Una invitacion de nuestra escuela todos son bien venidos! Checa pagina #5
Creston St. Malachy 403 W. Clark 641-782-7125 www.crestonstmalachy.org
Catholic Schools Week
The National Catholic Educational Association and The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
www.ncea.org/catholicschoolsweek ©2013 NCEA/USCCB • catholicschoolsweek.ncea. org
Page 2c— Creston News Advertiser — Monday, January 26, 2015
From Father Halbur I often hear that children are our future, but I disagree with that comment. C h i l d r e n Fr. Halbur are our present! They are here with us now, they are part of our community, and they affect all of our lives, whether it be in the stores, our churches, our library, or anywhere else we go. We all have a responsibility for them and for helping them to be a wonderful and blessed part of our community. They are our present also because they are a gift to us, one day, we will be handing over the leadership of our community to them, and so
it is our responsibility to help and make them the best people we can. At St Malachy School it is our goal to do the best we can to help our children, those who are Catholic, as well as those who are not, to be the best person that they can be. I see the joy and love in these children every time I visit with them, whether it be in Mass, in the classroom, lunchroom, gym, or playground. St Malachy is much more than just a school, it is a family of students, parents, administrators, teachers, alumni, and parishioners. The passion of all of those who attend and support this school makes it the place where students can grow in faith and excel in academics to be leaders in improving society.
From Principal Walsh St. Malachy School students, staff and families are joining 2 million other Catholic school students and their families at over 6,700 Catholic schools around the country to celebrate National Catholic Schools Week. This year’s celebration will be the 40th anniversary of the event. Starting with the Celebration of the Eucharist at Mass on Sunday and ending with the Grandparents/Special Guest Mass on Friday, a whole week of activities is planned to celebrate the community we’ve built here in Creston to educate tomorrow’s citizens and leaders. This year’s theme is “Catholic Schools: Communities of Faith, Knowledge and Service.” The theme highlights the fact that while Catholic schools are com-
munities, they are also part of many o t h e r communities, including families, Walsh parishes, cities and our country. In addition, the theme focuses on key components of Catholic education: faith development, academic excellence and dedication to service. These elements set Catholic schools apart from other educational options. They are why families make sacrifices to provide a Catholic education to their children. From humble beginnings in 1870, St. Malachy School has distinguished itself in the
Creston community. Over the years, the school has been blessed with dedicated priests, sisters, and lay faculty and staff. In addition, parents, grandparents and community members have given of their talents and resources to make St. Malachy a special place for children. The school’s alumni have appreciated the education they have received and are sending their children to the school where second, third and fourth generation children are not uncommon. With sustained work and care, parents, grandparents and community members will ensure that St. Malachy School continues to be a community of faith, knowledge and service for the next 145 years.
Steinkamp
St. Malachy School wishes to thank Ms. Breanna Steinkamp for her work with the students as they wrote articles for this publication. This is the first edition of the insert in which Ms. Steinkamp has helped the students. Thank you Ms. Steinkamp.
More service coming to St. Malachy By Devon Buls
St. Malachy eighth-grader
Behind St. Malachy’s middle school there is a new development underway. What is this new building coming together? It’s the new Rectory Rerun. The new Rerun has a lot in store for St. Malachy and the students. “This “Rectory Rerun Shop” has been an outreach of the parish for over 25 years. All of the people who work at the Rerun shop are volunteers and give generously of their time to keep it going. When the Immaculate Conception church and St. Malachy church were combined in the 1980’s and St. Malachy was torn down, there were still two rectories. The priests now live in the rectory at the St. Malachy site which left the rectory at the Immaculate Conception site open. A group of people began to collect used clothing and reselling it for the good of the community,” says Father Ken Halbur, the priest at Holy Spirit Parish, when asked
about the history of the Rerun. The main reason for getting a new Rerun is that the old building is over 100 years old, it needs quite a bit Buls of work, and it has a lot of stairs, which makes it difficult for those who have health problems to go up and down them. The new building will be handicap accessible. The future plans for the old Rerun have not been decided at this time. “We are expecting an increase of sales because of the extra space, easier access to a greater number of people, and a more open space. It will most likely be open more days”, says Father Halbur. Father has hopes that the new Rerun shop will help the school in a few different ways. He thinks that since it will be next to the school, the students of St. Malachy School will be encouraged to help
The new Rectory is under construction behind St. Malachy.
