CULLMAN, Ala. – The St. Paul’s Alumni & Friends Dinner and School Auction is the largest fundraiser of the year for St. Paul’s Lutheran School. “It is a fantastic evening filled with nostalgia and fellowship among parents, alumni and friends. We are proud to share that (this year’s) IMPACT Award recipient is Sue Westerfield, longtime church secretary and school supporter,” said a media release.
The IMPACT Award is an annual award presented by St. Paul’s to those students, teachers, support staff and church members who’ve made significant contributions to the school and community.
The 2025 Alumni & Friends Dinner and School Auction will take place Saturday, March 1, at Cotton Creek. During the dinner portion of the evening, St. Paul’s will present Westerfield with the IMPACT Award.
“Mrs. Sue Westerfield moved with her family to Cullman in 1976 and has been serving St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and School ever since. Her support of clergy, church staff and school staff has been invaluable,” said the release.
Information about tickets and more is available at www.stpaulscullmanptl.com or in the school office. Follow St. Paul’s Lutheran School on Facebook and Instagram for the latest information regarding this and all other events at St. Paul’s Lutheran School.
More on the IMPACT Award
The following was included in a church newsletter (reprinted as written):
It is with immense joy and gratitude that we announce a special honor for our cherished church secretary, Mrs. Sue Westerfield. For nearly five decades, Sue has been an irreplaceable part of the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and School family, serving with unwavering faith, dedication, and love.
During this year’s Annual School Auction and Alumni Dinner, St. Paul’s will proudly present Sue with the IMPACT Award. This annual award is given to individuals—students, teachers, support staff, and church members—who have made significant contributions to our school and community. Sue exemplifies everything this award stands for, and her legacy of service has touched countless lives in ways we can only begin to express.
The IMPACT Award is inspired by the words of 1 Peter 4:10-11:
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.”
Sue’s life is a testament to this scripture. Since moving to Cullman in 1976, she has served St. Paul’s as our church secretary, providing essential support to clergy, staff, and our school. She views the school as the church’s ministry, supporting it not only in her work but also through quiet generosity that has had an immeasurable impact.
Sue’s dedication goes far beyond her daily responsibilities. Over the years, she has been a fervent supporter of our annual auction, even bidding on—and winning—a skydiving experience, which she proudly completed to celebrate her 80th birthday. She approaches life with courage, joy, and an adventurous spirit that inspires us all.
Her faithfulness has shone brightest in times of challenge. During the tornado outbreak in April 2011, Sue sought shelter under the church stairwell. Once the danger had passed, her first thought was to check on the safety of the church and school before making her way home.
Please join us at the auction and alumni dinner as we celebrate Sue and her remarkable service to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and School. Together, let us honor the impact she has made and express our deep gratitude for her faithfulness and love.
In Christ’s Service,
The School Fundraising Committee
