Kate Schebaum '05 is University of Saint Mary's First Student to Become Fulbright Scholar

 By John Schultz, University of Saint Mary

During her undergraduate career at the University of Saint Mary, Kate Schebaum majored in history. This year, as graduation approached, Kate made a little history of her own.

In the spring, Kate became the first Saint Mary student to win a prestigious and coveted Fulbright Scholarship for U.S. Students. As part of the program, Kate will spend a year in South Korea.

The Fulbright honor is a landmark for the university, an unforgettable moment for Kate (who's never been out of the country), and, her supporters say, a testament to the unyielding work ethic of one of USM's brightest.

"It's kind of a big step going halfway across the world," Kate said. "I can't really say that I'm nervous, because I'm not. I'm just excited and ready for the challenge."

Kate-who graduated with her secondary education certification on top of her BA in history-plans to use the year-long fellowship to do what she always knew she wanted to do after college: teach. But instead of looking for teaching gigs in the Leavenworth area or back home in Jefferson City, Mo., she'll ply her trade halfway around the world.

Dr. George Steger, recently retired from his post directing USM's Lawrence D. Starr Global Studies Institute, helped shepherd Kate through the application steps.

"She gritted her teeth and went through the whole process, which is not simple," Dr. Steger said. "I'm thrilled but not surprised she got it. She is accomplished as a scholar and a service-oriented, unselfish person. She was a spark-plug for the university as well as the student body."

Kate said Dr. Steger actively encouraged her to pursue the Fulbright, an assertion he readily admits. Dr. Steger said he wanted a Saint Marian to win the award, and has had his eye on several possible candidates.

"She looked to me like a poster girl for America," he said. "She's just so personable. She'll be a great ambassador. Not just for this school, but for America."

Kate and her supporters picked South Korea out of the variety of options because they thought she'd be a good fit for the program there and thought she'd have the best chance of landing a spot in Seoul.

For her part, Kate credits Dr. Steger and Sister Diane Steele with helping her land the award.

"It was a pretty thorough and intense process," she said. "I can't say enough about them. They've been among my biggest supporters."

Kate also thanked her family who, despite their fears over having a child travel abroad, have been proud and supportive.

Kate left for Korea in early July, reporting to work in Seoul two days later. A six-week orientation immediately proceeded arrival. And, by mid-August, Kate was teaching English in a South Korean school.

Kate's not assisting a teacher. She's handling her own classroom. Before she left, Kate said she knew the work would be challenging, but she was eager to hit the ground running. She had no foreknowledge of the Korean language, but knew she'd learn with the help of computer programs and the intensive language training Fulbright scholars receive.

Note:  this article recently appeared in USM's alumni newsletter.  Kate Schebaum is a 2005 graduate of Helias. She has two sisters at Helias, Kristy '10 and Nicki '12.  Kate is recording her experiences in a blog:  k8inkorea.blogspot.com

Helias Homecoming 5K Run/Walk
Saturday, October 24, 2009
$20 per person (includes t-shirt) / Kids Dash (6 & under) Free

Don’t miss this outing perfect for everyone from competitive runners to families with strollers!

REGISTRATION:
• Pre-register by October 12, 2009 to receive guaranteed t-shirt size
• Register online OR pick up registration form at Helias High School office or Helias Foundation office.
• Mail completed registration form and payment (made payable to Helias Foundation) to Mike Bruns c/o Helias Foundation – 1106 Swifts Hwy – Jefferson City, MO 65109

PRE-REGISTRATION PACKET PICK-UP:  (FRI, OCT 23, 2009)
• Pick up packets in the Helias Commons 8:30 – 10:00 PM

RACE COURSE:
• Race begins and ends at Helias High School. 
Sorry, no pets, roller blades or bikes on course.

KIDS DASH:
• Children ages 2-6 will may register for the 25 meter kids dash which will take place prior to the 5K Run/Walk

AWARDS:
• Awards will be presented to the overall first place male & female participants, and also to the top three male & female in each age group.  All children in the 25 meter dash will receive a prize.

