ST. CLOUD -- Congratulatory cheers flooded the halls of St. Cloud Cathedral High School Tuesday morning as the school honored retiring teacher Fred Rupp.

The school, along with St. Cloud Mayor Dave Kleis, dedicated May 23 as "Fred Rupp Day". To show their appreciation for his time at Cathedral staff arranged for Rupp to be picked up in a limo Tuesday morning along with a walk down a red carpet entrance into the school.

St. Cloud Cathedral health teacher, Bob Bjornstad has been Rupp's colleague for nearly four decades. He says Rupp makes a lasting impression on everyone he meets.

"Fred really is an inspiration to not only students but staff alike. Having worked with him for 35 years, you wouldn't find someone more positive, someone who really has an impact on everybody that he comes into contact with."

Rupp has been teaching biology at Cathedral for 42 years. He says playing a part in shaping a student's future is what has made his job so gratifying.

"Since I started teaching people would say 'oh kids today' and usually in a negative way they would say that. In my world kids today are great and just as good as kids of yesterday, and the year I started and in some ways better."

Although Rupp is retiring from teaching he says he'll still have a presence at the school.

"I'll still be involved with coaching so I won't miss out on my time with the school. I just won't be in the classroom anymore."

Rupp is currently the boys cross country coach and the director the Voyageurs Wilderness Program.  He says he even though his teaching career is coming to an end, Cathedral will always be his home.

"I love this school, there's a culture here that allows kids to be successful that in other settings might not be and that's this place to me."

Rupp graduated from St. Cloud Cathedral High School in 1969.

Fred Rupp (far left) Photo by: Chrissy Gaetke, WJON
Fred Rupp (far left) Photo by: Chrissy Gaetke, WJON
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