Supporting long-term financial stability for a quality Helias Catholic education based in faith, knowledge and service to others ...
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Supporting long-term financial stability for a quality Helias Catholic education
based in faith, knowledge and service to others.
www.heliasfoundation.org
2021
Foundation
Board of Directors
Thank you!!
Thank you to DeAnn Barton, Mike Hoelscher ’83,
Doug Hennon - President Laura Landwehr, Jay Luebbert ’86 and Brian Zerr who retired
from the Foundation Board at the end of 2020 for your six years
Gina Clement - Vice President of dedicated service. We sincerely appreciate your volunteering
of time and professional expertise. God bless each of you
Chris Schneider ‘04 - Treasurer
for everything you did for the Foundation.
CONTACT US: Shari LePage ‘82 - Secretary
The Foundation for the benefit Eric Bernskoetter ‘92
Helias Catholic High School
of Helias Catholic High School Clay Broughton ‘95
1312 Southwest Blvd., Ste. 103 2020-2021 Advisory Council Members
Lori Bruce
Jefferson City, Missouri 65109
Brian Dowden ‘88 Advisory Council
info@heliasfoundation.org
573/635-3808 (Phone) Jennifer Gerling ‘95 Mike Winter - President
573/634-3205 (Fax) Julie Hentges ‘90 Mike Bruns - Foundation Liaison
www.heliasfoundation.org Katelyn Knox
Terry Bruns Serina Moellers Matt Trachsel
Paul Mingucci Judy Hake Fr. Mike Penn Heidi Vollet
Helias Catholic High School
Anne Rost Doug Hoelscher Barb Prasad Jeremy Winegar
1305 Swifts Hwy
Jefferson City, Missouri 65109 Lisa Scheulen Jeremy Kirsch Kim Radmacher Julie Zerr
info@heliascatholic.com Gail Strope
573/635-6139 (Phone) Kelly VanLoo ‘93 Administration
573/635-5615 (Fax) Stacie Verslues ‘98 Kenya Fuemmeler, President & Principal
www.heliascatholic.com Melissa Kleffner-Wansing ‘97 Teri Arms and Dwayne Clingman, Assistant Principals
Our Helias Alumni and all of our Winter-Dent
employee owners are proud supporters of Helias
Catholic High School and the Helias Foundation.
Louis Landwehr ‘87, Jim Neuner ’77, Kevin Heislen ‘83, Crysti York ’91, Gloria Hoerschgen ’83, Kristy Schriefer ‘71 100% EMPLOYEE OWNED
2 HELI A S FOUNDATION
WELCOME
alumni, parents, grandparents, friends and
business partners!
As many of you have experienced in your own personal lives, the pandemic
has presented several challenges and made quite a journey for everyone at
1305 Swifts Highway. As you flip through the pages of the Crusader Maga-
zine, we are thrilled to show you highlights of our students’ accomplish-
ments from their challenging education rooted in faith, and how we have so
far, successfully navigated the academic challenges of COVID-19. Because
of our community and the commitment, patience, and optimistic spirit of
our faculty, staff, students and their parents, we have been able to continue
our educational program.
MIKE BRUNS We are pleased and deeply grateful to present this Annual Crusader Maga-
HELIAS FOUNDATION
zine acknowledging our many benefactors and supporters, without whom
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
our school simply could not exist. Their generosity and support allowed
us to meet the needs of our families impacted by the pandemic and made
every achievement by our faculty and students possible. We hope you will
take the time to read the information and stories included about Helias
Catholic, and join us in offering a prayer of thanksgiving for the many
blessings our students received as a result of the generosity of those named
on these pages.
Thank you for putting your faith, confidence and trust in Helias Catholic
High School and The Foundation for the Benefit of Helias Catholic High
School. As we continue this journey, I remind all of our wonderful bene-
factors and supporters that we cannot do this without you and that the
support you provide the students of Helias Catholic is invaluable to our
continued success.
DOUG HENNON We are truly grateful! Thank you!
2021 HELIAS FOUNDATION
BOARD PRESIDENT
Mike Bruns Doug Hennon
Helias Foundation Helias Foundation
Executive Director Board President
w w w.heliasfoundat ion.org 3
DIAMONDPETCOMPANY.COM
©2017 SCHELL & KAMPETER, INC. DIAMOND AND DIAMOND & DESIGN ARE REGISTERED TRADEMARKS OF SCHELL & KAMPETER, INC.
4 HELI A S FOUNDATION
THE LEGACY OF ‘57
By Kris Wilson
F
ew classes, if any, are as proud of their legend and lore generation is simply walking along the same path their
within the Helias alumni community than the Class grandparents followed so many years before.
of 1957. They were, after all, the very first class to ever Both generations share a tremendous amount of pride
graduate from Helias. They were our first Crusaders. But ask in their school and bleed blue and gold. Both generations
any one of them and they’ll gladly tell you that there’s some- recognize and appreciate the importance of receiving an
thing else they’re far more proud of… Their living legacies. education centered around their Catholic faith. Both
Unbeknownst to these men and women at the time, generations understand the value of hard work in and out of
but walking the halls of Helias as seniors during its opening the classroom.
year was just the start of what would become a family But ask any of these grandparents and their
tradition. Those students soon became adults with children grandchildren what the biggest difference is between the class
of their own. Before long, those children became Crusaders of ’57 and today’s current students, and you’re likely to hear
themselves. Eventually that second generation of Crusaders one word more often than any other.
grew up and had families of their own. “Technology,” said sophomore Sarah Case.