RACE SCHEDULE (DAY OF EVENT):
• 8:00 – 8:45 a.m…………………………………………Registration
• 8:45 a.m………………………………………………..…Kids Dash
• 9:00 a.m………………………….……………..5K Run/Walk Race
• Awards ceremony after completion of 5K Run/Walk

Click below to link to our Silver Level Corporate Crusader:
 

Helias Foundation Sponsored 2009 Homecoming Events

Alumni & Friends Homecoming Dance
Friday, October 23, 2009
LOCATION:  Helias High School Commons
Doors open at 8:00p.m. – Dancing 9:00p.m. - Midnight
Music by: Mystical Sounds
$10 per person
Hosted Appetizers:  BBQ Meatballs, Veggie & Cream Cheese Roll Ups, Meat & Cream Cheese Roll Ups, Chips & Dip and Spinach Artichoke Dip with Pita Points, Fresh Fruit & Dip

Hosted Keg Beer & Soda: Miller Light, Bud Light, Coca-Cola and 7-Up, Dr. Pepper Products 
Cash Bar: Mixed Drinks, Wine and Bottled Beer
(Special thanks to Summit Lake Winery, Fechtel Beverage, Scheppers Distributing, Jefferson City Coca Cola Bottling Company and Dr. Pepper/Snapple)

Helias Homecoming 5K Run/Walk
Saturday, October 24, 2009
(see details above)

Helias High School Open House
Saturday, October 24, 2009 – 1:00 – 2:30 PM

Post Game Alumni & Friends Gathering
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Knights of Columbus Hall – 1022 Tanner Bridge Road
Although this is not a Helias Foundation sponsored event, we hope to see you there. 

Click below to link to our Silver Level Corporate Crusader:

Hello Helias Alumni, Great Friends and Supporters of Helias-
 
It’s hard to believe that a new school year has already begun.  I hope that all of you had a fantastic summer filled with fun times, family and friends.  Mike and I are beginning our second school year without having a child at Helias and boy do we miss it.  The eight years of sending our two older children to Helias, being around and involved in our alma mater has meant so much to us - and has gone by way too fast.  All of you who currently have students at Helias and those who are getting close to sending your first child; enjoy every moment along with your child (as much as they will let you anyway). 
 
My class of 1980 is beginning to make plans for our 30 year class reunion which will be June 12, 2010.  We are definitely planning to gather at homecoming in October to ride in the parade and attend the Alumni & Friends Dance at Helias on Friday evening.  Those of you in classes who will be celebrating a reunion in spring/summer 2010; it is not too early to get started.  The Foundation Office is offering their services to aid classes in coordinating their reunions.  What a great idea!  Mike Bruns with the foundation office will take care of the details so all of you can enjoy the reunion activities that you plan.
 
The Helias Foundation staff has been very active this past spring & summer planning some great new events. It is exciting to see so many Helias alumni, friends, supporters and their families in attendance at Helias events.  Speaking of fun events, mark your calendars for some of these:
 
Homecoming
>>Parade & Alumni & Friends Dance….............Fri, Oct 23, 2009
>>Open House, Mass, Tailgate & Football Game ...........Sat, Oct 24, 2009

>Thanksgiving Mass & Grandparent Luncheon............Thurs, Nov 19, 2009

>You're A Good Man Charlie Brown/Christmas with Charlie Brown....
Fri., Sat. & Sun., December 18-20, 2009

>Third Annual Helias Hall of Fame Banquet……Sun, Jan 24, 2010

>Corporate Sponsor Recognition Night at Helias vs. Quincy Notre Dame Basketball Game .......................Fri, Feb 12, 2010

>Mother/Daughter Brunch & Prom Fashion Show.......Sun, Feb 14, 2010

>2nd Annual Helias Kentucky Derby Party………Sat, May 1, 2010
 
I know that with everyone’s busy schedules it will be hard to attend every one of these events.  Remember that it is good to take time for yourself every once in awhile to do something that you enjoy.  If you like spending time with old friends and want to meet new friends, then you should try to pencil some of these into your calendar. 
 