in the shop, with sorting, stocking, and helping customers. He feels as though it will be a good experience for the students. Sydney Hartsock, seventh grade, says, “I think service in the Rerun is important because it means that we are doing service for our community and our parish.” Father says, “ We will require the middle school students to help in the Re-Run shop with helping customers, as well as helping to stock and sort the donations.” Which is good news for a seventh grader, Ms. Kara Kinsella, who, when
asked about how she feels toward working in the new Rerun next year, says, “ I enjoy working at the Rerun and looking at all the different clothes. I also enjoy sorting the baby clothes and the colors.” The new building should be finished at the end of February or early March. The new Rerun will have the same items that the old one has, with some additions. It will have a small religious goods section of the store which will sell bibles, other books, statues, rosaries and other various items. Father Halbur says that whatever is in the old Rerun
will be brought over. When the new building is almost complete, the Rerun will no longer accept donations to make the move easier. “We are expecting an increase of sales because of the extra space, easier access to a greater number of people, and a more open space. It will most likely be open more days”, says Father Halbur. The new Rectory Re-Run shop was funded by special gifts from people, grants, as well as funds from the parish capital campaign. The company building the new Rerun is called Pro-Line, they are the same company who built the middle school building. Father Halbur said donations are still needed as, “We are still in need of some funds for the interior furnishings.” Hopefully the new Rerun will be a success. It will be a great addition to the parish and a wonderful opportunity for the students to help in the community. We hope to see you at the new Rerun, whether you are donating, shopping, or volunteering, it will be much appreciated. See you soon!
Creston News Advertiser — Monday, January 26, 2015 — Page 3c
McCann’s the Man By Taylor Buxton
St. Malachy eighth-grader
Kyle McCann went from hearing the roaring of the crowd at the University of Iowa, MetLife Stadium, and his European fans as he played for the Barcelona Dragons. Nowadays he hears the gavel in the courtroom and the joyous sounds of his three daughters. Faith, Knowledge, and Service are the topic for St. Malachy’s Catholic Schools Week. Kyle uses Faith, Knowledge, and Service in his everyday life. He especially uses knowledge as he is a lawyer at the Brick Gentry Law Firm in West Des Moines, Iowa.
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McCann
“St. Malachy and its teachers provided me with a great foundation both spiritually and academically, ” states McCann. He has attended both Catholic and public schools, and is very appreciative for the faith-based learning environment that Catholic schools and St. Malachy provides. He feels that learning in that
type of environment during his adolescent years helped teach him how to apply his faith to topics, classes, and situations that might not seem necessarily faith related. McCann remembers frequently serving at mass and visiting nursing homes during his time at St. Malachy. This taught him to serve his community. After graduating from St. Malachy in 1993 Kyle went to high school in Creston. During his high school years Kyle was very active. He was not only a student, but he also played football, basketball, golf, and baseball. But McCann’s football career
didn’t end in high school. He earned an athletic scholarship to the University of Iowa, and continued playing football for four years at Iowa as the quarterback. When he finished playing at Iowa he played professional football for the New York Jets and the Barcelona Dragons. Kyle graduated from Creighton University and earned a law degree. Currently he is an attorney at the Brick Gentry Law Firm in West Des Moines. He is married and has three happy and healthy little girls. Kyle quotes, “I strive to instill the same values I learned at St. Malachy and my parents’ loving household into my girls.”
I chose to write about Kyle McCann because he has done amazing things throughout his life. He got an athletic scholarship for football, played with the professionals, and is now a lawyer in West Des Moines. In addition I picked Kyle because he got to where he is by taking “the road less traveled.” McCann uses the Faith, Knowledge, and Service that he learned at St. Malachy, Creston High School, the University of Iowa, and Creighton University to be the best father, husband, and citizen he can be. He stated, “Having strong faith provides me great comfort and guides me in everything I do.”
Baker farms God’s acres By Hailey Arendt
St. Malachy eighth-grader
Moooooooo! Paul Baker hears the cries of his cows in the morning as he walks through his feedlot. Baker states that he farms for the Lord, he believes that God put him on earth and gave him this wonderful land so he’s going to farm it for Him. Baker was born in Creston, Arendt Iowa in 1956. Baker is a faithful man. When his daughter was in labor, he said the whole rosary and prayed to God that everything would be alright. He prays every day and at every meal. He is a big loving farmer, and if you ever buy a cow from him he will bless it for you. Baker went to Creston High School, where he was active in 4 H, 4 H is an organization to develop leadership, and life skills for the youth, Future Farmers of America (FFA), and wrestling. Baker stat-
Paul is pictured with his granddaughter.