And now, currently roaming the same halls (plus a few And Gerald Cremer… and Hannah Meystrik… and
new ones) and filling the same classrooms (plus a few new Adalyn Koelling… and Mason Kliethermes… and Dale
ones) is a third generation of Helias Crusaders carrying the Kliethermes…
same torch their grandparents were the first to bear more “I feel like most of the differences involve technological
than 60 years ago. advances that we have achieved,” Case said. “Most of our
classes are supported through some type of computer
These young men and women are the living program. We can do remote learning if the need ever arises
legacies of the Class of 1957. (like a pandemic?!?!), and that would never have been the
case 64 years ago.”
T
wo generations of Crusaders separated by 64 years Case’s grandmother Carolyn (Dulle) Case admitted that
and a whole other generation. Miles apart in age despite the technological gap between the generations, she
and life experience. Two vastly different eras to grow thinks today’s Crusaders would have handled themselves just
up in. Yet somehow despite some obvious differences, there fine back in her day.
remain a number of similarities between these grandparents “We had no computers – only manual typewriters,”
and their grandchildren to remind everyone that this latest Case said. “But had today’s kids grown up in “our time,” they
w w w.heliasfoundat ion.org 5
Gerald Cremer Carolyn Dulle Ronald Forck Joseph Cremer Matthew Cremer Sarah Case Jacob Rembecki Joseph Rembecki Matthew Schepers Donald Forck Ronald Irvin Dale Kliethermes Patricia Spieker Hannah Meystrik Nathan Kever Mason Kliethermes Grace Wilding Harrison Miller Virginia Sandbothe Robert Koelling Nathaniel Roark Adalyn Koelling 6 HELI A S FOUNDATION
would have handled it the same way, with love of their faith and
pride for their school.”
Helias’ first homecoming queen also acknowledged some of
the differences between her and her classmates and the Helias stu-
dents of today.
“The students of
today have a much
broader education
and many more
opportunities to expand
their education,” the
elder Case said. “Plus
they have the ability to
work and play together.
Back in our day, we felt
privileged to spend time
with the boys as the girls
were on the top floor
and the boys were on the
bottom floor. We also
had separate lunch and
recreation periods.”
“Today’s kids do more community things
though,” Case continued. “We didn’t have
the transportation, and a lot of our classmates
went to work after school to help pay for their
own education.”
Case also conceded that while she and
her classmates had plenty of excellent and
dedicated teachers (a lot of nuns and brothers,
mind you), she feels like today’s teachers offer
students like her granddaughter a broader
knowledge and a larger view of the world.
Carolyn Case’s classmate Gerald Cremer
had his own thoughts about the difference
between today’s students and those from his
days at Helias.
“I feel like there are good and bad kids,
just like in my day. But I think today’s kids
are much smarter.”
“I just hope they
will contribute and
support Helias for future
generations like we have,”
Cremer said.
T
he early days
of Helias High
School was a
different time for students.
Back then the rigors and
requirements of home
sometimes superseded the
necessity of a complete
high school education.
Nobody understood that
more than rural families who grew up on farms. “All of the grandkids call my grandpa “Pop,” said the current Helias
Such was the case for Robert Koelling, Sr., according to his freshman. “He definitely bleeds blue and gold from his days of
granddaughter Adalyn Koelling. being at Helias. He still shows it by supporting me and Helias
w w w.heliasfoundat ion.org 7
through my sports.” strive to fulfill that through our faith and actions.”
“Pop” Koelling left Helias before he got the chance to Current sophomore Hannah Meystrik echoed the Cremers’
graduate, so that he could help his family on their family farm sentiments. “I can continue to honor my grandpa’s legacy by
during a time of need. Despite not graduating with his classmates, following his example and continuing to work towards becoming
the Class of ’57 still considers Koelling one of their own – a fact a “saint and a scholar.”
that’s not lost on the Koelling family. “I can honor my grandfather’s (Dale Kliethermes) legacy by
“I love my Pop so much for doing what he had to do to help being a saintly scholar for Christ,” agreed Mason Kliethermes.
out his family,” Koelling said. “It makes me so happy to know that Freshman Nathan Kever, who sees reminders of his
his classmates still consider him a part of their class.” grandfather Ronald Irvin every day at Helias, expounded on why
After spending time helping on his family farm, Robert honoring their legacy is so important not only for him, but for
Koelling married his sweetheart Shirley in 1959, the same year she his family as well. “Helias has been such an important part of our
graduated from Helias. He was drafted into the Army in 1961 and family. Our experiences have molded us into who we are today.
served until 1963. I love walking through the halls and seeing connections to my
grandpa. You can find some of his craftsmanship throughout the
school; in the classrooms, the library, the trophy cases. But my
T
oday’s Crusaders recognize the tremendous footsteps left by favorite is the ambo that is in the chapel. Every time I see it, I am
their forebears, and they are all striving to follow them in so proud. It’s a visual connection to God, to our family, and the
such a way that not only makes their grandparents proud, Helias Catholic legacy.”
but honors their legacy as well. “I hope they (Class of ’57) know we appreciate how their
“I know the Class of ’57 was very proud of being the class proudly and respectfully “paved the way” for this legacy we
first graduating class, according to my grandma,” Case said. are a part of today,” Kever said. “They set a high standard for us
“Continuing this legacy means a lot to me because I also know that to uphold through their faith, school spirit, and traditions. It’s
my great-grandfather, Clem Dulle, was on the planning committee an honor to be a part of something so positive. The traditions
and was one of the people who started Helias.” that bring the Helias community together as a big family is what
“We hope they know the pride we feel to go to Helias,” said continues this great legacy!”
brothers Joseph and Matthew Cremer. “It’s the same that we felt on “I will do my best to represent Helias with honor and
day one. We try to represent the Helias tradition well by putting respect,” Kever continued. “I want to show others – through my
the best effort into everything we do.” actions – what it means to be a Crusader.”