I really appreciate you taking the time to read this.  I have one more thing before I go:  we are looking at additional ways of communicating information about Helias and the foundation to alumni and supporters.  We are looking for a representative or co-representatives from each graduating class to serve as a line of communication to your classmates.  We would also like someone to be the Captain for Helias Friends (non-alumni who support Helias).  The expectations of a class representative or co-representatives would be to communicate Helias information to their classmates, actively get involved with as many Helias Foundation events as possible and help in updating class contact information for the Foundation Drive.  If anyone is interested, or if you know of someone who may be interested to be Class Captain for your class, please let me know.  You can call me at (573) 636-7936 or e-mail me.  You may also contact the Helias Foundation Office and talk to Marti Dupuis or Mike Bruns at (573) 635-3808.
 
May God bless each of you and your families as we continue to carry on the great traditions of Helias High School.  GO CRUSADERS!!! 
 
Chelle (Luebbering) Shepard '80

Golf Tournament results have been posted on the website.  Final numbers will be available soon. 

Thank you again to all sponsors, especially  Tournament Sponsor GFI Digital) golfers, and volunteers!

Third Annual
Helias High School Hall of Fame
Induction Banquet
Sunday, January 24, 2010

Please consider nominating a candidate!  There are countless individuals who have "given back" to Helias; if you have someone in mind, please take the time to fill out a nomination form.

The Third Annual Helias Hall of Fame induction ceremony and banquet will be held on Sunday, January 24, 2010 in the Helias Commons.

Candidates will be chosen on the basis of their support of or involvement with activities of interest to Helias, personal accomplishments, civic and public contributions.

Hall of Fame nomination forms are available in the high school office, foundation office and online at www.heliasfoundation.org or www.heliashs.com.

The nomination deadline is October 30, 2009

Contact Marti Dupuis or Mike Bruns at (573) 635-3808 for more information.

The following is an excerpt from the Helias High School Hall of Fame By-laws.

Purpose:  To recognize outstanding individuals whose lives have helped to established Helias High School as the excellent educational institution that it is today.

Mission:  To foster a greater understanding of Helias High School and to lend assistance to the school both financially and personally, to awaken a greater interest in cooperation tending to aid, improve, or develop the aims established at Helias.

Qualifications for candidacy to the Helias High School Hall of Fame 
The candidate:

A.   graduated from high school at least twenty years prior to induction.
B.   has demonstrated loyalty and/or service to Helias after graduation
C. generally is a Helias High School graduate, but not necessarily.
D. has distinguished him/herself within his or her chosen field.
E. was an above average student in high school in academics, and/or in extra-curricular activities.
F. exhibits high moral standards to the credit of Helias High School.

Criteria A and B are mandatory. 

Admission:  Hall of Fame members should be selected from nominations received by a Hall of Fame Selection Committee.  The selection committee shall be assembled each year by the president of Helias High School.  Up to ten new Helias High School Hall of Fames members shall be selected each year.

Upcoming Helias Foundation Events:

Oct 23 Homecoming Parade/Pep Rally and Alumni and Friends Dance/Heavy Appetizer Buffet at Helias High School
Oct 24 Helias Homecoming 5K, Open House, Mass, Tailgate and Football Game

Nov 19 Helias High School Mass and Grandparent Luncheon (please submit grandparents of Helias students names and addreses to Mike Bruns ASAP)

Dec 18-20 You're a Good Man Charlie Brown/Christmas with Charlie Brown; featuring Helias students, graduates, and other talented area actors; Miller Performing Arts Center

Jan 24 Third Annual Helias Foundation Hall of Fame Banquet-Helias Commons (NOTE: Nomination deadline is Oct 30)

Feb 14 Mother/Daughter Brunch and Prom Fashion Show-Helias Commons

May 1 2nd Annual Kentucky Derby Party-Helias Commons

Contact Mike Bruns or Marti Dupuis with questions.

Watch for a special Helias Homecoming E-Sader 
coming soon!