People in our Catholic school communities reflect and offer their sincere gratitude to all those who made in-person learning possible this past school year
This 2020-2021 school year has been unlike any other with the pandemic and uncertainty every week. Our school communities rallied behind the diocesan wide theme of “Be not afraid” — they rose to the challenges, worked tirelessly, and put their faith and trust in God. Catholic Times asked representatives from our Catholic schools (listed here by city in alphabetical order) to reflect on this past year by thanking certain people for their incredible and selfless work.
“I am thankful that the teachers showed leadership and light in this time of darkness and helped all the students find faith when it is hard to find it.”
Kiley Donovan, student at Marquette Catholic High School in Alton
“Thankful doesn’t begin to describe how we feel about the St. Mary’s staff. Their number one goal has been the well being of our kids — physically, mentally, and faithfully. With love and gratitude, I say, this is not just a school, it’s a family!”
Jenna Koeller, parent at St. Mary’s School in Alton
“Thank you to our wonderful OLQP parents! We appreciate all of your support during the pandemic. Even though we needed to do some things differently, it has been a successful, fun year!”
Katie Admire, teacher at Our Lady Queen of Peace School in Bethalto
“I am so very thankful to Destiny Yarrington, our custodian at St. Mary School in Brussels. During this pandemic, we were pulled in so many different directions, but I could always count on her to be there and keep our school sparkling clean. She did an excellent job and stepped up when we needed her the most.”
Becky Lorts, principal at St. Mary School in Brussels
“We are grateful for Father Joe’s calm and reassuring demeanor during the pandemic. His constant focus on what he could do to help others and sense of humor will not be forgotten.”
Donovan Peña, parent at Holy Family School in Decatur
“The excitement in the eyes when the students returned for the 2020-2021 school year is something I along with the staff will cherish for many years to come. In many ways, we needed the children more than they needed us. Children in the hallways and classrooms is priceless and cannot be taken for granted. Thank you to parents for believing in us and choosing Our Lady of Lourdes for the spiritual and academic enrichment of your children. The Lancer family has made this year a year to remember and for that, I am thankful.”
Theresa K. Bowser, principal of Our Lady of Lourdes in Decatur
“I believe that true leadership stems from social influence, not authority or power. Our principal, Mr. Nick Blackburn, has guided us with a listening ear and an empathetic heart during this arduous year. I am thankful that he made me feel valued as a professional and regarded as family in our little school.”
Rhonda Roundcount, teacher at St. Patrick School in Decatur
“During the last year, Father Jeff has done an amazing job supporting St. Boniface School and Church. The focus on the children and their Catholic education created a necessary ‘normal,’ and we are grateful for that. His daily, online Masses have helped to keep our parish together while sheltering in place.”
Gary and Lyndi McNelly, St. Boniface Parish/School in Edwardsville
“I would like to thank the teachers at St. Mary’s Catholic School for always believing in the students no matter how bleak things appear. They never give up on us or stop bringing their best so we can do our best. I think they are the best teachers ever, and I can’t imagine the last seven years spent in any other classrooms. Thank you, teachers!”
Elizabeth J. Guehlstorf, student at St. Mary School in Edwardsville
“A big shout out to the extraordinary teachers at St. Anthony High School! I appreciate the continuous hard work and dedication you have given your students over the past year. It has been a challenge for everyone but each of you have gone above and beyond to make this school year as normal as possible. Thank you for the phenomenal education all of you give that St. Anthony is so proud of. Our children succeed because of you.”
Stacey Sehy, parent of children at St. Anthony High School in Effingham
“Thank you, Cody (Rincker, principal) for putting the student’s safety first while keeping them in the classroom all school year. Your dedication to the care of the staff and students has been immeasurable. We appreciate everything you have done to go above and beyond this year!”
Dawn Grubb, parent at St. Anthony Grade School in Effingham
“Thank you to all the teachers at Sacred Heart School for helping us make the best of a weird year. Your dedication and love for us, our school, and Jesus all made the difference and kept us going. Thank you for being ‘more.’”
Gracie Haarman, student at Sacred Heart School in Effingham
“I am proud of the fact that our faculty and staff come to work every day and are here to educate and care for our students. When you look around the country and see groups of teachers refusing to return to in-person learning, I look at our faculty and staff and see a group of individuals here to serve our students with a sense of selflessness.”
Bob Baird, principal of St. Ambrose School in Godfrey
“Our maintenance staff has done an especially great job keeping our school clean and safe for our students during a difficult year. Thank you!”
Mary Grinstead, teacher at St. Elizabeth School in Granite City
“There are many things for which a priest is grateful, especially during COVID-19. Related to St. Paul Catholic School, this pastor and parochial vicar are thankful for our new principal who was determined to keep our school open, faculty and the staff who remained dedicated despite the risks, and parents, grandparents, and students who trusted that faith would conquer all! Praise God from whom all blessings flow.”
Father Pat Jakel and Father Piotr Kosk, pastor and parochial vicar at St. Paul Parish/School in Highland
“I am so grateful my parents send me to St. Norbert School. I like that I get to learn about God and my faith during school and participate in weekly Mass by serving, reading, and setting an example for the younger students. I love being part of the SNS family!”
Kate Zipprich, student at St. Norbert School in Hardin
“My husband and I are very thankful to Mr. Roscetti (principal) for all of his hard work and dedication to RCHS that has allowed our students to be able to have as normal of a year as possible during this pandemic.”