ed that his favorite things in high school were his friends and his wrestling team. His dad never allowed him to do any other sports except wrestle because wrestling is a winter sport and his dad needed him and his brother home in the spring to help chore on the farm and plant crops. Baker wished he
could have went out for football and baseball but those sports were in the seasons his dad wanted him home and working on the farm was more important. After graduating from high school he furthered his education where he majored in farm and ranch management. He graduated
college in 1976. He is a very active member in the Union Cattlemen’s Board and also helps with 4H groups. He also volunteers within our Parish by helping set the altar for Mass and collects donations during service. He tries to help whenever he can. If Baker’s neighbors
are sick or they have lost a loved one he prays for them to get better and he also visits them to see how they are doing. In addition, he is a member of the Knight of Columbus organization. Baker did not attend St Malachy but his kids did. He wanted his kids to go there because it is good education and it has high expectations for students. Baker stated, “St.Malachy provides faith, great leadership and they teach us kids good capabilities in life.” Both of his daughters went to St. Malachy and they succeed in life. He explained the reason he was unable to attend school here was due to his bus not stopping at St. Malachy. Baker has known all his life that he wanted to be a farmer and raise his own feedlot. He chores everyday feeding the cattle and other various farm chores. Paul Baker is a very nice and caring member of our community. He shows his great personality characteristics everyday by participating at church functions, being verbal about his faith, and helping others when they are in need. In my opinion, Paul Baker is a great role model for our community.
Page 4c— Creston News Advertiser — Monday, January 26, 2015
Maclaine is humane By Micha Stephens
St. Malachy eighth-grader
Maclaine Sorden, a 2003 graduate from St. Malachy, uses Faith, Knowledge, and Service in his everyday life. “I try to live by the Golden Rule,” says Sorden. By living by the Golden Rule, Maclaine is living a very faithful life. “St. Malachy prepared me in faith, knowledge, and service because it was a comfortable introduction to high school and to the world,” explained Sorden. I chose to interview Sorden because he shows faith, knowledge, and service in his everyday life. When I found out that Sorden was a volunteer in the Peace Corps I was excited to talk with him and learn about his experiences. Sorden is a wonderful role model for everyone to follow. “St. Malachy provided discipline, and gave me happy memories that I will have for the rest of my life,” says
Sorden. Sorden enjoyed science class, recess, and basketball. He also Stephens loved the Lapathon, the Lapathon is an event that includes all St. Malachy students. It is a fundraising activity that requires students to run or walk laps around our designated area. For every lap completed donors donate money. The money is then used for paying various expenses in the school. Sorden thinks that St. Malachy prepared him for life, and he very much enjoyed going here as a student. The service projects he remembers most include clean up day and going to nursing homes to sing Christmas carols. Clean up day is a project that kindergarten through 8th grade
Maclaine is pictured in his room in Nicaragua.
participate in. Students go around the school grounds and rake up leaves and pick up trash. It is a good project that gets others thinking about our environment. Sorden is an intelligent person, and has been attend-
ing school almost his whole life. First he went to St. Malachy from kindergarten through 8th grade. He went to Creston High School for four years , and then went to Iowa State University for four more years. Then he
took some time out to experience life and he joined the Peace Corps which took him to Nicaragua. He is now back at Iowa State University in their graduate program. Sorden was a volunteer
with the Peace Corps. He was an agricultural volunteer in Nicaragua, Central America. He left in May of 2011 and returned in May 2013. When I asked Sorden how the Peace Corps impacted his life he said, “It introduced me to a new culture and a new way of living. It made me consider doing things differently.” Sorden believes that going into the Peace Corps was the best way to expose himself into new ways of living. Sorden is now attending Iowa State University where he is furthering his education by getting his masters. He is a teaching assistant, but he hopes to be a Landscape Architecture. Sorden is a great role model for kids our age. I think he shows faith, service, and knowledge in his everyday life. He has inspired me to volunteer more, and to give my time to those who are less fortunate. I hope that I can be as selfless as him some day.
