Each year, the TEC Conference asks local TEC communities to submit nominations for the annual Spirit of TEC Award. This award honors individuals’ dedication and service to TEC on the local or regional level; those who receive it truly exemplify the spirit of TEC and live out the Paschal Mystery in their own lives.
We are pleased to present the 2019 Spirit of TEC Award winners below! Each awardee has a short write-up from their local community on why they deserve this honor. Congratulations to everyone!
Joan Huber, LouTEC (Archdiocese of Louisville, KY)
Joan has served in different capacities as a team member on all thirteen LOUTEC weekends. She has shared her faith willingly with those on the weekends while being open to serve in whatever role is needed. In addition, she has served on the national TEC Leadership Council, during which time she also served as Leadership Team Secretary. She was also a member of the national Rebranding Team, which provided feedback for and helped to implement TEC’s new brand. Joan also serves her parish community, The Cathedral of the Assumption, both as the volunteer youth minister and in several other capacities. She is engaged with other youth ministers and has fostered growth in the faith life of young people throughout the Archdiocese of Louisville. In these and many other ways, she has evidenced her desire to live out the Paschal Mystery in her life by dying to self in service and bringing new life in Christ to those around her.
Nathan Frankart, North Coast Spirit TEC (Diocese of Cleveland, OH)
“Do not grow slack in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, endure in affliction, persevere in prayer.” - Romans 12:11-12
Nathan Frankart is a shining example of what it means to live out this Bible verse. Nathan strives to live out his faith daily with zeal and a fervent spirit, truly being a light to not only the TEC community, but to all those he encounters. He is always happy to serve and put his own needs aside in order to better help others. A strong role model for teens, young adults, and all those who know him, he has devoted much time and effort to the TEC community through working weekends, giving talks, and helping out in any way he can. All who meet him immediately notice the joy that he radiates. Whether on a TEC weekend or in daily life, Nathan is ready to share that source of his joy, Jesus Christ, with others. Many TECites, teens and adults alike, have recognized and commented on Nathan’s gift of being there for those who may still need someone to make them feel more at home on the weekend. He is kind, hard working, and most importantly, a faithful servant to our Lord. He truly represents what is meant by “serve the Lord with gladness” and he does so even when it may not be an easy task. NCS TEC is honored to present the 2019 Spirit of TEC award to Nathan Frankart.
Fr. Tim Roth, North Coast Spirit TEC (Diocese of Cleveland, OH)
“Amen, amen, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit.” John 12:24
Fr. Tim Roth’s time as Spiritual Director of North Coast Spirit TEC has been a reflection of this verse, which is so central to the TEC community and a reminder of the Paschal Mystery we are called to embody. With the heart of a shepherd, he led NCS TEC for 2.5 years, modeling what we are called to do. He often could be found serving behind the scenes, especially taking up the mantle of prayer for the community and especially the TECites on the weekend. As a priest, he is the captain of this ship, keeping our eyes focused on Jesus and our mission to help others, especially teens, encounter Him. Knowing the impact the TEC community had on his coming to know the Lord more deeply and eventually answer his vocational call, Fr. Tim desires to give back and provide that time with the Lord for others. He challenged the board, discernment teams, and leadership to be rooted in prayer and take that spirit of prayer to the teams for weekends and the wider world. In addition, he took on extra work to cover for other priests, so they could experience the retreat and community. In his time as Spiritual Director, NCS TEC has been blessed by the gifts and talents of 7 new priests on weekends, in addition to many more who came out to hear confessions. We are grateful for his humble service and unwavering commitment to our community. Therefore, it is an honor for NCS TEC to present the 2019 Spirit of TEC award to Father Tim Roth.
Justin Hunker, North Coast Spirit TEC (Diocese of Cleveland, OH)
“Put away the old self of your former way of life, corrupted through deceitful desires, and be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and put on the new self, created in God’s way in righteousness and holiness of truth.” Ephesians 4:22-24
When reflecting upon the transformative power of dying to the old self and rising to the new one, it’s hard not to think about individuals who have exemplified this for us. The perfect example, of course, is Christ, but members in our community, such as Justin Hunker, provide a beautiful reflection on living the Paschal Mystery, both in and outside of the TEC community. Justin’s own faith journey has traversed mountains, both figuratively and literally. He has overcome enormous challenges in his own personal faith journey, deepening his relationship with Jesus, and literally traversing the hills and mountains of El Salvador to provide housing to hundreds of people, one of the many places where Justin dedicates his time, talent, and treasure without hesitation. His additional role as husband and father also helps to reflect the everyday sacrifices of dying to self for the sake of his wife, Ellen, and sons, Jude and Eli. Within the TEC community, Justin is again selfless, rising to the occasion, whatever the need. He has worked multiple weekends and serves as facilitator, that hidden role, ordering and transporting the supplies to make each weekend run. Justin is also a humble and spirit-filled leader, never looking for others to see him, but rather desiring to walk with them, much like on the Emmaus journey. He looks beyond the surface actions of people to see their heart and meets them there guiding them, so they may then meet Christ. With all this, it is an honor for NCS TEC to present the 2019 Spirit of TEC award to Justin Hunker.
