News Detail
Lupton Leaves Legacy
One of the best… our family loves him…. the best history teacher I ever had… These are the comments heard when people talk about Don Lupton.
Friday, May 19, Mr. Lupton left his classroom to the strains of “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow” and the St. John fight song after 48 years in education, the last 17 of it in Catholic education. Students, faculty, and staff lined the hallways as the band played, greeting Mr. Lupton with constant cheers and applause, as he shook hands, high-fived, and hugged the assembled crowd. According to Lupton, the tribute caught him off-guard, as he thought he would leave the profession with little to no fanfare.
“The celebratory lineup in the hall with the band playing was beyond belief!” Lupton remarked. “It certainly made my time in education worth every minute.”
Mr. Lupton graduated from Pueblo South High School in Pueblo, Colorado and attended Colorado State College. He earned his Master’s degree in Education and administrative certification at the University of Colorado, Boulder. His formative years as a member of a military family allowed him to travel from state to state and overseas which developed his love of history. Over the course of his career, Mr. Lupton has worked in both public and Catholic high schools as well as community college.
Don Lupton has been a fixture at St. John XXIII College Preparatory since the school opened its doors as Pope John XXIII High School in the fall of 2004. During his time at St. John XXIII, he taught Geography, World History, U.S. History, American Government, and History of the American West. In addition, he served as Dean of Students, Interim Principal, and Assistant Athletic Director at St. John at various periods over the years while at the school. Mr. Lupton developed the Lion Ambassador program in 2006 and was Student Government moderator for two years.
At St. John’s end-of-year brunch May 26, Mr. Lupton was recognized as Teacher of the Year for 2017 and was presented a plaque bearing his name in recognition of his dedication and service to the school as an educator and administrator. The plaque will be placed outside a classroom of his choosing and the room will be known as The Lupton Room in his honor.
While Mr. Lupton is retiring from the classroom, he is not leaving the school or realm of education entirely. He is planning to be involved in some athletic scouting for St. John XXIII, and you might find him in the press box with the offensive coordinator at home football games from time to time. He also would like to serve as a mentor to new teachers at St. John on a part-time basis. “(I’d like to be an) observer, guide, helper if I can… it’s hard to totally walk away,” he says. With family nearby, he is also looking forward to spending time with his grandsons and traveling.
In a message to the faculty and staff, and with characteristic humility, Lupton noted, “One of the greatest things for a teacher is to get the plaudits of your peers and your students…you have made me feel that during my time here I have done some worthwhile things.”
Mr. Lupton, we wish you well in your retirement. Your gifts of service and dedication have had a lasting impact on all who know you and are your legacy at St. John XXIII. Kudos to you, sir, and Godspeed.
St. John XXIII College Preparatory forms the hearts and minds of young men and women in a Christ-centered community dedicated to academic excellence, the pursuit of virtue, and service to others in the Tradition of the Catholic Church.