Finn-ishing strong By Jaxie Luther
St. Malachy student
“Beep, beep, beep. This is an important message from the West Virginia Public Broadcasting Station from CEO Scott Finn.” Scott Finn uses knowledge in his everyday life by writing and speaking. Scott also uses faith in his everyday life. “My faith guides me to provide educational services and programming to all children in our state, especially those in need,” explain Scott. Finn’s station is a service organization. Everything they do is designed to help educate, inspire, and develop West Virginians. The 2015 Catholic Schools Week topic is Faith, Knowledge, and Service in which Finn displays in his everyday
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life, where he gained a foundation for these skills at St. Malachy. Finn’s education dates back to his St. Malachy days in the 1980’s. After his graduation from St. Malachy in 1986, Scott attended Creston High School and graduated in 1990. After completing high school he went to Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts. From Harvard, his successful journey continued. Finn became a teacher and he ran a non-profit organiza-
tion that helped children learn to read. He was a reporter for a newspaper as well as a TV and radio station, and today as CEO, he runs a TV and radio station called West Virginia Public Broadcasting. Finn especially liked how St. Malachy offered smaller classes and he enjoyed the lunches that were served to him. His favorite memory from St. Malachy was the epic games of touch football on the playground. He did many service projects at St. Malachy, some of which include helping elderly people with yard work, such as raking their leaves. He also volunteered to help children with disabilities at the Very Special Arts Festival. “I enjoyed St. Malachy very much, especially the other students and teachers there. We had some very dedicated, very
“My faith guides me to provide educational services and programming to all children in our state, especially those in need.”
— Scott Finn
CEO of West Virginia Broadcasting Station
underpaid teachers,” Scott Finn explained. How did St. Malachy prepare you for Faith, Knowledge, and Service? “St. Malachy has high expectations of its students, and that inspired me to do my best to reach them,” said Scott. “St. Malachy prepared me academically and spiritually. I currently am the CEO of West Virginia Public Broadcasting, which is a PBS and NPR station. What I learned helped me be academically prepared to lead this organization, as well as gave me the interperson-
al skills I need to do my job,” Scott stated. St. Malachy also taught him self-discipline. He got to where he is now from hard work and a lot of help from other people. St. Malachy set him on the right path to succeed. I think that Scott was a very good representation of Faith, Knowledge, and Service. Scott is a very good role model. After interviewing him, I am inspired to try my hardest with my education and faith. He is a very intelligent man and I hope someday I can be as intelligent and successful as him.
Creston News Advertiser — Monday, January 26, 2015 — Page 5c
St. Malachy School Administration - Faculty - Staff 2014-2015 Name Position Years at St.M Years in Education Fr. Ken Halbur Pastor 3 6 John Walsh Principal 22 34 Kim Coen Business Mgr 2 2 Rose Wignall Preschool 33 33 Morgan Krapfl Kindergarten 1 1 Ann Levine 1st Grade 37 37 Janet Meisenheimer 2nd Grade 24 24 Nicole Burg 3rd Grade 9 16 Melissa Sickels 4th Grade 17 17 Amy Surma 5th Grade 19 19 Kim Cline 6-8th Math and Social Studies 9 18 Linda Root 6--8th Science and 9 13 Religions
Name Position Years at St.M Years in Education Breanna Steinkamp 6-8th Language Arts 1 1 Carla Roghair Library/Media 3 30 Christine Weihs Physical Education 5 5 Julia Weisshaar-Mullin Band and Music 1 18 Dawna Mitchell Support Teacher 6 6 Staff Name: Position Years at St.M Sarah Lane Secretary 8 Marjie Skarda Nurse 2 Sarah Kendrick Preschool Aide 1 Lindsay Ide Teacher Aide 2nd Grade 4 Alyssa Ogburn Teacher Aide 3-5th Grade 1 Erin Dodge Head cook 7 Karla Young Assistant Cook 2 Adolfo Saturno Custodian 4 Jenno Saturno Custodian 3
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Creston News Advertiser —Monday, January 26, 2015 — Page 7c
FAITH • ACADEMICS • LEADERSHIP
Martha Speaks
Kindergarten writes letters to Santa
Above, Father Halbur teaches about Advent. Right, Hour of Code engineering project
Hour of Code: using technology
Above, third grade magic carpet ride. Right, second graders on lava bridge
Hour of Code iPad game Geography finalists
Number 7 for Creston/O-M quarterback Alex Nielsen Third grade Christmas caroling to parishioners Second grade lap-a-thon
Civics club
Memorial lunch for T.J. and Nate Frey
“St. Malachy School provides an environment where students grow in faith and excel in academics so that they may be leaders in improving society.”