“We believe in Helias’ vision, in building a community of That’s something any generation can be proud of.
saints and scholars for Christ,” the Cremer brothers continued. “We
Quotables:
What are some of your (or Sarah Case: “Although my grandma tells drive-ins with friends, milkshakes, and
me more stories about my dad’s time at bubble gum.”
your grandparent’s) fondest Helias, it’s pretty common knowledge that
memories of Helias? Mason Kliethermes: “Mostly nuns, chalk
she wore the first homecoming crown at
boards, slaps with rulers.”
Helias. That’s something we like to tease
Carolyn Case: “We went to mass almost her about!” Adalyn Koelling: “Reminds me of the
every day and fasted after midnight if you movie Grease. And poodle skirts.”
wanted to receive holy communion. We Dale Kliethermes: “Graduation day.”
were even proud to be called the Helias Hannah Meystrik: “Drive-in movies, juke-
“Rabbits” by the JC kids. Playing lead in boxes, and poodle skirts… dances, playing
the first senior play. Being vice president Any Helias traditions that you sports, and Friday nights with friends.”
of the Pepettes. Being named Helias’ very wish were still around? Joseph & Matthew Cremer: “We think of
first homecoming queen.” how quickly things were changing in the
Nathan Kever: “My grandpa said he was world after World War II… and excessively
Carolyn Case: “Bonfire and snake dance many rules and strict nuns.”
one of the few kids that had a car. He said downtown during homecoming.”
the teachers would pull him out of class
and have him run errands for them during Dale Kliethermes: “Pulling homecoming
the school day. That was one of his favor- floats with tractors.” Why is Helias important to you
ite things about his senior year!” and your family?
Adalyn Koelling: “Apparently he broke What do you think of when
his leg playing freshman football.”
you hear “Class of ’57,” or high Dale Kliethermes: “It keeps my grandkids
Hannah Meystrik: “My grandpa tells school life in the ‘50s? out of my hair.”
stories about the priests and nuns who
taught him, and the time he lost his tuba Nathan Kever: “I think of jukeboxes, din-
in band class.” ers, Elvis Presley, my grandparents, poo-
Gerald Cremer: “I made many lifelong dle skirts and greased-back hair… school
friends and continue to see them.” dances, school spirit, wholesomeness,
8 HELI A S FOUNDATION
The Farmer Family proudly
supports Helias Catholic
High School
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Jefferson City, MO
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w w w.heliasfoundat ion.org 9
Upon This Foundation...
Growing the Helias legacy with The Foundation for
the Benefit of Helias Catholic High School
In 1956, Helias High School, the first dedicated, needs as prioritized by Helias Catholic High School
private four-year Catholic high school in Jefferson or as directed by donors. The Foundation does this by
City, Missouri, opened its doors and welcomed its regularly dispersing funds directly to Helias Catholic
first students. Less than 20 years later a growing need High School.
for financial support was identified. And thus in The Foundation accomplishes its mission by
1974, the Helias Foundation, Inc., was formed and generating revenue from its “Continue the Legacy”
overseen by a group of hardworking volunteers and Annual Fund Drive campaign, its annual Foundation
board of directors until 1997. In 1997 Jim Rackers Golf Tournament and Young Crusaders Tournament,
began serving as its first executive director – a position the annual Legacy Celebration & Hall of Fame
he held until his death in 2006. Honors, and various other activities throughout the
Fast forward 45 years and the Foundation is still year. Money is received from businesses, alumni, past
here, still serving Helias Catholic High School, and parents and family members, bequests, and other
still helping the school, its alumni and its supporters personal donors.
to grow their Crusader legacies. The Foundation also hosts the ever popular
Presently, the Foundation employs three full- annual Helias Grandparents Day Mass & Luncheon.
time staff members: Executive Director Mike The event is not a fundraiser, but a special opportunity
Bruns, Accounting Manager & Administrative for students, staff, faculty, and the Foundation to give
Assistant Kim Barbour, and Marketing & Social thanks to those who truly are our living legacies.
Media Coordinator Kris Wilson. The Foundation’s Additionally, and simply by the nature of its
executive director reports to the 18-member Board business, the Foundations serves as the school’s de
of Directors, which is led by board president Doug facto alumni relations organization, providing an
Hennon. Vice President Gina Clement will assume invaluable link and gateway to Helias Catholic High
the role of Foundation Board President when Henon School for alumni of all ages regardless of location
retires the position at the end of 2021. or residence. The Foundation is always willing to
The sole purpose of the Foundation, an provide class reunion guidance and support for any
independent and not-for-profit 501c (3) corporation, graduating class interested in hosting a reunion or
is to promote, expand and strengthen the long-term gathering, especially if usage of the school’s facilities
financial viability of Helias Catholic High School. is desired.