Tom & Mary Heitmann, Peterstown TEC (Diocese of Peoria, IL)
Tom and Mary Heitmann have been a part of the TEC family for over 40 years. Mary made her TEC as a college student in Dubuque, Iowa, in the 1970s, and Tom’s first TEC was #13 at Peterstown. Both have served on numerous teams as individuals, a married couple (including TEC #214 this spring), and as TEC weekend leaders.
Tom and Mary live out the Paschal Mystery and have demonstrated this to their children, faith community, and their local community by serving in numerous ways in their parish, Illinois Valley Cursillo, Holy Cross School, and St. Bede Academy. They helped fulfill their son Marine Capt. Thomas John Heitmann’s dream of obtaining a track for St. Bede Academy. Tom presently serves as Grand Knight for Mendota KCs, the group who grills and donates pork chops for Peterstown TEC weekends. Praying the rosary has been a family practice passed down through the generations and continues today. We are proud to present this couple with the 2019 Spirit of TEC Award.
Stephen Diesen, Belleville TEC (Diocese of Belleville, IL)
Stephen made his first TEC in January 1987. Since then, he has served on 9 TECs in a variety of positions ranging from Resource to Directing. He has also been on 8 Wheat Teams, 6 Harvests (a Belleville TEC post-TEC retreat), and a couple of TEC Conference retreats. Stephen is married to Mary Klein and has two daughters, Paulina and Diane. He is a member of St. Robert of Newminster Parish in Grand Rapids, Michigan, but joyfully returns to the Belleville Diocese to join his Belleville TEC family.
Stephen’s thoughts on TEC: “TEC has been a constant presence in my life since I was a teenager, through college, and still guides me as a husband and father today. The faith in Christ and family that TEC has given me is one of the things I am most grateful for and is irreplaceable in the blessed life that I have been given.”
Cathy Pyatt, Belleville TEC (Diocese of Belleville, IL)
Cathy Pyatt made her first TEC in 1979. She has been involved with Cursillo and Quest retreat programs as well. Cathy served for one year on the Belleville Diocesan TEC board. She is also a Youth Minister, Confirmation Teacher, and VBS director for 20 years at St. Bruno Parish in Pinckneyville, Illinois. Cathy attended Aquinas School of Theology in St. Louis, Missouri, and serves on the Pinckneyville Community Hospital Advisory board. She was recently named Person of the Year in 2018 for the City of Pinckneyville. She is wife to Dale, mother to Nicole, and Grandmother to Reed, Aubrey, and Hadley. Cathy is a proud St. Louis Cardinals and Notre Dame Irish fan. Furthermore, she is one of the most joyful, faith-filled people you are likely to meet this side of heaven and empties herself to be poured out on the TECites on every weekend she joins.
Kayleigh Ketchum, Great River TEC (Diocese of Springfield, IL)
The Great River TEC community would like to recognize Kayleigh Ketchum with the 2019 Spirit of TEC Award for the joyful attitude she has in helping TEC in any way. After attending her first TEC in 2012 at the urging of a friend, she has since been on 11 more, as well as five Mini-TECs and three Quests. She serves on the TEC Board and handles social media publicity for special events, such as guest speakers. For Kayleigh, TEC has become a family that loves unconditionally, one that has been there for her during the best and worst times of her life. She wants youth to know that God’s plan for us is greater than we could ever imagine, if we but trust Him. Kayleigh truly embodies TEC through her cheerful demeanor and willingness to do anything to bring more youth to Christ.