Page 8c— Creston News Advertiser —Monday, January 26, 2015
Who can? Kari McCann can! By Laura Weis
St. Malachy eighth-grader
“It feels more like home than it does a school,” Kari McCann, St. Malachy graduate of 2003, has done inspirational things with her life. She was part of the organization called Y o u t h Answering the Call of the Community (YACC). Weis Today she still uses the concept of YACC in her everyday life. She went to the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) for nonprofit management, and then went to Indiana University for philanthropy. Philanthropy is the desire to promote the welfare of others, expressed especially by the generous donation of money to good causes. McCann works at the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque, she is the Director of Philanthropic and Nonprofit Partnership, where she continues to serve others. McCann went to St. Malachy from kindergarten through eighth grade, she graduated from St. Malachy in 2003. McCann’s favorite memory from St. Malachy was Catholic Schools Week, she loved the activities that
Kari McCann is pictured with high school students who spend a year learning about philanthropy.
took place that week. She also admired that Catholic Schools Week is a national celebration, not only does St. Malachy participate in Catholic Schools Week, but other schools across the nation partake too. Someday McCann hopes her future kids get the opportunity to participate in Catholic Schools Week also. McCann really liked the sense of community at St.
Malachy, everyone knows everyone, and it truly feels like home. One of McCann’s favorite aspects of St. Malachy was the small classes. McCann says that the biggest class at St. Malachy was 24, which was hers. Additionally she stated that with small classes brings better class discussions. McCann talked about the excellent classes that helped prepare kids for high school, such as the pre
“When I discovered I could make it a career by studying nonprofit administration at UNI, I knew that would be my next step. I am so fortunate to have a job that I love working with tremendous people each day to make our community stronger and more vibrant.
— Kari McCann
Former St. Malachy student
algebra course before high school, of which it helped prepare her for high school and life. She especially appreciated the writing classes with Mrs. Peg Eblen, the former middle school language arts teacher at St. Malachy. McCann believes that the language arts classes best prepared her for life, that those writing skills are used throughout life. It helped McCann in writing papers in high school and college. St. Malachy was an educational foundation for her. She says that there were great teachers and great one on one time. McCann graduated from Creston High School in 2007, and she was involved in everything, from sports to musicals. McCann did it all. She loved the size of
the community. McCann stated, “I feel the spirit and culture of the school has stayed the same, which is what makes St. Malachy so special.” McCann lived and worked on U.S. Military bases as a volunteer in Naples, Italy; Sigonella, Sicily; and Stuttgart, Germany. She did this for three different summers. She was a day camp counselor and director providing programming for military youth. They did activities including songs, games, and arts and crafts. McCann explained, “It was a wonderful program that allowed me to see the world and meet hundreds of amazing people from across the U.S. and the world.” During this program they weren’t paid, however they did earn col-
lege credits for their service. McCann mentioned that her involvement in Youth Answering the Call of the Community (YACC) during 8-12 grades provoked her passion for nonprofit and volunteer work. McCann says, “ When I discovered I could make it a career by studying nonprofit administration at UNI, I knew that would be my next step. I am so fortunate to have a job that I love working with tremendous people each day to make our community stronger and more vibrant. I could not be happier with my decision to pursue a career in the nonprofit sector.” McCann said that her time in YACC and the values of service and stewardship introduced to her at St. Malachy was what pointed her in the direction her life is today. She continues by saying she is very thankful for what St. Malachy has done for her. McCann has inspired me to accomplish my life goals, she has also inspired me to go to a foreign country and meet different people! After talking with McCann I would say that she is very dedicated to service work with her job, and she has always done things for her community. For example, she was involved in YACC, which is a organization that helps give back to the community, and that is exactly what she does today. Beginning with her involvement with YACC, and then volunteering to work in foreign countries, and now with her career today. McCann has lived her life as an example that if you chase your dreams, you can achieve anything.
Creston News Advertiser — Monday, January 26, 2015 — Page 9c
Steinkamp serves students By Tessa Powers
“I wanted to work with younger kids to help prepare me for teaching at the elementary level in Moldova. I also traveled a little while I was in the Peace Corps which was an incredible experience and opened my mind and heart to new cultures and ways of living.”
