Filsinger family named "Family of the Year"

October 13, 2007
Last weekend, the Kevin and Celine Filsinger family of Clearwater, Neb., was named “Family of the Year” by Mount Marty College. Chris Filsinger, their oldest son, is currently a senior at Mount Marty.

Since 1984, Mount Marty has recognized a Family of the Year based on three criteria: loyalty to Mount Marty, to church, and to civic involvement. In her presentation Friday evening, Sister Maribeth Wentzlaff explained the Filsingers “stand out in all these categories.”

“On behalf of Mount Marty College, I congratulate you and your family for being such great ambassadors for the college and for giving so generously to your church and the community of Clearwater, Neb.,” Sister Maribeth proclaimed. “May you be blessed as you continue to serve. We are proud of you. Thank you for representing Mount Marty College so well to others!”

Dr. James T. Barry, president of Mount Marty College, has worked with Chris in a variety of capacities and considered him to be one of the outstanding youth on campus this year. “Chris is an amazing individual who has a great future ahead of him. Time and again, he has exhibited a great amount of insight, thought and compassion toward his activities in class, on the basketball court, in student government and in church,” Dr. Barry said. “After meeting his parents this weekend, I can see where he gets his enthusiasm and passion for life. The Filsingers are a wonderful family, and are very deserving of this award.”

Kevin is a diesel mechanic who also serves as a volunteer fireman and an EMT in the community, and as an usher and choir member at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church. He has also been an officer of the Clearwater Chamber of Commerce.

Celine is a bookkeeper at Chambers Public School and also serves as the children’s choir director and organist at St Theresa’s. She has been on the Clearwater library board, Clearwater park board, KN for Kids advisory board, an officer of the Clearwater Music Boosters and a member of the Chamber of Commerce.

Chris has modeled the active lifestyles of his parents. While at Mount Marty he has served in several leadership roles in student government, currently serving as president. He is a starter on the Lancers basketball team, is the varsity team captain and has won the Emil S. Liston award for the Great Plains Athletic Conference, an award given to a junior basketball player based on scholarship, character and playing ability.

Chris has also served as a student ambassador, an orientation leader, a member of the ASPIRE club and member of the ADMIT club. He was selected as a sophomore to serve on the college Strategic Planning Committee, and this past year was chosen as the recipient of the Mother Jerome Schmitt Scholarship… the highest award given to a Mount Marty student.

Chris participates in the liturgies as an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist, a singer and a guitar player. He also uses his musical talent in the choir.

His younger siblings are also very active. David is a sophomore business major at Morningside College where is spends his time and energy on the basketball team. Daniel is a junior in high school involved in swing choir, choir, football, basketball, VICA, student council, National Honor Society and was a class officer. Daniel also is a Nebraska state qualifier in track. The youngest, Emily, is in sixth grade and is involved in “short shooter” basketball, summer softball, gymnastics, children’s choir and is an acolyte at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church.

Kevin and Celine have impressed upon their children the importance and obligation of being involved in the community and church. This is evidenced by their sons’ involvement in Bible School and being alter servers and by having the whole family involved in music at St. Theresa’s. When they were younger, all of the kids delivered Meals on Wheels.

The award was presented as part of the Mount Marty Blue and Gold Days Family Weekend.

Members of the Filsinger family are (clockwise from top) Kevin, Celeste, Daniel, Emily and Chris. Not pictured: David.

Mount Marty College
College Relations Office
1105 West 8th Street
Yankton, SD 57078
(605) 668-1517
mmc.college.relations@mtmc.edu