Raven Principal
SHANE RAPP, 2017 YOUNG ALUMNI AWARD
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is road has taken him from St. Louis, Mo., to St. James Academy in Lenexa, Kan. But in between was a significant, four-year stop in Atchison. Benedictine College honored Shane Rapp ’08, G’12, with the Young Alumni Award during the Champagne Brunch for Graduates on May 12. Rapp currently serves as the principal at St. James Academy in Lenexa, Kansas. The award recognizes alumni who are under 35 years old, have distinguished themselves in their community and profession, and who support the values promoted at Benedictine College. Each year the honoree returns to address the graduating seniors at the Senior Brunch the day before Commencement. “Benedictine, in so many ways, has been a second home and family to me,” Rapp said. “While the gift of my faith was first given to me by God through my parents, it became my own during my time in Atchison. It is where I learned how to pray, where I learned what true community looks like, and where I found God’s plan for my life. Most of my best friendships also came from my time at Benedictine College and continue to support me in my vocations as a husband, father and educator.” Rapp grew up in St. Louis, Mo. He played four years of soccer and rugby, and met his wife, Megan McMillian ’08, G’12, while at Benedictine. He graduated in 2008 with degrees in English and Secondary Education. He is not only connected to Benedictine College through his wife and undergraduate degrees, he also returned to Benedictine to earn his Master of Arts in School Leadership. On top of that, his brother-in-law, Kyle McMillian, graduated from Benedictine College, Class of 2006. Rapp went on to earn his Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from Baker University. He taught English and Theology at St. James for seven years before moving into administration. He and his family live in Olathe, Kansas, and are members of St. Paul Parish. Past recipients of the Young Alumni Award are Jamie Lambrecht Raftery ’03 in 2016; Melinda Morrison Pregont, D.C. ’09 in 2015; Peter Piscitello Jr. ’07 in 2014; Hannah Dumpert Hasselquist ’11 in 2013; Elizabeth Heitman Shackelford ’99 in 2012; Chris Tabor ’93 in 2011; Davyeon Ross ’00 in 2009; Tammy Monso Figg ’97 in 2007; and Kyle McMillan in 2008. Rapp said, “To receive this award is really a recognition of all that Benedictine College gave to me through the monks, my professors, my coaches and teammates, my friends and most especially the woman who became my wife and mother to my three kids.” B
www.benedictine.edu
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