St. Malachy eighth-grader
Brea Steinkamp uses faith and knowledge in her everyday life because she teaches at St. Malachy, attends church on weekends, and is continuing her education. Although having faith and knowledge in her life is important, Steinkamp has also done a lot of service in the past, and still serves people today. Throughout her life, she has volunteered many times to serve others in her community and in the Powers world. Steinkamp teaches sixth-eighth grade language arts, and is the eighth grade homeroom teacher at St. Malachy school. She graduated from St. Malachy in 2003, and went to high school in Creston. In high school, she participated in FFA (Future Farmers of America) which offers a lot of opportunities to serve the community, as well as ASP (Aplicatia Service Project). After graduating, she went to college at SWCC (Southwestern Iowa Community College) in Creston, and graduated early then transferred to Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, Missouri. While going to Maryville, she worked at A&G, a Greek restaurant. After finishing college, she came back to Creston, and was a teacher’s aide for a year at St. Malachy before joining the Peace Corps and where she taught students English in Moldova, a small Eastern European country located near Russia. After two years in Moldova, Steinkamp’s commitment was completed, she returned to Creston yet again, and applied for an open job at St. Malachy. She got the job, and is now my teacher. Steinkamp feels that St. Mal-
— Brea Steinkamp
Teacher at St. Malachy
Brea Steinkamp is pictured here with her sixth-grade class from her village Costesti in Moldova.
achy gives students a lot of opportunities to serve the community. She remembers going to the store to buy gifts for the school’s Christmas Adopt-A-Family. “It was an amazing feeling that I was so young yet able to positively impact a family.” Spring cleaning around the school grounds was also a service memory for Steinkamp. Not only do we Steinkamp serve the community, but we serve the environment too! “St. Malachy taught me a lot of life lessons and skills,” said Steinkamp. Reading mass parts and giving presentations help students build
public speaking skills. We learn about teamwork in various group projects such as Advent/Lenten Angels. Language Arts Buddies is another activity where the older students learn about caring for people younger than them. St. Malachy prepares students for life in Faith, Knowledge, and Service. Steinkamp has many memories from St. Malachy. She remembered a time when her older brother was playing basketball on the court by the music room, and she was running by the court. She fell, and her brother walked her down to the office so that she could put Band-Aids on her knees. He waited, then walked her back to the basketball court. Steinkamp also remembers good
times with her classmates. After graduating from St. Malachy, Steinkamp graduated from Creston High School, and then went to SWCC for a year and a half. After that she went to Northwest Missouri State University, and when she graduated, she came back to Creston. She was a teacher’s aide for a year at St. Malachy. “I wanted to work with younger kids to help prepare me for teaching at the elementary level in Moldova,” Steinkamp said. After a year, she went to Moldova for the Peace Corps. Steinkamp taught grades third-twelfth English. “I also traveled a little while I was in the Peace Corps which was an incredible experience and opened my mind and heart to new cultures and ways of living.”
She has been to a lot of places, and tells her classes many stories from her travels. Steinkamp feels that she has become a better person from being in the Peace Corps. After two years in the Peace Corps, Steinkamp came back to Creston, where she is currently teaching. Steinkamp feels that she got to where she is now because she is driven. When someone tells her that she can’t do something, she questions that. She wanted to do unexpected, amazing things. “St. Malachy pushes you in the right direction for life,” Steinkamp said. She also said that a great supportive family and caring friends have helped push her in the right direction. I chose Miss Steinkamp for my article because she is a friendly and caring person. She sees everyone the same, and does a lot of neat things in life. I feel that how she uses Faith, Knowledge, and Service in her everyday life are amazing, and she is an extraordinary person. Steinkamp said, “Life is too short to not do what you want. Nobody is promised a tomorrow, so do your bucket list now.”