Through the efforts of the Foundation, Helias The Foundation for the Benefit of Helias
continues to be able to offer a quality, affordable Catholic High School, Inc. exists solely and
Catholic education to the students of Central completely to serve and address the financial needs of
Missouri. Helias Catholic High School, the needs of its faculty
The Foundation serves as a conduit for individuals and staff, and the needs of its students. Supporting
and organizations to support Catholic education in their purpose is our mission. Growing their legacies is
central Missouri. The Foundation accomplishes this our passion. The continued success of Helias Catholic
through outreach and education; fundraising and High School and its impact on every Crusader is our
responsible financial stewardship of endowed and legacy.
unrestricted funds; and support of projects and future
10 HELI A S FOUNDATIONPLANNED GIVING
Gift plans create opportunities for both you and the Foundation. Determining what gift is right for you is just as important
as making the gift. There are many options for which you may choose. The correct plan for you balances what you wish to
accomplish for yourself, your family, and your charitable interests in your overall and financial plans.
The chart on this page lists a number of ways you can give to the Foundation for the Benefit of Helias Catholic High School.
YOUR GOAL
Make a quick and easy gift Cash Give online, write a check, wire funds, use a credit Income tax deduction (as permitted by
card, give from a Donor Advised Fund (DAF) or set up a law)
recurring credit card or ACH payment
Make a quick and easy gift Transfer of Stock Using the stock transfer form, transfer stock directly to Income tax deduction and avoidance of
the Foundation for the Benefit of Helias Catholic High capital gains tax
School
Satisfy your required minimum Qualified At age 70 ½ or older, you can make a direct transfer At age 70 ½ or older, you and your
distribution (RMD) by making a qualified Charitable of funds to the Foundation for the Benefit of Helias spouse can each satisfy up to $100,000
charitable distribution (QCD) from your Distribution Catholic High School through your IRA as a QCD; of your RMDs by making QCDs from your
individual retirement account (IRA) allocate up to $100,000 per year of your RMD to charity individual IRAs
Eliminate capital gains tax on the sale of Real Estate Gift Donate the property to the Foundation for the Benefit of Immediate income tax deduction and
a home or other real estate Helias Catholic High School or sell it to the Foundation avoidance of capital gains tax
at a bargain price
Give your personal residence or farm but Retained Life Donate the property to the Foundation for the Benefit of Charitable income tax deduction and
continue to live there Estate Helias Catholic High School but retain occupancy lifetime use of home
Make a large gift with little cost to Life Insurance Gift Give a policy with the Foundation for the Benefit of Current income tax deduction; possible
yourself Helias Catholic High School as owner and beneficiary future deductions
Avoid the twofold taxation on retirement Retirement Plan Name the Foundation for the Benefit of Helias Catholic Avoidance of heavily taxed gift to heirs,
plan assets Gift High School as beneficiary of the remainder of the allowing less costly gifts
retirement assets after your lifetime
Create and/or increase income from Charitable Gift Create a charitable annuity that pays you a set income Immediate income tax deduction and
assets; create a hedge against inflation Annuity annually fixed income for life; remainder of the
over the long term corpus passes to the Foundation for the
Benefit of Helias Catholic High School
Create and/or increase income from Charitable Remainder Create a trust that pays you a fixed or variable Immediate income tax deduction;
assets; create a hedge against inflation Trust percentage of the trust’s assets; valued annually annual income for life that has
over the long term potential to increase; remainder of
corpus passes to the Foundation for the
Benefit of Helias Catholic High School
Reduce gift and estate taxes on assets Charitable Lead Trust Create a trust that pays the Foundation for the Benefit Reduced size of taxable estate; keeps
passing to heirs of Helias Catholic High School a fixed or variable asset in family with reduced tax
income for set term, and the remainder passes on to ramifications
your heirs
A simple way to make a future gift to Bequest Name the Foundation for the Benefit of Helias Catholic No impact on assets during your
the Foundation for the Benefit of Helias High School as the recipient of a written amount, lifetime
Catholic High School percentage of the estate, or description of property in
your will
All donors and prospective donors are encouraged to seek guidance from a professional advisor such as an estate planning attorney, a
tax accountant, broker, banker, or insurance agent to determine the best giving strategy for their unique circumstances.
For information on how you can make a more
effective gift to secure the future of Helias, please contact
the Foundation office at (573) 635-3808.
w w w.heliasfoundat ion.org 11Substitute
Angels
By Kris Wilson
Who says you can’t go home again?
O
ver the past academic year a explained. “I know my way
handful of young Helias alumni around the place, and there
did just that, and according to are several familiar faces I can
school administrators and faculty, the count on for help. For the
group of former students may as well have most part, I know how things
been sent from above. work around here, which has
made subbing go smoothly.”
“The young alumni who came back
to Helias to substitute on short notice Bax said one of the highlights
this year helped us to of subbing at Helias has been
keep our doors open getting the opportunity to stop
for in-seat classes in a by his brother Ryan’s classroom
crucial time,” said Sandy and chat on a daily basis.
Hentges, Director of Ryan Bax teaches algebra and
Communications and geometry.
Admissions at Helias.
Julia Frese, a 2015 Helias graduate and
Unlike many schools and current fourth grade teacher at New
students who have had to Bloomfield Elementary School echoed
endure the arduous task of Bax’s sentiments on coming home to teach.
wading through extended
periods of online-learning “It has been a great experience to work
or even cancelled classes during the with people who were once my own
ongoing pandemic, Helias administrators teachers,” Frese said. “I’ve gotten the
took an early and proactive approach and chance to catch up with them and tell
were able to start the year off with a plan them about what I have been doing since
and a bunch of help waiting in the wings. high school.”
comfortable in our building and liked
“We began advertising early, before school Frese said subbing at her alma mater was
the idea of coming back to some familiar
started,” Hentges explained. “We knew also a bit easier because not only was she
faces and spaces. Once we had one or two
substitutes would be in high demand. The familiar with the classes being taught,
coming in, the word spread among them
stars aligned for us because many of the but she recognized some of the younger
and others followed.”
alumni were finishing up college or their siblings of her own Crusader classmates
classes had moved online, and so they That allure of familiarity was echoed many along the way. She said it was a nice bonus
became available right when we needed times over by a number of the young being able to help her students with their
them.” Crusader alumni who decided to come work since she had taken some of the very
back and give their time to Helias. same classes they were.
