs. Coulson noted.

“His demonstration of a life of stewardship in being a grateful and giving disciple continues to be a model for students today,” she said.

Rich Fountain

Sacred Heart School honored Henry Frank.

Mr. Frank served in the U.S. Army and in the Missouri National Guard, and is an honorary lifetime member of Knights of Columbus Council 10690 in Rich Fountain.

He has shared his time and talent with the parish in many ways by singing in the choir and using his skill as a woodworker to build items for the parish and school, as well as fix things.

“He comes to daily Mass throughout the week and always has a smile ready for the faculty and students,” said Principal Debbie Reinkemeyer. “He is a wonderful role model of the stewardship way of life.”

Westphalia

St. Joseph School honored Jenny Stephan, a member of the Class of 1993.

Since graduating, she “has continually given back to her elementary school in various positions and activities,” said Principal Patricia Kirk.

She and her husband, Cory, have three children, including two St. Joseph School students and one graduate of the school.

Besides the full-time work of running her own daycare of 15 years, Mrs. Stephens devotes many hours to St. Joseph School as the athletic director, a position she has held for the past five years.

She has also chaired the St. Joseph Parish summer picnics for the past seven years.

She has served on the Home & School Association and helps drive students to such events as field trips and Bellarmine speech meets.

“Jenny continues to live out her Catholic faith by showing all of us what Stewardship means,” Miss Kirk stated.