Klimitchek honored as TCCB high school teacher of the year
Having taught her entire career at Sacred Heart Catholic School, science teacher Geralyn Klimitchek was recently honored as High School Teacher of the Year by the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops.
The TCCB recognition comes in high regard as Klimitchek was selected from all Catholic High School teachers in the State of Texas.
“What an honor to have the TCCB-ED recognize her in this way,” SHCS principal Kevin Haas said. “She is a wonderful example of a true Christian. She always ties the Catholic faith into her daily lessons, while providing examples and reasoning of why and how faith ties into science and God’s plans.”
Haas said Klimitchek will be presented the award on Friday, Feb. 24 at the 8:05 a.m. Mass. Victoria Diocese Bishop Brendon Cahill will present the award.
Having taught sixth through 12th grade sciences at Sacred Heart Catholic School in Hallettsville over the past 42 years, Klimitchek’s responsibilities at the school also include serving as sponsor for the Junior High Student Council.
She is example of service to the church by also serving as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion and a substitute organ player for the school and nursing home Masses. She is a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Koerth, where she serves as an organist.
In addition, she works with students on service projects for the school, nursing home, and the community. She lives according to her Catholic faith and demonstrates this to the students by her dedication to her vocation of teaching.
“Geralyn continues to build upon the legacy of service that began with the founding Sisters of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament more than 140 years ago,” a colleague said. “Never one to rest on her laurels, this teacher continually tries to improve her teaching methods so that her students can benefit from the educational experience they receive at Sacred Heart.”
A TCCB press release said Klimitchek is always humble and always pointing the credit to her success somewhere else.
“Geralyn emulates what it means to serve in a Catholic school,” the press release said. “She gives all credit to the Sisters of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament. She leaves us all inspired to look toward God for our support and to trust the people He puts in our path. For Geralyn, this comes naturally. For her students, she is the person God put in their lives to make them better, to show what a true witness to the faith looks like, and how His creation can be honored inside a science classroom.”
Raised in Flatonia, after graduating from high school, Klimitchek attended Southwest Texas State and received her bachelor’s degree, majoring in biology and minoring in chemistry.
She received her master’s degree majoring in education and minoring in biology, and guidance and counseling.
Klimitchek holds several lifetime teaching certificates in Secondary Biology, Secondary Chemistry, Secondary Science Composite and Secondary Life Earth Science.
Klimitchek was taught by Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament Sisters of St. Mary’ School and was later hired by them to teach at Sacred Heart Catholic School.
“Serving in this community has been a blessing and a privilege,” Klimitchek said. “The support of the students, parents, coworkers, supporters of the school and my family is much appreciated.”
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The Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops (TCCB) is a federation of all Roman Catholic dioceses and ordinariates located in the State of Texas. Through the TCCB, dioceses extend the ministry of the Texas bishops within the church community.