On Sunday, June 1, a Mass was held at Christ the King Church, followed by a reception for Kolb in the parish center. Father Joseph Ring, pastor, celebrated the Mass. Kolb’s children brought up the offertory gifts and some Christ the King teachers were readers. Students, teachers, alumni, and parents sang with the choir. The Mass was ended with a special blessing for Kolb.

At the parish reception, Father Ring presented Kolb with a plaque, thanking her for her many years at Christ the King. Kolb, who has been on the faculty of Christ the King for over 30 years, joined the staff as a seventh- and eighth-grade science teacher. She was then named principal, beginning with the 1996-1997 school year.

Father Ring called Mrs. Kolb “a blessing” to “countless children and parents.” “Mrs. Kolb has a great passion for learning and reading, and she instilled that in the students at Christ the King,” he said. “As she retires it is a fitting tribute to dedicate the school library in her honor.”

In conjunction with the dedication, a collection was taken up to establish a fund to support the library. Those who still would like to make a contribution in Kolb’s name can mail their donation to Christ the King School, Library Fund, 1920 Barberry Drive, Springfield, IL 62704. Checks should be payable to Christ the King School and all money raised will go for use by the library.