Kelli Lunt, Great River TEC (Diocese of Springfield, IL)
The Great River TEC community would like to recognize Kelli Lunt with the 2019 Spirit of TEC Award for her tireless work for the program. Kelli has been on 12 TECs, one of which she directed with her husband, Nathan. She has also been on Quest and Mini-TECs, one of which she directed. Kelli serves on the TEC Board and is Treasurer for the program. She is also on the Executive Committee. Kelli attends many TEC events, including Hoots and Eucharistic Adoration, along with Nathan and their daughters. TEC has been a support in her life and growth as a person, and she hopes to be that same type of support to others. Kelli wants youth to gain a personal relationship with Jesus after experiencing a TEC weekend. Because of the example she is in her daily life, and all she does behind the scenes, Kelli is deserving of the Spirit of TEC Award.
Nathan Lunt, Great River TEC (Diocese of Springfield, IL)
The Great River TEC community would like to recognize Nathan Lunt with the 2019 Spirit of TEC Award for lending his gifts and talents to the program. Nathan grew up in the TEC program, with a deep family background in the program. He has been on 12 TECs, one of which he directed with his wife, Kelli; four Mini-TECs, one of which he directed with his father, David; and one Quest. Nathan serves on the TEC Board, helps with set up and tear down of the Hoots, and lends his voice to sing at TEC activities. Nathan and his family can usually be found at just about every TEC event. Nathan wants to help teens with the struggles they may have in achieving a relationship with God by drawing from his own experiences. Through his support and dedication, Nathan truly embodies the Spirit of TEC.
Leigh Anne Costlow, SWITEC (Diocese of Evansville, IN)
Leigh Anne has been involved in SWITEC for several years and in many roles. She has been a cook, served on the Adult Team, and has led her own weekend as a Lay Director. Throughout this time, she has also given time to the leadership of TEC as secretary of the Core Group. She also has served as the Indiana State Representative on the National TEC Leadership Council and as a member of the National Leadership Team.
Leigh Anne joyfully lives her faith through a selfless giving of her time, talent, and treasure. She is an example to young people of how a person should live their lives by placing their trust in the Lord.
Ann Leiker, Sunflower TEC (Archdiocese of Kansas City, KS)
The Sunflower TEC Community would like to recognize Ann Leiker with the Spirit of TEC Award. Ann is a faithful member of our community as she routinely serves on weekends, attends community events, and serves on our Core Team. Ann's dedication, servant heart, and passion for the faith is most assuredly an asset. In addition to her involvement in TEC, she is involved in her parish community as a Sacristan. Ann is a naturally caring person as she works as a cardiovascular technologist. The Sunflower TEC community is grateful for Ann!
Marya Feldt, Sunflower TEC (Archdiocese of Kansas City, KS)
The Sunflower TEC Community would like to recognize Marya Feldt with the Spirit of TEC Award. Marya recently graduated with a degree in Human Services, and she now applies what she learned to TEC as a community resource specialist. Marya is also a talented musician with an amazing voice. She is a dedicated team member and brings her faith and energy to our Core Team Meetings. The Sunflower TEC community is proud to present this award to Marya!
Jim LaScala, Sunflower TEC (Archdiocese of Kansas City, KS)
The Sunflower TEC Community would like to recognize Jim LaScala with the Spirit of TEC Award. Jim has served on several weekends, including serving in roles as wheat coordinator, sacristan, and cook. Jim is a constant presence at community events, always offering to help with whatever is needed. At his parish, Jim is a member of the Knights of Columbus, an Extraordinary Minister, and usher. Jim has also helped with various other retreat programs. The Sunflower TEC Community is grateful for Jim!
Michael Maldonado, TEC New Orleans (Archdiocese of New Orleans, LA)
Michael has humbly contributed much of his time and passion to TEC over the past year, even while in the trenches of law school. Michael’s true passion and love for TEC and the young Church have been most evident in his willingness to serve in various leadership positions on retreats and in his contributions as the music liaison for the Retreat Ministry Team. Michael is constantly seeking to help the TEC community grow and is always willing to help build our community of love in any way that he is able to. Michael’s commitment to TEC, but more importantly his way of life, is a testament to his authentic faith and love for God.
Mike Bowman, TEC New Orleans (Archdiocese of New Orleans, LA)
Mike has been a consistent and humble servant in our TEC community for several years. Mike has served on various teams in various positions during his involvement in TEC, but most specifically in 2018, he stepped up to direct Cook Team when he was needed, just days before the retreat. Not only did he unhesitatingly say yes to serving on the Cook Team, but he did so with love, humility, enthusiasm, and, of course, great cooking skills. The TEC community is forever grateful to Mike for his continued willingness to serve and for his humble spirit and dedication to our community.