While the efforts of the school certainly
played a part in securing initial substitute “I have tons of awesome memories and Despite the perks of familiarity, Frese said
help, the prospect of working in a familiar lifelong friends because of Helias,” said she was faced with one glaring hurdle,
and comfortable environment eventually Adam Bax, a 2016 Helias grad who much like some of the other alumni
spread by word-of-mouth among the plans on attending Mizzou law school encountered in their first days of subbing.
alumni community, paving the way this upcoming fall. “I thought substitute
“My first day was nerve-wracking because
for more help in a time when it was teaching at Helias would be a great
I wasn’t sure where some of the teachers’
desperately needed. opportunity to give back.”
classrooms were located now that they
“Our alumni made subbing a priority,” “Being a Helias graduate has made things have the (administrative and science wing)
Hentges said. “They already felt much easier as a substitute here,” Bax addition to the building,” Frese admitted.
12 HELI A S FOUNDATIONHelias Alumni
Substitute
Teachers
HELIAS GRADUATING
ALUMNI CLASS
Adam Bax 2016
Drew Boessen 2017
Jordan Roling, a 2017 Clinton Campbell 2016
Helias graduate had his own Julia Frese 2015
somewhat awkward experience
Lanie Hentges 2017
upon returning to teach at
Helias. Rylie Kever 2017
“It was weird sitting at the Hayden Lee 2014
opposite end of the teacher’s Jonas Miller 2017
desk,” Roling admitted. “It’s
John Paden 2018
kind of funny, I was a class
clown type when I was a Jordan Roling 2017
student. Now I’m instructing. Emily Thomeczek 2017
I’m sure most of the faculty
finds it incredibly ironic.” Aaron Vossen 2012
Hall of Famer. “Luckily I had things ready Alex Werner 2016
Roling, who attended Truman State and
when school started. My daughter Meghan
will attend Mizzou law next year said he
helped with making several videos for my
has learned one important thing about
drafting classes that Aaron was able to
himself during this experience.
show and explain since he had my class
“My teachers probably got really annoyed back when he was in high school.”
with my antics,” Roling quipped.
Vossen’s brief hiccup with COVID turned
W
hile most of the substitute into an 8–10-week battle, but one he
work done by these young was able to wage with the confidence of
alumni was on an as-needed knowing that his educational obligations
basis, much like traditional substitute at the school were being well taken care of
teaching work, there were instances thanks by Aaron and a strong support network at
to COVID where the job was a little more home.
T
long-term.
he requirements to be considered
When Ron Vossen tested positive for as a substitute teacher at Helias
COVID, he knew there was only one Catholic are very similar to those
person he needed to call – his son Aaron required by the public school systems. An
Vossen, a 2012 Helias graduate who interested prospect must have 60 hours
already had experience subbing. of college credit. They must apply and be
approved by the principal. They must also
“The minute I knew I had COVID and pass a background check and complete the
would have to be quarantined, I contacted diocesan-mandated Virtus training.
Aaron thinking he might be able to help
out since his masters program had gone While the requirements to become a
online,” Vossen said. “Fortunately for me substitute are readily attainable, the pool of
he was able to do Mondays, Wednesdays qualified individuals was stretched beyond
and Fridays.” reasonable expectations for most school
systems this year. Many schools were forced
“My plan was to get back as soon as to close their doors and switch to online
possible, but my case took a turn and I learning due to a combination of high
was hospitalized for a week,” continued teacher absences (illness, quarantining, etc.)
the stalwart industrial arts teacher and and a resulting shortage of substitutes.
w w w.heliasfoundat ion.org 13Fortunately for Helias, when you’re in the
business of building a community of saints
and scholars, you tend to have a good
network of alumni who want to give back.
“Helping out the school that I feel I owe
so much to is very rewarding,” said 2016
alum Alex Werner. “I know this school year
has been crazy with teachers having to be
absent due to COVID, so I’m glad I could
help the school fill in those absences when
needed and lessen the headache of trying to
organize around that.”
Werner, a 2020 Mizzou grad whose first
day subbing at Helias was spent filling
in for Coach Victor Bell while he was in I’ve learned that I do enjoy being in the in that group,” Hentges said. “Good
quarantine, was recently announced as the classroom environment and I think I would substitutes are hard to find, and we are
school’s new strength and conditioning enjoy a career in teaching at this level.” blessed to have a feeling of family among
coach – an opportunity that up until our faculty, staff, students, and alumni that
recently, was something he’d only Despite the uncertainty facing educators creates a strong sense of community and a
previously considered in passing as a long- and students alike all around the country willingness to serve.”
time goal. during this ongoing and ever-evolving
pandemic environment, Helias, thanks to “They know the ropes and can relate to our
“This (subbing) experience has kind of let its community of passionate, ready-to-serve students. The students love having someone
me get a little glimpse into what teaching alumni seems well-positioned to face down who knows the culture and expectations
at the high school level is like,” Werner any challenge with open doors and students up front. Our faculty love knowing their
commented. “I had previously considered in seats. classrooms are in good hands,” continued
possibly trying to teach, but wasn’t sure Hentges. “We love giving alumni the
how I would like it. Granted, subbing is “We will continue to keep a robust list of opportunity to expand their skills and
much different than full time teaching, but substitutes and hope to include alumni experience.”
