September 17, 2010
Making a difference: Tim Steckler has served at St. James for 25 years
By MARY ANN HUGHES (Message staff writer)
When Tim Steckler heard what this year’s diocesan school theme was going to be, he felt a real connection to it. The theme, “Make a Difference,” is exactly what he tries to do everyday as the custodian at St. James School in Haubstadt.
He grew up in the shadows of the rural Gibson County parish, and before he headed for Gibson South High School, he attended school there.
Then 25 years ago, he was approached by then pastor, Father Mike Madden, who asked him to become the custodian. “He asked me to think about it, and I accepted the next day.”
Tim is modest when asked about all the hard work he does — every day — to keep the parish buildings and grounds sparkling. Instead, he says he feels “blessed” in so many different ways for the opportunities he has been given over the last 25 years.
“It hasn’t been easy,” he says, “but I really take a lot of pride in what I do. I’m very proud of the tradition of the parish and the school here at St. James,” noting how “dedicated and caring the staff is.”
He’s quiet by nature, but says he could “go on all day” about how he feels about working in a Catholic school, and the parents who make the choice to send their children there. “I just feel they are receiving a top-notch education, and at the same time learning life skills and growing up to be better people.”
He has enjoyed watching the students grow and mature over the years. “I have a lot of fond memories of that,” and he is fond of the families who populate the Haubstadt area. “I see them, and they remember their school days of St. James.”
He says he’s proud of the work that he has done over the years at the parish, noting “a lot has changed — obviously the size of the school. It’s demanding for me to keep up with all of that and the constant use of the facilities.”
Angie Johnson is the principal at St. James. She says, “It is difficult to write a job description for Mr. Tim. He is always here, working hard cleaning, fixing things, getting things done. St. James is a busy place with a growing enrollment and active parishioners. There are very few weekends when there isn’t something going on in Madden Hall, such as a wedding reception or dinner of some kind. Mr. Tim manages to keep our classrooms and school clean, mow and trim the grass, and offer his assistance wherever needed on the campus. He also finds time to visit with the students, to ask how they are doing, and to wish them a good day.”
The faculty, staff and families recently celebrated “Mr. Tim Makes a Difference Week” by decorating his office door and providing a carry-in luncheon. “We gave him special cards and gifts and tried hard all week to clean up after ourselves and make his work a little easier. We surprised him with a snack basket and a special 25 year anniversary polo shirt that he can wear to work.”
She said it’s “not his way to be recognized — but he deserves it. He is an excellent example for the students and staff on how to ‘Make a Difference.’”