Oldenburg, In. — Oldenburg Academy recently honored the Years of Service Recipients and the Volunteer of the Year at the 2018 Catholic Schools Week Mass. Ms. Diane H. Laake, OA President, presented the awards for 15 years of service. Mrs. Annette Hunger, Dean of Enrollment Management, was honored; Laake called Hunger a “mentor and friend to many; a role model of always going above and beyond.” Director of Maintenance Ray Ronnebaum was also honored for his 15 years of service, where Laake praised his “capacity to fix and build just about anything.”
Mr. Brian McFee, OA Principal/Athletic Director, honored 10-year OA veteran, Gary “Ace” Moorman, by reminding the students of the PE/Health Teacher/OA Boys Basketball Coach impeccable storytelling ability and giving each student a nickname. 5-year veterans were also honored by Laake and McFee. Director of Guidance Laura Geis was recognized for her personalized approach to each individual student; Music Teacher Brian Knueven ’05 was saluted for his ability to bring back the OA Alma Mater – Virtue, Honor, Education. OA President Diane Laake was thanked for continuing her legacy in Catholic Education and serving the local community. Campus Minister/Religion Teacher Brad Macke, was thanked for all of his “inspirational and foundational opportunities” provided by his department. Cafeteria Manager Angie Voegele was thanked for providing a “warm welcome home” in the middle each day at OA.
In addition to the Faculty/Staff honorees, OA honored Sr. Andre’ Burkhart as the OA Volunteer of the Year. Sr. Andre’ manages the Oldenburg Academy Adopt-a-Sis program, which nearly 90% of OA students participate in. President Diane Laake congratulated Sr. Andre’ by stating, “At 82 years young, Sr. Andre spends countless hours organizing, creating, adjusting, facilitating, cajoling, and initiating all the many facets that make this program work. Those special gifts and themes for each meeting? Sr. Andre. Those opening and closing parties, special displays, meeting reminders, substitutes for sick Sisters, calendar adjustments, etc, etc. – all of this happens because of Sr. Andre.”
Oldenburg Academy congratulates the years of service honorees and volunteer of the year and appreciates their efforts in making Oldenburg Academy ‘So Worth It.’
.
