Principal Capotosto delivers farewell speech

Rosemary Capotosto, principal at St. Paul School since 1999, gave her final farewell to the parish at the last student Mass of the school year Thursday morning. Here is the text of her farewell:

42 years ago I began a career in education but not by choice. Being a part of a religious community, you did as you were told. Teachers were so desperately needed in the late 60' s that you could teach through a cadet program which had you going to college classes nights, weekends, or summers while maintaining a teaching certificate. In 1969, two years after beginning this teaching, I returned to the Akron area and continued at Akron U. to complete my teaching degree. I graduated in 1971 and taught four years at St . Hilary School. In 1975, I had my frrst child and decided to be a "stay at home" mom. I added two more children to the mix and remained at home for eight years.

In 1983, my youngest child was ready for kindergarten and I began looking for a teaching position. I found one here at St. Paul School teaching first grade. That was the best decision of my life. I taught frrst grade for three years, fifth grade for one, and remained teaching English in the junior high for eight years. A late-in-life decis!on sent me back to Akron U for a degree in Elementary Administration while still teaching here. After completing this degree, I became the principal at Immaculate Conception School. For four years I remained. but kept in contact with teachers from St. Paul to see how things were going.

When the position of principal opened back up in 1999, I returned being once again hired by Fr. Jenkins. It was like returning home after a long vacation. These last 10 years have been filled with victories, sadness, and fun. We have accomplished much as a school and the thanks go to the fantastic faculty that guide your children every day.

As I say good-bye and thank you to all of you know that in my heart there is a space for my three children and their spouses, a space for my grandchildren, and a huge space for the many, many parents, students, and staff that I have had the privilege of knowing and working with these past 10 years. May God bless and keep you always in his care.

**************************
See the earlier article on Mrs. Capotosto