There is something special about each and every school, but there is something truly magical about Catskill. The Catskill Mountains and the Hudson River cast their spells, to be sure. However, there is more to it than that. We have a long tradition of decency, honor, and good old fashioned community here at Catskill that beckons its students back. Many graduates move on. We bid them a fond farewell and keep track of their accomplishments. We have remarkable alumni: world renowned stem cell research scientists, published authors, West Point war heroes, major league baseball players, boxing champions, doctors, lawyers, artists, actors, rock stars…you name them we’ve had them…and they have all done us proud! However, as a teacher in the Catskill district for thirty years, I am most proud and tickled by our brightest and our best who have come back to give back.
Over one fourth of the district’s faculty is comprised of Catskill graduates - born, bred, and educated right here in river city. I taught most of them! It was a treat to have them in class, but how wonderful it is to have them as colleagues. When you ask some why they chose to teach here, their answers are simple and heartfelt. Karen Osborn started right out of college as my substitute when I was on my second maternity leave. She was hired as a full time teacher the following year. She fondly reminisced... “My teachers supported me through my tough teenage years. I felt compelled to give back to this school community that had shown me such kindness and guidance. When I did return as a teacher, my former teachers were enthusiastic, supportive, and so very proud. I now have a former student who is teaching at my side. I cannot even begin to tell you how reaffirming and gratifying it is!” Ed Synan, English teacher and resident gentleman and scholar here at Catskill, was one of those teaches who inspired Karen. He read Karen’s comments, smiled, and then added “It always lifts me up when I hear students say that they want to be teachers. I tell them that it’s a great job and wish them luck. But to teach, side by side, with some of the people who used to be in my classes…it’s hard to explain how good that is.” Joyce Notarnicola, who has been teaching French here for twenty-two years, remembered something said when she was hired; Mr. Stickles, then principal, referred to Catskill as the “Unknown Crown Jewel of Greene County.” Joyce soon discovered that the value of a Catskill education was not as unknown as Stickles thought. “The teachers knew it; the parents knew it; the administrators knew it. But, more than anybody, the students knew it. Look how many came back here to teach.” Carl Carrozza has taught here forever! Two of his students are currently teaching in his science department; one is his department chair and immediate supervisor. Carl mentioned that another one of his students, Wendy Casalino, now special education teacher, is one of his favorite colleagues. “I just love working with her on our Greater Sense of Place Program. When I tell her how great she is, she reminds me that she only got a B- in my class. But then I remind her that she was a daydreamer and that dreamers make the best teachers.” These dreamers or as I call them, “our teacher-grads,” are our dreams come true! And at the risk of sounding sickening sweet and self-serving… it’s almost like children coming home to work in the family business. We must have done something right! What a tribute and an honor to have our graduates join our ranks! “Their dreams were their ticket out, who would’ve thought they’d lead ‘em back here where we need ‘em?” “Welcome Back! Welcome Back! Welcome Back!”
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L. Ferrara"Speak your mind even if you voice shakes." ArchivesCategories |