ABOVE: Jeff and Ann Kurt have been named Friends of SJV for their support of the school and its mission.

FAIRMONT — Jeff and Ann Kurt have been named the ‘Friends of St. John Vianney (SJV)’ for their longtime devotion to SJV Catholic School in Fairmont. As Catholic Schools Week continues this week, the Kurts reflect on their journey with the school leading up to their new title, and SJV’s commitment to students’ academics and faith.

The Kurts were officially recognized by SJV Principal Sarah Striemer during the annual SJV gala event, “A Night Among the Stars,” on Saturday, Jan. 24, at SJV.

At that same event, the Knights of Columbus-Fairmont gave SJV a check worth $70,500 that was generated in a recent fundraiser.

The Kurts described that they were very honored to receive acknowledgement from other SJV affiliates for their devotion to the school. According to the Kurts, only 21 other individuals have been given the title and the title itself is a testament to a person’s above-and-beyond supportive efforts.

“Striemer commented that we’re quiet leaders,” Jeff said with a chuckle. “She commented that for other families to watch what we’re doing, that we were doing a good job.”

Jeff and Ann’s affiliation with SJV began when they became parishioners of the church in 2002 and 2003, respectively. They sought an adequate school for their three children, a school with a strong focus on students’ academic performance, a strong inner community and opportunities to establish and build the foundation of their faith.

“It’s a blessing to be able to have a Catholic grade school in our community. The high academic standards, the great teachers, the excellent families that are involved in the school, the level of education, and when you can bring your faith and be involved in those aspects, it just helps accentuate the whole schooling process and development, child development. And, as a testament, I think our kids are well-rounded and are doing very well in school and outside of school and so forth. This helps bring everything together when you can lump the education, the child development and growing in your faith all together,” Jeff explained.

“Mostly what attracted me was the smaller class size made things feel real family-oriented, and it’s kind of a close-knit community in that sense. It helps the communication, too, between everybody when there are smaller class sizes like that,” Ann added.

In their many years involved with SJV as both parishioners and parents to SJV students, the Kurts have made waves of support for the school. Jeff has served three terms on the St. John Vianney School Board/advisory board, and Ann led the Support-A-Student scholarship program for SJV students.

In addition, Jeff and Ann are both involved with the Martin County Pork Producers, preparing several meals for school activities, open houses and fundraisers.

“I think [we] just want to help the school be successful. I feel like we owe the school those kinds of things because of the strong education the teachers there gave our kids. That’s kind of just a small way to give back,” Jeff said.

Their three children have since graduated from SJV (the school enrolls students in grades pre-kindergarten to 6). Ann explained that their connections to the school might not be as strong as when their children were students, but they plan to keep seeking avenues to support the school and its endeavors.

“We’re just trying to raise good kids, and do our part as far as helping the school be successful,” Ann said.

Their experiences has led the Kurts to encourage families to consider SJV as schooling option for children.

“When you’re looking for a school for your kids, if you think there’s any challenge at all or why you wouldn’t pick SJV, just go check it out. It’s not going to hurt to go check it out. And I think you’re going to love it,” Ann said.

There will be a preschool open house from 5 to 7 p.m. on Monday. Feb. 23. This will be the third year the school is offering full-funded preschool, thanks to a generous gift from Sharon Helmke, in memory of her late husband, Michael. There are 20 open spots.

*Editor’s Note: This article ran in the Sentinel’s Catholic Schools Week section on Jan. 20, 2026.