Page 10c— Creston News Advertiser —Monday, January 26, 2015
Air Force Austin By Grace Root
St. Malachy eighth-grader
“The service aspect is now my life. I literally joined the service because I want to help others and live in an environment that expects the best from me while asking the truth to never be compromised,” stated Austin Bolinger. While brainstorming people to interview I picked Austin Bolinger because I thought he demonstrated Root Faith, Service, and Knowledge very well, which is our topic for Catholic Schools Week. His faith has been an important aspect of his life by helping make major decisions. Austin graduated from St. Malachy in 2007. He uses what he was taught from St. Malachy to strengthen his faith, which increased his knowledge, and helped him in the service. Bolinger said, “I am very thankful that I was privileged enough to have the opportunity to attend a small private school; it brought me so close to many of my classmates and provided me with a foundation to support my beliefs and morals as
I began my journey through life.” “I believe that St. Malachy planted the seed of the importance of the truth, the importance of trying your best, and the importance of family,” explained Bolinger. His favorite memory of St. Malachy was the sports he participated in with his fellow classmates, including playing with them for the St. Malachy basketball team. St. Malachy encouraged him to keep trying harder and to never give up. Bolinger stated, “ St. Malachy teachers always pushed me to do more with my school work. This really helped out my work ethic as I entered high school and college.” He uses knowledge in his everyday life. He is still in school after graduating St. Malachy 7 years ago. Austin graduated from Creston High School. After high school Austin attended Iowa State University in Aerospace Engineering while participating in Air Force ROTC. He then transfer to the United Air Force Academy. He has been going to this Academy for two and a half years and currently in the second semester of his junior year. He absolutely couldn’t be happier in the Academy, he loves it. Bolinger replied, “The Academy has provided me with many oppor-
tunities to grow as a leader and as a follower as well as allowing me to work on my bachelor’s degree in computer engineering.” Austin currently lives in Colorado Springs, Colorado and is going to classes at the United States Air Force Academy every weekday. Part of Austin’s military job is to train the freshman how to act while introducing them to their new surroundings at the base. In a year and a half, Bolinger will graduate and become an officer in the United States Air Force. He said, “I hope to share my Faith, Knowledge, and love of Service with many other great men and women.” When I think of Faith, Knowledge, and Service, I think of Austin because he displays all three in his daily life. I enjoyed interviewing Austin because I learned how much you can use what you learned at St. Malachy in your everyday life. He is using his skills of what he can do and not just keeping it to himself. He is sharing his skills with people and trying to help and teach them. When I grow up I hope to be just like Austin. I hope to be as selfless as Austin, and I hope that I help others as God intended us to do.
Pictured is Austin Bolinger dressed in his uniform.
Miller the driller By Maura Kinsella
St. Malachy eighth-grader
“The best part about serving others is getting the feeling I can do things for them,” quotes Chad Miller. I chose Chad Miller to interview, because he served people all throughout middle school, high school, and continues to do so. He volunteered for many things and helped at a lot of different events. Not only did it change his life, but changed the lives of others too. Chad enjoyed going to St.Malachy. He learned a lot of new information and had a new experi-
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ence each and every day. Chad is now in college at Simpson learning about computers. While growing up Chad helped and worked at The Special Olympics. He loved volunteering there. It was fun to be able to help other kids, and see their abilities. Chad
volunteered all throughout high school. He loved getting the feeling he can do good things for others. He volunteered even more as he got older because of how much the Special Olympics changed his life, and how much he enjoyed working with the kids. Chad volunteered for ASP, Appalachian Service Project, while in highschool, and still continues to. ASP is where you go to the Appalachian mountains and remodel houses for the people who are less fortunate. On this trip the volunteers repair roofs, installation, piping, or
anything else to make this person’s home more sustainable to live in and more safe. The group leaves in the summer and travels to the assigned town, usually in Kentucky or Tennessee for the Creston group. He discussed how much he enjoys working with ASP. He loves helping others and the appreciation from those he helps makes him feel good. “It is a great feeling,” stated Chad. He doesn’t volunteer alone though, it’s a family experience; Chad and his brothers, Skylar and Jake, volunteer together. He loves that he can be apart of something
as important as this organization. Miller is continuing his education at Simpson University, but his future plans are to get a job in Des Moines as an IT (information technology). After interviewing Chad, I think he uses Faith, Knowledge, and Service, the topic of catholic schools week. He uses faith by going to church with his family. He uses knowledge by going to school and working hard to get an education. He uses service by helping others, and not just thinking about himself. I think Chad is a great role model by putting others before himself.
Creston News Advertiser — Monday, January 26, 2015 — Page 11c
Thinking on down the Lane By Rachel Wignall
St. Malachy eighth-grader
“Ring” “Ring”... “Ring” “Ring” the sound of the telephone went off in the insurance office, “This is Carter Agency, how may I help you?” Chris Lane serves people every day; he is an insurance agent for Carter Agency. Chris says, “It is his job to educate his clients and better their interest.” He meets with Wignall people frequently, he advises and helps them choose the insurance plan that best suits them. Lane was born in Jacksonville, Florida, but moved to Creston before he was a year old. “My mother was born here and my great grandmother lived here at the time,” explained Lane. Thereafter he grew up here in Creston. Lane did not go to St. Malachy’s kindergarten because St. Malachy didn’t have kindergarten or preschool at that time. However he went to Jefferson School for kindergarten then started here at St. Malachy in 1st grade. Lane then graduated from St. Malachy in 1986. He described what he liked about St. Malachy such as having small class sizes, the teachers, and the religious background to the school. Lane also liked the way the classes felt more like a family. However, his favorite memory was when he won the baking contest in 4th grade. Lane then went on from St. Malachy to Creston High School, where he graduated in 1990. Lane played sports that consisted of football, basketball, and track during his years at Creston High School. While attending school, Lane got a job at Fareway and worked there. Lane says “He loved playing basketball in “The Pit”, the old high school’s gym,” One of his memories from Creston High School was that he got to move into the new school building his senior year. After graduating, Lane moved on to college, he attended both Northwest Missouri State University and Des
Chris is pictured with his three boys, from left to right, Baret, Spencer, and Denton.
