Jeff Shelton, a technical sergeant in the Air Force, reads to pre-kindergarten students as his wife, Jessica, the class teacher, sits at right Oct. 13 at Holy Childhood Grade School in Mascoutah (David Wilhelm photo).
By Linda Norris
Messenger Staff
Air Force Technical Sergeant Jeff Shelton returned home March 31 after a six-month deployment as a resource manager in Honduras.
Home is Scott Air Force Base in southern Illinois.
Waiting for his arrival was his wife, Jessica, and their four daughters. The couple has been married for 17 years. They have lived in various bases during his 19-year career in the Air Force.
Since moving to Illinois in 2024, they have attended Holy Childhood of Jesus Catholic Church in Mascoutah, and all four daughters are or have been students at the school.
Holy Childhood recently was awarded the Purple Star School designation in recognition of its commitment to serving military-connected students and families.
Jessica Shelton, who is in her second year teaching 3-year-olds at the school, said they chose Holy Childhood due to its Catholic identity and proximity to the base.
“I think they’re very welcoming. That was one of the first things we noticed,” she said.
“Once we were enrolled, Mr. (Tim) Keefe (the school’s principal) got us in touch with another military family, so we had someone to know before we actually started school there. And then it’s just everyone’s been so welcoming and kind, whether they’re also military or they’re from Mascoutah.”
Jessica pointed out some of the ways the school connects with military families.
“In April, during the Month of the Military Child, they do a lot of activities for the military kids, just to make them feel extra special and welcome at the school,” she said. “And every year, right before school starts, Mr. Keefe has a military family welcoming dinner.”
Sgt. Shelton loves the school.
“We went to a military-type school in Nebraska, and they were also very welcoming,” he said. “But here, it’s just everyone down from Mr. Keefe to the kids.
“The kids just love treating the military well. They get excited when they see someone wearing camouflage or military clothing. They love giving high fives.”
The Purple Star recognition
The Purple Star designation is awarded to schools that demonstrate a strong commitment to supporting students whose parents or guardians serve in the military. These schools implement practices that ease student transitions, provide dedicated resources for military families and ensure staff understand the unique experiences of military-connected children.
“We are honored to receive this recognition,” Keefe said. “Our military families make tremendous sacrifices in service to our nation, and we are committed to ensuring their children feel welcomed, supported and valued throughout their educational journey.”
Fr. Mark Stec, pastor of Holy Childhood of Jesus Catholic Church and School, said he was “grateful” to Keefe along with school administration, staff and teachers “whose dedication and commitment has created a school community where our military-connected students, and every student, feel welcomed, supported and valued.”
As a Purple Star School, Holy Childhood School has established:
• A designated military family point of contact.
• Resources and information for military families.
•Programs to support student transitions.
• Professional development opportunities for staff.
The designation reflects the school’s ongoing efforts to create a welcoming environment where military-connected students can thrive academically, socially and emotionally.
For more information, visit www.holychildhoodschool.com.
