KEITH JOPP

Keith Jopp spent his entire distinguished 43-year professional career thriving as a small town teacher and administrator at St. Paul Lutheran School in Cheney. His students say they were truly blessed by him as a teacher, but as adults he became their trusted mentor and a true friend.

Keith’s educational philosophy was founded on his personal Christian faith, and he dedicated his life to helping children learn.He believed strongly that Christian schools should provide a place for children to affirm their faith before they become part ofthe world at large.

He set the bar high for his students, and they responded admirably. Keith was also a highly innovative educator who, for example, as an avid outdoorsman shared his love of nature through his concept of a school campout. This student-planned event remains a favorite St. Paul tradition.

Keith began at St. Paul in 1965 with a one-room school, and 19 students. He was instrumental in a million dollar development that expanded the school to five classrooms of pre-K through eighth grade, a gymnasium and family life center. In 2005, the school purchased a nearby building for the preschool and youth center.

Beyond his academic responsibilities, Keith was active with the youth in his church, and developed community-wide programs that promoted positive intergenerational activities. He became a certified lay minister in the Lutheran church in 2008.

Originally from Minnesota, Keith attended a Lutheran school through eighth grade. He completed an AA in education from Concordia College in St. Paul, Minnesota (1963), a BS in elementary education from Concordia College in Seward, Nebraska (1965) and his master’s of education degree in curriculum development from Wichita State University (1974). Keith is married to Janet. Between them they have four grown daughters and four grandchildren.