Congratulations to Ms. Cheryl Sackett, our Disciple of the Week for the week of November 2!  In his nomination, Mr. Joe McNamara stated, “Ms. Sackett exhibits an extraordinary passion for her students’ learning, achievement, and success,  as well as for math.  Accordingly, Ms. Sackett has a profound understanding of the two-fold purpose of Mater Dei: to put our students in a position to succeed in whatever they pursue upon graduation: four-year colleges or universities, community colleges, trade schools, the armed services, or employment; and to develop our students spiritually so that they will serve Christ and help make the world a better and kinder place.  Thank you, Ms. Sackett, for your dedication!”  A member of our Mathematics Department, Ms. Sackett teaches Pre-Calculus, Algebra II & Trigonometry Honors, and Geometry.

Congratulations to Mrs. Emily Timmermann, our Disciple of the Week for the week of November 9!  In her nomination, Ms. Cheryl Sackett stated, “Emily tirelessly motivates sophomores, for whom she serves as class advisor, to do that which is necessary to raise their grades.  She also offers many of them the chance to work in her class after school to give them a quiet place and the structure of her class to complete assignments.  Due to Emily’s influence, more sophomores seek assistance from me than any other age group.  In addition, she is one of the people I go to with my endless tech questions, and she has patiently assisted me with the steps required to livestream my math instruction. Congratulations, Emily!  And thank you!”  In addition to teaching Biology A, English II, English IIA, Practical Writing, and Short Literature, Emily serves as the sophomore class advisor, moderator of Book Club, and co-moderator of newspaper and Scholar Bowl.

Congratulations to Mr. Ron Schadegg, our Disciple of the Week for the week of November 16!  In her nomination, Mrs. Emily Timmermann stated, “It is my pleasure to nominate Ron Schadegg for Disciple of the Week.  Ron has been instrumental in keeping the school functioning at an optimal level this year by coordinating our plan for issues that have popped up due to Covid-19. He runs our contact tracing and organizes subs for teachers who are out sick, which often includes covering classes himself. By handling this burden, Ron lightens the load on the rest of the faculty, which improves morale throughout the faculty and, by extension, improves the classroom climate for our students.  Thank you, Ron!”  In addition to coordinating substitute teachers, Mr. Schadegg serves as our athletic director and head boys basketball coach.

Congratulations to Mr. Dave Kohnen, our Disciple of the Week for the week of November 23!  In his nomination, Mr. Ron Schadegg stated, “Every day, Mr. Kohnen arrives at Mater Dei, “rolls up his sleeves,” and gives his best!  He just completed his 28th and final season as our girls cross country coach and is preparing to begin his 26th year as our girls basketball coach.  During his tenure, Mr. Kohnen has played an instrumental role in building two of the most competitive teams in the down-state area.  More importantly, he has positively impacted the lives of both students and athletes.  Mr. Kohnen is a living example of what our Mater Dei Mission is all about – faith, family, and friends!”  In addition to coaching, Mr. Kohnen teaches in our Business Education Department, for which he also serves as department chair.

Congratulations to Mr. Daniel Litteken, our Disciple of the Week for the week of November 30!  In his nomination, Mr. Dave Kohnen stated, “It is my pleasure to forward the Disciple of the Week to Daniel Litteken!  In the classroom, Daniel is a very positive person who wants the best for his students.  Outside the classroom, he is always willing to assist faculty members with technology problems.  Additionally, he coaches football and track.  I appreciate Daniel’s dedication to his family and his commitment to Mater Dei and our mission statement.  Congratulations, Daniel!”  A member of our Math Department, Mr. Daniel also serves as our technology coordinator, our track coach, and an assistant football coach.