Melissa Karst and Chris Luebbert were recognized as the St. Joseph Westphalia recipients of the National Catholic Education Association (NCEA) Distinguished Graduate Award for 2020 as part of Catholic Schools Week.

“Both of these recipients are dedicated to St. Joseph school and parish and to the community of Westphalia,” said   St. Joseph School Principal Tammy Ogden in the recent award presentation. “They make themselves available to help in any way they can. The recipients are also brother and sister, which goes to show how strong of a Catholic upbringing they have had, at home, school and parish.”

Karst is a 1990  graduate of St. Joseph School. She went on to graduate from Merrell University of Beauty Arts and Science, with a degree in Cosmetology and Esthetics. Karst currently owns her own salon in Westphalia.   Ogden said, “Karst believes Catholic education helps you gain knowledge, but you learn the ability to make good decisions based on faith, ultimately living your life the way Christ did.”

Karst owns and operates multiple businesses, both past and present, which Ogden said allows her to focus on specific needs for members of the community. She donates a portion of her profits from her businesses to the school scrip program, and has helped with renovating and restoring historical artifacts, especially with the church renovation. Both of Karst’s children both attended and graduated from St. Joseph. 

Luebbert, who graduated from St. Joseph School in 1988, went on to a degree in Business Administration and Marketing in 2005 from Columbia College. He is now a State Program Specialist for Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. 

“Chris believes that Catholic education along with parents help instill a strong foundation of Christian values and to reinforce God’s teachings to live a respectful, loving life,” said Ogden.

Luebbert continues to give back to his parish, school and community in multiple ways. He served on St. Joseph’s School Advisory Board for three years. He was a volunteer firefighter for the city of Westphalia for many years and now serves as the board president. Luebbert is an active member of Knights of Columbus, St. Joseph Parish, and volunteers for many parish and school events. One of Luebbert’s children has graduated from St. Joseph and one is currently a student. 

Each year, St. Joseph School nominates one or more persons to receive the Distinguished Graduate Award.  To be eligible for this award, one must have been a graduate from St. Joseph School and continue to demonstrate their Catholic faith through various acts of service throughout the community. The School Advisory Board nominates the recipients and an application is sent to the NCEA.