Moines Area Community College (DMACC). He majored in business administration. Lane graduated from DMACC in 2004. Lane then began work in Des Moines as a bricklayer, and held this job for 12 years, “While working as a bricklayer I had 3 injuries that required surgery. I decided to do something that used my brain instead, an insurance agent was just something that popped up so I looked into it,” Lane explained. He has worked as an insurance agent for 8 years now. He currently holds a job at Carter Agency here in Creston. “I moved back to Creston because a job opportunity was available and the chance to live by family,” Lane says. Today he is married to Sarah Lane, and has 3 children: Spencer, Denton, and Baret. All three of his children attend St. Malachy School, Spencer is in 7th grade, Denton in 3rd grade, and Baret is in kindergarten. “My experience with the school was probably the main reason why I sent my boys here, and then of course with my wife working there it makes it easy,” Lane explained as to what influenced him to send his children to St. Malachy. Lane mentioned that St. Malachy had changed since he had attended. He states, “That the changes are for the good. Times have changed so things had to change.” A significant change was that the school added preschool, and kindergarten in 1995.
Lane says that he’s happy to see the school is still open, “I remember in 2nd or 3rd grade we would wonder if the school would still be open so we could get to graduate. Through countless volunteers and contributions, St. Malachy has remained open and I am very appreciative for that.” Although, Lane says that he misses the school having its own basketball teams. “It was an awesome experience to play in that gym,” states Lane. He also says that the faith filled background of the school has stayed the same. Lane believes that St. Malachy provides a good foundation of morals, and got him better involved with his education. He also thinks that St. Malachy provides an environment for his kids to learn and grow more at their own
Pictured is Chris Lane, number 52, with his teammates for the St. Malachy Knights basketball team.
“pace” so to speak. He believes that St. Malachy is helping his children grow in faith, “St. Malachy has allowed them to be themselves and grow in faith even though they don’t practice Catholicism. I can see it in their Confirmation class and Sunday school classes. They are more open about their faith. I think it is difficult for someone to have a solid foundation in their faith by growing up with once a week class and Sunday services.” Lane believes that St. Malachy prepared him for his future, and is preparing his children for their futures.” “St. Malachy prepared me more for life than high school did for me,” Lane says.
I interviewed Chris Lane because we were discussing him in class and my classmates were describing all the positive things about him and his family. This sparked my interest about him. After I interviewed him I was glad that I did, I enjoyed interviewing him and it was a great opportunity for me to meet a new person. I think its great that Lane had such a positive experience here at St. Malachy that he wants his kids to have the same kind of experiences. “I don’t think you truly realize what the school is all about until you have gone through it and then been away a few years,” Lane says.
Page 12c— Creston News Advertiser — Monday, January 26, 2015
St. Malachy School — Community of Faith, Knowledge and Service Catholic Schools Week January 25 – 30, 2015 Schedule of Events
Sunday January 25
Thursday January 29
Monday January 26
Friday January 30
Opening of Catholic Schools Week Eucharistic Celebration 9:00 a.m. at Holy Spirit Church Brunch provided by PTO in Parish Hall following Mass Faculty/Staff Appreciation Day Lunch for faculty and staff provided by PTO Students bring sack lunch (milk provided) Advent Angels eat together Hat Day
Tuesday January 27 School Appreciation Day Come As You Are Day
Wednesday January 28
Community Appreciation Day Chamber of Commerce Coffee 10:00 a.m. in gym Class Theme Day
Student Appreciation Day Student talent show 9:30 a.m. in gym Blue and Gold Day Grandparents/Special Guest Day Mass begins at 1:30 p.m. at Holy Spirit Church Reception following Mass Dress Up Day The publication of this supplement in the Creston News Advertiser are made possible by the support and generosity of the following: Jeff and Ann Marie Kinsella Greg Driskell and Merry Sieh Kendall and Ann Marie Powers Carter Agency John and Donna Walsh