Campion says farewell as Mekelburgs plan move to Nebraska

Melissa and Arlen Mekelburg are pictured with their grandchildren.

Campion Academy is saying farewell to Melissa and Arlen Mekelburg in June.  For the last four years, Melissa has been the Head Women’s Dean while Arlen has taught Algebra I and Anatomy and Physiology. They are taking jobs in the public school system in Kimball, Nebraska. Arlen will be teaching Junior High School Science and Melissa will be teaching Kindergarten. 

Arlen has a passion for teaching science and was seeking out a full-time position; however, Melissa says she had no intention of moving until she clearly saw God opening door after door. “We truly have felt God leading us there, and we couldn’t say no to God,” she reflects. 

The Mekelburgs have blessed Campion Academy during their time here, and they will be missed both in the classroom and the dorm.  A few students and staff shared the impact the Mekelburgs have had in their lives. 

“Having Dean Mekelburg as a dean for all four years of my high school career, I’ve learned many things. But one thing that will stick with me is how she put others before herself. Being a head dean for 50+ girls, you have to sacrifice a lot of time and energy into them. She has always been my family, away from family. I’ll always be grateful for Dean Mekelburg. I’m going to cherish the memories that we made together as a team.” -Patricia Simamora

“Mr. Mekelburg always made class fun by bringing us food at our morning labs and coming up with fun trivia questions.” -Megan Michalenko

“Dean Mekelburg taught me to always have a smile on my face because it brightens other people’s day.” -Duda De Oliveira

“Getting the opportunity to work in the dorm as an RA wasn’t something that I ever thought would happen because I had never lived in the dorm before. Dean Mekelburg taught me so much about how to handle different situations that I’d face not just in the dorm, but in life as well. Dean Mekelburg helped me flourish at Campion and for that I will always be appreciative.” -Abby Segovia

“Dean Mekelburg is one of the most inspirational women I’ve ever met and she’s taught me so much in my four years at Campion. Working for her this year has been one of the best experiences of my life. I’ll always be grateful to her and I’m going to miss her so much but I wish her well.” -Kayla Gonzalez

“Mr. Meckelburg was one of my favorite teachers here at Campion. Mr. Meckelburg was always willing to stay later or help me with any questions I needed even though class was over. I’m definitely going to miss Mr. Mekelburg because he was a great teacher.” -Julia Barber

“Mr. Mekelberg loves to teach.  He works diligently to prepare for each class.  He is passionate about students' success.” -Don Reeder, Principal

“Dean Mekelberg loves her girls.  She is dedicated to caring for each one.  It has warmed my heart many times to see her reach out to troubled students to help any way she can.  I have always loved how she has cared for the physical building.  She was instrumental in getting new beds and mattresses in the dorms.” Don Reeder, Principal

“Melissa plays many roles in my life. She is my mentor, teammate, counselor, and friend. We have been through many obstacles together and she has always impressed me with her Christ like love and kindness towards all people. Only someone with that kind of attitude and heart can last 25 years as a Girl’s Dean. She’s one in a million.” Erin Johnson, Assistant Dean of Women

-Compiled by Jill Harlow

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