\nIt is with a mountain of mixed feelings that I announce my retirement at the end of this school year. St. Joseph School has been a huge part of my life for many years. My family moved from Toledo to little ole St. Johns when I was 10 years old and my mother enrolled her four children in St. Joseph School and started working in the school Hot Lunch Program. After attending here as a student in grades 5-8, I moved on to St. Johns High School and college at MSU (Go Green!) then returned to St. Joe to teach third grade in the fall of 1970. I have been here ever since, teaching grades 2, 3, & 6 for 22 years before I moved to the office where I have been principal for 20 years. It is time, after 42 years, for someone else to take over.
\nI have been blessed beyond measure by my association with St. Joseph School. I have spent my days in the company of colleagues who have become dear friends, sharing life-defining moments\u2026 births of our children, deep losses of loved ones; the joys and sorrows of our lives. We have bonded in the richness of our faith and the mission we have shared as workers in the vineyard of a Catholic school. What an amazing environment in which to spend my professional career!
\nSometimes I find myself just shaking my head that I should be so lucky to have been impacted by so many wonderful people. I know that I have met people who never would have crossed my path were it not for my association with St. Joseph School.
\nI have seen parents loving and making sacrifices for their children on a daily basis. While none of us is perfect at this parenting vocation, I have been surrounded by people really trying to do the best they can for their children. I have watched generations of parents, grandparents, and members of the parish giving generously of their time, talents, and resources. We, as a school family through the years, have faced many challenges as well as moments of deep sorrow when tragedy struck. At those times, I have seen us band together to make things happen. I have continually been amazed by the power of loving, compassionate people making an impact on their world. I have been humbled and inspired by your goodness.
\nAnd, of course, the children! They have taught me so much. They have filled me with joy, touched me with their innocent wisdom, been examples of such tender love, and inspired me with their openness and respect. I watched so many grow beyond St. Joe and into adulthood; many, in turn, entrusting their own children to our care.
\nIt has been an incredible honor to serve this parish as an educator at St. Joseph School all these years. I am so proud of our school and grateful to this parish for financially, emotionally, and spiritually supporting this ministry. It is always my hope that we have positively impacted the children and our families, and that we have had a hand in helping to shape them into loving, faith-filled people who can make a difference in our world.
\nLooking onward to my retirement fills me with both eagerness and sorrow. I will miss the joy of spending my days with children and the inspiration and stimulation that comes from so many wonderful adults; colleagues, parents, and volunteers. I look forward to the freedom that comes with being on my own clock, and time spent with my family and friends. My deepest and most sincere appreciation goes out to all who have touched my life. You have blessed me more than you will ever know.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
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St. Joseph School, St. Johns