By Lindsay Steele
The Catholic Messenger
WEST POINT — On his final day as principal of Holy Trinity Elementary, Michael Sheerin could not help thinking about how much he would miss his students. “It’s honestly like losing a part of your soul,” he said of retirement.
Sheerin, who also served as chief administrative officer, retired Oct. 30 after more than 30 years in education.
Michael Sheerin, center, poses for a photo with teachers Melissa Pieper, left, and Megan Rempe during a Halloween celebration at the Holy Trinity Elementary in West Point last month.
A native of Ireland, Sheerin came to the United States in 1981 with the intent of playing soccer professionally. While staying with relatives in Lee County, he met his future wife, Shelley, whom he married in 1983. While soccer remained a vital part of his life — he later served as a soccer coach at Holy Trinity — he decided to shift his career ambitions to education.
One of his first positions was at Aquinas High School in Fort Madison, which later merged to form Holy Trinity Catholic High School. He has been an administrator in the Holy Trinity Catholic School system (HTC) since 2012.
Lee Morrison, diocesan superintendent of Catholic schools, called Sheerin “Iowa’s most energetic administrator. I have had the pleasure of working with and knowing Michael Sheerin for 28 years. He coached and taught several of my children.”
Brenda Graham, HTC’s marketing and admissions director, said Sheerin played a vital role in several major projects. Construction of the new elementary school, creation of a 21st century classroom at Holy Trinity High School in Fort Madison, and major technology upgrades for the entire school system were among major projects completed. “HTC is extremely grateful for Mr. Sheerin’s many years of service and dedication to Holy Trinity,” Graham said.
The HTC School Board will begin an immediate search to fill the role of elementary principal. In the interim, junior/senior high principal Craig Huebner will serve as principal for kindergarten-12th grades.
Sheerin said the accomplishments made during his tenure would not have been possible without the support of the people around him. He said he is grateful for the students, teachers, parents, staff and community support “that have championed this school system through good times and bad.”
