Bellarmine Preparatory School

About Bellarmine / Awards / Kudos (2011-2012) / De Thomas Award Honors John Hietpas


De Thomas Award for 2012 Honors John Hietpas

De Thomas worked in the school office in the mid to late 1970’s. At that time, there were no computers in the office and all forms had to be written out or bubbled in for key-punching. All of that was her responsibility. She was working on a Saturday at report card time when she passed away from a sudden heart attack.

At the end of the school year, her family donated the plaque for the De Thomas Memorial Award -- a perpetual award presented to a member of the Bellarmine community who demonstrates outstanding service and honest dedication beyond his or her assigned duties.

This year's recipient has volunteered for numerous years (probably more than 20) -- faithfully keeping statistics at Bellarmine home and away football games. Coach Tom Larsen says that about six years ago, he also began inputting all statistics into a computer program so coaches and athletes can go online for the information.

He is well known as one of those people who gladly "pitches-in" whenever needed from working on the track, tearing out bleachers, pulling up old floor boards in preparation for our new Booster Gym, and even cooking on Encounters.

For many years, he has been our primary large school bus driver, safely delivering students to music and athletic events -- not to mention the many Encounters and other special events that require countless weekends and night travel.

It is our honor to present the De Thomas Award for 2012 to John Hietpas for his selfless dedication and service to our school throughout the years.