As featured in the April issue of FAITH Grand Rapids Magazine.
MARGARET KARPUS
After 37 years of dedicated service at St. Charles Borromeo School, Greenville, Margaret Karpus has announced her retirement. She received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Northern Michigan University and immediately started as a second-grade teacher at the school in 1987. She became principal in 2008. She earned her master’s degree in educational leadership from the University of Dayton in 2008. Margaret influenced the school's current and robust Catholic identity, and her faith has enriched countless students’ days. Grateful for the support of devoted teachers and the wonderful St. Charles School families, Margaret takes pride in her contributions to Catholic education in Greenville and surrounding communities.
LINDA OLEJNIK
In June, Linda Olejnik will conclude her five-year tenure as principal of St. John Vianney School, Wyoming, where she made a remarkable impact. Her career also includes 20 years at Catholic Central High School, Grand Rapids, where she served as an English teacher and assistant principal. Holding bachelor's degrees from Aquinas College and a master's degree from Grand Valley State University, Linda's academic prowess and leadership have been invaluable. In her retirement letter, she wrote, “What a gift it is to devote a career to a place where the Holy Spirit is at work every day and where our work has such a profound impact.”
KATHY RAND
Kathy Rand will retire in June after leading Holy Trinity School, Comstock Park, for 16 years. With multiple degrees from Aquinas College and a master’s degree from Grand Valley State University, Kathy began her career helping students of all ages learn to read. She then started the kindergarten program at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School, Grand Rapids. She became an administrator and eventually found her community at Holy Trinity. She accomplished many great things there from starting a daycare to overseeing the makeover of the school, including the addition of a STEM lab. She wrote, “I am proud of the incredible, hard-working staff who share their ministry here, and I know this tradition of excellence will continue.”
KEN RASP
Ken Rasp will leave his position as president of Muskegon Catholic Central (MCC) after eight years. For 46 years, Ken has dutifully and faithfully served nine Catholic schools and colleges nationwide in various leadership roles. He states, “Each school formed
students grounded in the love of God and molded by faculty and staff who genuinely cared about them.” While he credits a collaborative effort at MCC to the tireless work of many people, Ken’s leadership helped to reimagine the school and bring positive, sustainable change. Some of his numerous accomplishments include Vision 2053, the Early Childhood Academy and the newly configured sponsorship program.
Totaling a combined 124 year of service, we are so grateful to these school leaders and their dedication to our ministry. Please join us in prayer for God's continued blessings in their lives and these school communities.
To read the entire April issue, click here.