Heather Peters, parent at Routt Catholic High School in Jacksonville
“Thank you to our principal! Mrs. Vandevelde helped keep our school safe all year. She takes our temperatures when we get to school each day and makes sure no one is feeling sick. She also watches us play at recess, so we are spread out and having fun.”
Brooklyn Dyche, kindergartener at Our Saviour School in Jacksonville
“Thank you never seems sufficient when we look back over the past year for all our parents who have supported St. Francis/Holy Ghost Catholic School through all of the challenges we faced to remain open and in-person during this school year. Not only did you put your trust in us, you gave of yourself, your time, and treasure at every turn, for every request and every need. Thank you for believing in us for being the mentors, role models, and teachers to your child. More than anything, thank you for your continued prayers knowing God would sustain us during these times.”
Dr. Dennis Cramsey, principal of St. Francis/Holy Ghost School in Jerseyville
“Thank you, Mr. Gregson, faculty, and staff for stepping up and showing up every day during a very difficult, ‘impossible to plan for’ year. Thank you for consistently demonstrating your commitment to the Catholic faith formation and academic excellence of the St. John Neumann Crusaders. The example you set in serving others, living faith out loud, and being a channel of God’s peace defines what it means to ‘Live Like a Crusader.’ We are blessed and thankful.”
Abby Durst, parent at St. John Neumann Catholic School in Maryville
“With all the new regulations, last minute changes, and daily work, our St. Mary’s maintenance staff had their work cut out for them on day one. Despite all the craziness, this school year was an unmitigated success, and it would not have been possible without the incredible work of our St. Mary’s maintenance staff. They adapted to every situation thrown at them with fluidity, dedication, and grace. As a parent, I have never been more thankful for our maintenance team than I was this year.”
Jackie Koch, parent at St. Mary School in Mt. Sterling
“Thank you to all of the amazing people who work at St. Thomas School in Newton. I have never been prouder to say I am your principal. You have made my job even better by sharing your resilience and willingness to go above and beyond my expectations. God is good all the time!”
Jill Bierman, principal at St. Thomas the Apostle School in Newton
“I am thankful for our teachers as they open our children’s mind, touch their hearts, and teach them about the journey of Jesus. Our teachers give children a journey through life. They open their minds, touch their hearts, while spreading the teachings of our Church to give our children a stronger start to their futures.”
Rick and Amanda Lehn, parents at Sacred Heart School in Pana
“I would like to thank the QND teachers for making our senior year one to remember under the circumstances of COVID. Our teachers always make sure to keep a positive attitude and be there if we need someone to talk to. QND is truly one big family, and the teachers are just the beginning of the family.”
Sydney Slater, Quincy Notre Dame High School student
“Our parents have been there to support us every step of the way in our partnership to do what is best for children. They have been patient and flexible through technical difficulties and sudden transitions to distance learning. I appreciate their efforts to provide their children with an authentic Catholic education in the midst of the chaos this year has brought.”
Hope Glidewell, teacher at St. Dominic School in Quincy
“During this past year, the students are thankful to the priests of St. Francis Parish in Quincy for live streaming the Masses for people during the pandemic, being a positive light for us during dark times, and providing a caring environment for us at church and school. We are so thankful for you, and we are so blessed to have you as priests.”
Allie Avery, student at St. Francis Solanus in Quincy
“As an ER nurse, I’ve been shown endless appreciation during the pandemic, but I believe our dedicated educators deserve the same gratitude. I am thankful for their willingness to teach under difficult circumstances, and their willingness to provide multiple and unique teaching methods to accommodate all students. Our teachers have continuously provided love, support, and education for our children. I definitely consider them community heroes!”
Becky Bliefnick, parent at St. Peter School in Quincy
“I would like to thank the teachers and staff at St. Michael School for their dedication to education through this tough school year. Through their hard work and adaptations, St. Michael School has been able to provide quality in-person instruction to its students every day of the school year. Thank you for everything!”
Nick Niemerg, principal at St. Michael School in Sigel
“During the pandemic, I have been so thankful for my parents because they have not only provided for my physical needs but have also developed my faith. They have provided me with a Catholic education so that I can learn in a faith-based environment. My parents have worked very hard to make me the best person that I can be, and I am very thankful for all that they do.”
Meghan Wegner, student at Sacred Heart-Griffin High School in Springfield
“I am so grateful that Mrs. Klinner (principal) put in so many hours of planning and preparation for the 2020-2021 school year to be as normal as possible. Mrs. Klinner was a great leader and example to the entire BSS staff by staying positive, organized, and prepared in this crazy time. My children have grown so much in their education, relationships, and maturity being in school full time since August. There are not enough words to show my appreciation to Blessed Sacrament School.”
Becky Leonard, parent at Blessed Sacrament School in Springfield
“I am thankful for my principal, Mrs. Cunningham, because she goes out of her way to make things right for our school. She is willing to help students if they are hurt or need help. She takes our temperature and does a COVID-19 check for us to keep us safe and healthy. That is why I am thankful for Mrs. Cunningham.”
Paityn Brady, student at St. Agnes School in Springfield
“I am tremendously thankful for the unending support of parents this year. From the donations of hand sanitizer to the prayers of support for our school, we were able to achieve spectacular things because they were there every step of the way.”
Amanda Washko, teacher at St. Aloysius School in Springfield