Kights of Columbus
Fr. Helias Council #1054
We are incredibly grateful to the Knights of Columbus –
Fr. Helias Council #1054 for including the Foundation as one of
the several recipients of their annual fish fry proceeds.
We are sincerely touched and appreciative of the
thoughtfulness and generosity your organization
has shown us over the years!
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w w w.heliasfoundat ion.org 15A Year Like No Other
By Kris Wilson
To say the past year has been challenging might be the communications and admissions director Sandy Hentges. “The
understatement equivalent of “the Grand Canyon is just a big million-dollar question was “how do we get all the students
hole in the ground.” Thanks to the Covid-19 pandemic, Helias and faculty back at school in-person while maintaining social
Catholic administrators, educators, students and parents distancing and keeping everyone safe from the virus?””
were all thrust into a great unknown – forced to adapt and “We hatched an elaborate plan with many moving parts,
figure out how to overcome unprecedented restrictions and and then we went with it,” Hentges said. “Two of the larger
norms during an ever-changing crisis far beyond anything challenges within that plan were getting enough substitute
they had ever experienced. teachers to fill in when and if teachers became quarantined
2020 was truly uncharted waters for the Helias community. or sick, and how to keep quarantined or sick students up to
From Missouri’s first confirmed Covid case on March 7, and date when they couldn’t be at school. We approached all the
Governor Parson’s mandated shutdown of all public and challenges with all-hands-on-deck, and a full year later we are
private schools on April 9; through the sting of cancelled proud of the work we have done.”
sports seasons and proms and lost senior years, the resiliency What the plan did was basically reshape what a day in
and resolve of Crusader Nation was tested like never before. school meant for teachers and students. 15 minutes were
While students and parents were doing the best they could added to the start of each day and 20 minutes were tacked on
to survive in the new-to-them world of online learning, Helias at the end, giving administrators the flexibility to restructure
leadership and staff members were hard at work trying to the academic experience for the 2020-2021 school year.
figure out how to continue the business of education. The additional 35 minutes basically allowed for the addition
As if planning for an unknown future wasn’t daunting of an extra class period, giving students and teachers eight
enough, doing so while being forced to navigate a completely each day instead of the usual seven. By adding the additional
unfamiliar present only made the mountain seem even more period, the school was able to reduce the number of students
insurmountable. in each class to allow for social distancing by giving teachers
Ah, but about that steadfast Crusader resolve… an extra class to work with.
“In the spring and summer of 2020, when we decided we Despite adding an additional class to teach each day,
would return in-person in August, we began chipping away numerous teachers have said the decreased class sizes have
at every detail which needed addressing,” explained Helias been a good thing – a sentiment echoed by students as well.
16 HELI A S FOUNDATION“I’ve actually gotten a lot more one-on-one help from to allow for social distancing. Masses were even approved by
teachers this year compared to years past,” said Helias junior Bishop McKnight to be held outdoors at the Crusader Athletic
Olivia Renner. “I feel like since they know how hard this year Complex.
has been on all of us, they’ve been more willing to help us out Unfortunately however, some changes stung, no matter
individually whenever possible. Between that and the smaller how necessary they were. Group gatherings were canceled,
class sizes, I feel like I’ve gotten closer to some of my teachers including Grandparents Day, multiple homecoming activities,
than I would have during a normal year.” and several concerts and dances. Attendance at sporting
Some teachers also displayed their commitment to events and other activities were limited or eliminated,
the school’s mission by taking on the added responsibility of including tailgating. Masses went virtual. Faculty training got
teaching subjects outside the scope of what they traditionally put on hold. College tours and in-person recruiting ground
taught. With more classes in each class section available to to a halt. The House system has been basically non-existent.
students, those teachers shifted gears in order to help ensure Cooperative learning opportunities in the classroom were
that each available course offering was properly staffed. limited, at best.
Additionally, a number of teachers even swapped classrooms Some classes that thrive on close interaction between
– some of whom had been in those rooms for a number of students (choir and chorus for example) were more negatively
years – just to help maximize facility usage and to allow for impacted than others according to students.
optimum spacing in larger classes. “Choir has been the most difficult adjustment,” Renner
Even faced with all the changes and additional responsibilities, explained. “We’re all super close, but now we have to be
the Helias faculty met every challenge with grace and worked spread out and keep our masks on. We can barely hear each
diligently to push through with success according to Hentges. other. I mean we’re trying, but it’s almost like we’re having to
“Our faculty and staff members have pivoted like learn a whole new way of singing.”
professional dancers every time we have received new Renner also said it’s not just the academic side of school
information and changed what we are doing,” Hentges said. where this year of change has taken its toll. Social interactions
“Many had their classrooms, the classes they were teaching, among students have also suffered significantly.
