MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
A shared history and renewed collaboration are bringing two of Hutchinson’s faith-based schools closer together, as Joe Godina, principal of Trinity Catholic Junior Senior High School, and Dr. John Walker, superintendent of Central Christian School, reflect on their past and present roles in local education.
The connection between the two administrators dates back decades. Before becoming colleagues in leadership, Godina taught English at Hutchinson High School for 22 years, where Walker was once his student. The former teacher-student relationship has since evolved into a professional partnership, with both now serving as leaders at private, faith-based schools in Hutchinson.
“It’s a huge blessing to have a friend just down the street,” Walker said, noting that the two reconnected after Godina was appointed principal at Trinity. Their relationship extends beyond the classroom, including years of playing recreational basketball together and now collaborating as school leaders.
That reconnection has also extended to their schools. Trinity and Central Christian renewed athletic competition this year, reviving a long-standing rivalry that dates back roughly 25 years to their time together in the former Heart of America League. The season-opening basketball matchup at Central Christian drew a large crowd and showcased strong sportsmanship from both student-athletes and fans.
“One of the most fun parts was seeing the two communities come together,” Walker said. “The environment was fantastic, and it really reflected the values both schools try to instill.”
Godina added that the renewed rivalry is about more than wins and losses. “It was a great way to tip off basketball season and hopefully the start of a long-term tradition,” he said.
During their joint appearance on the BW Morning Show, both administrators discussed how leadership roles in faith-based schools differ from those in public education. Godina, who spent more than two decades in public schools, said the key distinction is the ability to integrate faith openly into daily life.
“In a faith-based school, part of our role is spiritual leadership,” Godina said, pointing to daily staff prayer and weekly Mass at Trinity as examples.
Walker echoed that sentiment, describing administrators as “shepherds” who guide students and staff academically and spiritually. “We have the freedom and the expectation to point students back to Christ and to what God’s Word says,” he said.
When asked what they enjoy most about their work, both leaders cited the people they serve. Strong relationships with students, faculty, and families, combined with the opportunity to live out their faith openly, were central themes.
“It makes going to work easy every day,” Godina said.
Both administrators expressed hope that renewed collaboration between Trinity and Central Christian — whether through athletics or shared community connections — will continue to strengthen Hutchinson’s broader school community in the years ahead.