Van Keppel and McCain Honored for Dedicated Service

2/1/2020

The St. Stephen’s community recently gathered in Upper School Chapel to honor two long-serving faculty members for their dedicated service to our students, their colleagues and the school: English instructor Jenneken Van Keppel, Ph.D., and science instructor Kathy McCain.

Jenny Huth, Ph.D., English department chair, and Colleen Hynes, Ph.D., English instructor, teamed up to honor Van Keppel — nicknamed DVK — for her 21 years of service to St. Stephen’s.

“You students know more than anyone that DVK is a master teacher who runs a discussion like nobody’s business,” Huth said. “It’s so much fun to be in her class. dhe teaches you how to be curious, she encourages laughter, and she makes the books you read relevant to your lives. … She keeps the bar high and deeply cares that you are the best thinkers and writers you can be.”

Hynes added that Van Keppel’s love of literature is legendary. “Literature, at its core, makes us think about what it means to be human, and DVK is one of the best humans I know,” Hynes said. “One of her greatest strengths is cultivating relationships with students, colleagues and parents alike.”

Following their presentation, Huth and Hynes were joined by the remaining English department faculty, who sported “Squad Goals” t-shirts and presented Van Keppel with her own t-shirt and a beautiful bouquet of flowers.

Next at the podium were chemistry instructor Melissa Livsey and biology instructor Dean Mohlman, longtime friends of McCain, who was honored for 20 years of service. They presented “Ode to Kathy McCain,” a humorous and heart-warming poem they had written about their science department colleague.

“Who is that biology teacher who never has a frown?
Why it’s Kathy McCain; she’s from Baytown.

“Kathy has been at St. Stephen’s for a good 20 years.
Tried 7th grade science then Upper School with no fears! …

“With a great sense of humor and the strongest work ethic
She is an inspiration to all of us with her generous metric

“Sincere in our thanks because she’s so kind
She makes our days fun and challenges our mind. …”

After reading their poem, Livsey and Mohlman invited several students to speak about the impact McCain has had on them. Emilia Alton, a 12th grade boarding student, summed up their collective experiences best when she thanked McCain for being an outstanding dorm parent, adviser and biology teacher. “She is my school mom,” Alton explained. “She always gives me motherly hugs and made biology my favorite subject.”

Following student remarks, McCain was presented with a hardbound book celebrating great women in science.

Congratulations, to these outstanding teachers! The St. Stephen’s community is deeply grateful for all you do to make our school so special.

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