CATHOLIC SCHOOLS NAME DISTINGUISHED GRADUATES

Steve Unterreiner and Ennis Hinkebein II have been recognized as distinguished graduates for two area schools during Catholic Schools Week activities.

Each year Catholic school elementary principals may nominate former students to the National Catholic Educational Association to receive the distinguished graduate award. Recipients must have been an elementary school graduate of at least 10 years and have made a "significant contribution to the Catholic Church and the United States."

"We honor that individual and hold him up as an example to our youth of the kind of adult who reflects favorably on the education the person received in the Catholic elementary school," said St. Vincent's principal Sharon Thompson.

Unterreiner was recognized Sunday by St. Vincent de Paul Elementary School. He attended St. Vincent until 1969 and graduated from Notre Dame High School in 1973. He attended Southeast Missouri State University where he received a bachelor of science degree in criminal justice and a master's degree in psychological counseling.

He works as a unit supervisor for the Missouri Board of Probation and Parole in Perryville. He is also an adjunct professor in the criminal justice department at Southeast.

Thompson said Unterreiner's nomination was made based upon his work in the parish and for the school. She cited his three-year membership on the school board and experiences as a teacher of the school's conflict resolution course. In addition, he has co-chaired the St. Vincent de Paul dinner auction for the past two years. The event is the school's largest fund raiser. Unterreiner has coached several youth soccer and baseball teams in past years.

Hinkebein was selected by Immaculate Conception School in Jackson. He is a fire protection maintenance planner at Procter and Gamble Co. He attended Immaculate Conception School until 1966 and graduated from Jackson High School.

Principal Tracy Holland praised Hinkebein for his work at Immaculate Conception and in the community. He has been a Eucharistic minister, usher-greeter and volunteer at the school for many years, she said. An active member of the Home and School Association, he helps with chili suppers, breakfasts, book fairs, class parties and field trips.

Hinkebein is a charter member of Bishop Timon Council 6405 and has co-chaired the Knights of Columbus state horseshoe championships for two years. He is a past vice-president and president of the Missouri Knights of Columbus State Softball Association.

He has coached numerous youth athletic teams and been a player, manager and officer with the Jackson Men's Softball League.