their schedules and their very lives turned upside down.” “We’re missing a lot of student activities that help us bond,”
Other pandemic-related protocols implemented for the Renner explained. “Socializing at lunch is pretty much non-
school year included rules for who could and could not be in existent when you’ve only got two or three people sitting six
the building; temperature checks for everyone who entered feet apart per table. We’re all so spread apart that we can
the school; updated mask, social distancing, and classroom hardly talk to each other anymore. I have some friendships
sanitation guidelines, just to name a few. Lunch periods were that have suffered because of the restrictions and separation,
spread out to include the school Commons and the Old Gym and I have some friendships that have completely fallen apart
w w w.heliasfoundat ion.org 17for the same reasons. It’s just been really hard.” our lives. The social aspect of being an involved parent have Renner said the greatest help to her and numerous other suffered.” students struggling through the course of the year has been Despite the loss of that sense of community, Renner, some of the Helias faculty. herself a nurse at St. Mary’s who has seen first-hand the “Our librarian, Michelle Oliver, has been an angel for me ravaging effects of Covid-19, is appreciative of the reasoning this year,” Renner admitted. “She cares so much for the behind the school’s decisions and thankful for the work of the students and she understands how overwhelming this year Helias administration and teachers for their efforts to keep the has been for all of us. She said this has absolutely been the school open and reestablish and reclaim a sense of normalcy worst year from a mental health perspective for students that for the students and parents in the Helias community. she’s ever experienced. She’s done so much to help so many “I’m incredibly grateful that our kids could still go to students to stay afloat when it’s gotten really tough. For some school this year, and for the courage shown and the effort kids it’s been so much worse mentally and socially than for put forth by the administrators and teachers to make sure others, and she takes that to heart. She fights for all of us.” in-person learning could even happen,” Renner said. “I think In addition to Mrs. Oliver, Renner credits teachers Joyce they’ve done the best they could and they’ve done very well at Lamb and Kathy Jarman as being two more “angels” who have executing their plan.” helped her get through the ups and downs of this year. “You know, any time you go through a crisis situation it’s a Olivia’s mother Karen Renner sympathized for her learning opportunity,” Renner said. “This year has really given daughter and shared the very same sentiments, albeit from a us a chance to see how we handle life when something parent’s perspective. serious and beyond our control is happening.” “There’s definitely been a sense of loss of community “As a family, as a school, and as a community, I think this to some degree,” Renner admitted, “especially with the year has shown us that we’re all a lot stronger than we think,” restrictions on gatherings and the number of people being Renner said. “And we’re all probably a little more adaptable able to attend sporting events. That wasn’t just at the high than we thought we were. I hope we never have to go through school level though. I coached my daughter’s volleyball team something like this again, but there’s a good chance we could, at St. Peter, and the attendance restrictions were felt there as and I’d be willing to bet that we’ll be much better prepared.” well. The closeness is gone. It just feels like everyone is being “This pandemic’s not been a good experience, but it’s been kept at arm’s length, so we’ve lost some of that camaraderie a good learning experience.” and bonding, even among parents, that we’ve known all of 18 HELI A S FOUNDATION
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w w w.heliasfoundat ion.org 19Helias Spring Musical
In a year like no choreography was directed
other, the Helias Catholic by Gabrielle Kampeter, Alli
Production team knew Echelmeyer & Lauren Micke.
they had to put on a Rhonda Ludwig served as the
Spring Musical like no production’s parent volunteer
other. So they stepped coordinator and house
into the DeLorean, manager.
punched it to 88 mph, and Vossen said that while
took audience members on a John in almost 40 years, and presented this year’s production wasn’t as
Hughes-worthy musical trip back to five sold-out performances of the technically complex to build as in
the era of big hair, Trapper Keepers, nostalgic time warp “Back to the years past, he still had a number
and neon everything. 80s: The Totally Awesome Musical.” of parent volunteers, friends,
From March 12- This year’s and 28 students in his theatre
14, cast members, spring musical design classes working on the set
an army of parent was directed pieces since January. According
volunteers, and a by Amy Pringer. to feedback from his students,
production team Ron Vossen painting the Rubik’s Cubes and
willing to pull served as the building the stage car were
out all the stops production highlights of this year’s build.
gathered at the manager and Vossen also said that just as
Miller Performing set designer. in years past, many of the pieces
Arts Center with Principle used in this year’s Spring Musical
more hairspray and
leg warmers than
this town had seen
20 HELI A S FOUNDATIONwere recycled pieces from previous more traditional musicals Helias too familiar with the iconic music and
productions. has presented over the years, this pop culture of the 80s anyway who
“We generally try to recycle things year’s iteration had to be flexible may or may not have been dancing
for the next few years or even thanks to the challenges presented and singing along backstage.
longer,” he said. “We are blessed by the ongoing Covid pandemic and
to have a shop area to build and its associated restrictions. In order
paint as well as store our previous to maintain social distancing, the
costumes, props and sets. The kids show was presented in five limited-
make fun of me sometimes when capacity performances (plus one
I tell them we used a piece 5, 10, student performance), instead of the
20, 30 years ago. In fact one of the traditional three.
garbage cans we used in this year’s Despite the reduced overall
production goes back to 1980.” attendance, this year’s Spring Musical
Unlike the classic standards and still hit all the right notes, not just
for those filling the seats, but
with its enthusiastic cast as well
– and not to mention a crew of
parent volunteers who was all
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w w w.heliasfoundat ion.org 23CONTINUING THE LEGACY
Thank You!
GOLF COMMITTEE MEMBERS & VOLUNTEERS:
Thank you to the wonderful group of ladies and gentlemen who
gave of their time to help make the tournament a success!
