Photo: Tim Fitzpatric was surprised with the announcement of his upcoming award after school mass on May 5 by Superintendent of the Diocese of Sioux City Catholic Schools, Patty Lansink
A Kuemper teacher, coach and administrator who has served the Catholic school system for 43 years will receive the prestigious Good Shepherd Award from the Sioux City Diocese Catholic Schools at the upcoming annual Bishop’s Dinner. Employees who are admired, respected and held in high regard by their peers, the students and parents and routinely go above and beyond the call of duty, enthusiastically promoting the mission of the school are eligible for the award. Tim Fitzpatrick, who is affectionately known as “Mr. Fitz,” began his Kuemper career as a seventh-grade teacher and physical education (PE) instructor in 1978. In 1994, he became the principal, PE instructor and coach at Holy Trinity Catholic School for the Halbur, Templeton and Roselle parishes. In 2003, he served as assistant principal for fourth and fifth grades at St. Angela before taking over as seventh through 12th grade activities director, where he served for 14 years before retiring in 2017. Fitzpatrick is not totally retired however. He continues to assist the activities department and serves as a student council moderator, bus driver and unofficial emcee. Fitzpatrick is and has been actively involved in community service with the St. John Paul II Parish, Knights of Columbus, Congregate Meals, United Way, Carroll County Association for Handicapped Citizens, Chairman of the Kuemper Ball and the National Association of Sports Public Address Announcers. In nomination letters, peers wrote about Fitzpatrick’s positive outlook and readiness to lend a helping hand. He maintains a great rapport with students, staff and parents; often there at the doors in the morning with a smile and a greeting for all. This year’s award ceremony will be held virtually on Sunday, Aug. 21 via Zoom.