Meet the Eckelkamp Family

The Eckelkamps arrived at St. Laurence parish in 2002. Dan and Joy Eckelkamp have two beautiful Saints, Anna Lee (19), Class of 2018,  a freshman at Fordham University in New York, and Ryan (14), an 8th grader at SLCS.  Dan works as a commercial construction project manager in the areas of healthcare and education.  Joy is recently retired and enjoys being a full time stay-at-home mom. Previously, she was an IT program manager at Chevron. Since her retirement, she has been very active at SLCS volunteering. She is the morning carpool star who wears a big smile every morning! 

Joy, a proud first-generation Texan American, was born to a Taiwanese family that arrived in Texas for their American dream. Dan, a cradle Catholic, was born and raised in Houston.  His family hails from north Texas and ran a dairy farm. Their children are a perfect blend of Taiwanese and American cultures. Family culture and traditions run deep in both families. Joy and Dan are very aware of the importance of cultural education and advocate traditions at home. The family celebrates both American and Chinese holidays, building strong foundations and shaping a little family culture stemming out of two different cultures together. 

Catholic education and academic excellence of SLCS were highly recognized by the Eckelkamps when deciding on their children’s schooling choices. Joy often credits her own mother for guiding her to pursue Anna Lee and Ryan’s enrollment at St Laurence Catholic School.  Based on St Laurence’s excellent reputation,  Saints Anna Lee and Ryan both started their journeys of learning at WCP (Weekday Children’s Program).  After WCP, the supportive community won their hearts again so the journey continued to SLCS ECC then elementary and middle school.   Joy is thrilled that the tradition of a SLCS education continues through extended family with Joy’s niece (Penelope) and nephew (Bennett) now attending SLCS as well.   
 
One of the Eckelkamps’ fondest SLCS memories was the Go Texan Day dance program where all Americans, Texans, and anything in between really come together to showcase country and western dances from 1st grade-4th grade.  In addition to seeing the children progress to more complex dances over the years, it was a wonderful get-together of our close-knit community. 

Another important aspect of Anna Lee and Ryan’s Catholic education at SLCS is their years spent “upstairs” in middle school. Joy really appreciates the experience in the Band for Ryan and Teen Leadership class for Anna Lee. Ryan has had a tremendous experience, developing a passion for music and taking on multiple leadership roles. Within her 8th grade Teen Leadership class, Anna Lee “found her voice” and became more confident expressing herself.  It was this year that Anna Lee began speaking out on behalf of our community’s marginalized.  Seeing Anna Lee and Ryan’s progressive growth and flourishing in school has always been a great joy to the Eckelkamp family.

The Eckelkamps have been honored to witness the evolution of our school for the past 16 years. Joy and Dan emphasize the importance of Catholic education. SLCS is a church instrument that not only educates children academically but more importantly, raises leaders and saints. The emotional support of the community, the academically advanced programs, and the lifelong friendships among families all integrate nicely together and result in an amazing place for the progressive growth for future generations.
 

Once a Saint, Always a Saint!