GOLF COMMITTEE
Bob Boeckman Kent Kaiser Mike Rehagen
HELIAS FOUNDATION Mike Bruns Jay Luebbert Chris Schneider
GOLF TOURNAMENT Bill Case
Roger Dudenhoeffer
Ski Mariea
Rob McCurren
Chris Schrimpf
Brad Shimmens
Jennifer Gerling Paul Mingucci Kelly VanLoo
Doug Hennon Jim Neuner Jodi Winegar
Mike Hoelscher Doug Otto
IN-KIND DONATIONS:
Thank you to the friends of Helias and alumni who VOLUNTEERS:
graciously donated to the golf tournament lunch, Vic Buechter Sandy Hentges Lacy Ralston
dinner, beverages, prizes and auction. We sincerely Ed Carter Monica Higgins Mike & Paulette
appreciate your generosity and thoughtfulness! Jim Casey Dan Iven Rehagen
Michael Casey Kathy Jarman Peggy Rogers
Chick-fil-A of Jefferson City Gina Clement Jack Kramer Anne Rost
Coca-Cola of Jefferson City Gerald Dunn Terry Kremer Roger Schwartze
Dr. and Mrs. Ken Rowan Kenya Fuemmeler Jay Luebbert Rhonda Shimmens
Dr. Pepper – Snapple Group Jennifer Gerber Gage McAllister Pam Stoner
Domenico’s Italian Restaurant Jennifer Gerling Darlene Muessig Lynn Struemph
Fechtel Beverage and Sales, Inc. Carol Griffin Mike Prenger Whitney Toosley
Helias Catholic High School Gary Henley Maureen Quinn Kelly VanLoo
Madison’s Café
Midwest Advertising – Laura Payne
N. H. Scheppers Distributing Co.
24 HELI A S FOUNDATIONThe 32nd Annual Helias Foundation Golf Tournament was held
on Monday, September 14, 2020 at Jefferson City County Club,
Meadow Lake Acres Country Club and Osage National Golf Resort.
The 7th Annual Young Crusaders Golf Tournament (ages 21-35) took
place at Oak Hills Golf Course on Friday, September 11, 2020. Thank
you to Louis Landwehr and Jim Neuner with Winter-Dent for being
the tournament sponsor for their eighth year in a row! Thank you to
Rob Agee with Madison’s Café and Mark Arcobasso with Domenico’s
Italian Restaurant for their generous donation of gift certificates, as
well as Kylie Oberweather with Chick-fil-A Jefferson City for providing
lunch to all of our golfers and volunteers at each of the courses.
Thank you to the golf committee for helping plan a great tournament
and to our numerous volunteers, faculty and staff who helped at all of
the courses. Thank you also to everyone who donated or gave in-kind
to make our 32nd annual tournament a success. Your participation
in this tournament, whether it is a golfer, volunteer, sponsor or donor
helps continue the tradition of excellence at Helias. Thank you and
God bless you for your support of this event which supports Helias
Catholic High School.
w w w.heliasfoundat ion.org 25HELIAS CRUSADERS
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Frank Schrimpf Plumbing Co. and/or our 33rd Annual Helias
JCL Hardwood Floors, LLC Foundation Golf Tournament
Midwest Advertising Specialties, Inc.
Midwest Block & Brick on Monday, September 13, 2021!
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Capital Holding Group
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Castrop Plastering Co., Inc.
Cook, Vetter, Doerhoff & Landwehr, P.C.
Downtown Chiropractic & Acupuncture Clinic
Dulle-Trimble Funeral Home
HyVee of Jefferson City
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Ken Otke Construction
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w w w.heliasfoundat ion.org 27GUIDING LIGHTS
By Kris Wilson
For students at Helias Catholic High School, life doesn’t merely exist at
the intersection of faith and academics. It flourishes.
From an academic standpoint, Helias students are blessed with
countless resources and subject matter expert educators to help them
expand their knowledge, reach for their potential, and prepare them to rise
to meet any challenge and thrive at next level, whatever that may be.
Crusaders’ young minds are well fed.
So, who helps feed their souls? Who shines the light on the spiritual
path they walk each and every day? Who is there to help them with the
Catholic part of being a Catholic school student?
That intersection between faith and academic life is where and why
the Helias Campus Ministry, Faith, and Service program exists. Campus
ministry at Helias Catholic High School helps bring the Catholic identity
to life for its students, faculty and staff members. For many, it’s the spiritual
heart of the school.
“Campus Ministry, Faith and Service are at the heart of Helias Catholic
High School,” says theology teacher and program assistant Zach Rockers.
“It’s the basis for how we strive to encourage our students to put our faith
into practice. I like to describe it
as the process of encouraging our
students to have their faith go from
the head to the heart and to the
sleeves.”
Rockers, along with fellow
theology teachers Maggie Crider
and Maureen Quinn are responsible
for the day-to-day operations of the
Campus Ministry program – a far
cry from only a couple of years ago
when the program was a one-person
show. Quinn is currently serving as
the school’s campus ministry director,
although she recently accepted the
position of Director of Religious
Education and Youth Ministry /
Young Adult Ministry with the
Diocese of Jefferson City.
Officially, the role of Campus
Ministry is to support the faith
formation of the students, staff and
school community by providing
opportunities which lead to a
deeper awareness of the message of
God’s love and opportunities for
worship, supporting the formation
of a community of faith, and the
promotion of service as a way of life.
Translation: Campus Ministry
helps bring the Catholic identity to life at Helias Catholic High School.
“We strive to provide opportunities for our students to live out the faith daily,” according to
Rockers. “While this is very broad in scope, some specific ministries are daily Mass, all-school Mass
(including the more recently implemented virtual all-school Mass), class retreats, mission trips, days
of Reconciliation, and faith formation for the faculty and staff.”
Other school-wide faith opportunities include various invited speakers, adoration, Stations
of the Cross, and Catholic Schools Week events, among others. Voluntary opportunities include
weekly afterschool confession, Monday morning Rosary, Tuesday morning prayer and worship, and
28 HELI A S FOUNDATIONYou can also read
