Sinsinawa
Spectrum
A Congregation News Magazine
Dominicans Say ‘Good-bye’ at St. Michael Academy
by Elizabeth Dunn, OP
From left: Srs. Martha Rohde, Barbara Becker, and Gloria Glynn at a St. Michael Academy party.
On May 29, parishioners, faculty, staff, and students of St. Michael Academy in Fernandina Beach, FL, said good-bye to the Sinsinawa Dominican Sisters who have fostered a love for learning in their school, including Barbara Becker, OP; Gloria Glynn, OP; and Martha Rohde, OP. They will not be returning next year.
In 1999, Martha; Barbara; and Liz Dunn, OP, received an invitation to reopen a century-old academy which had been closed for 30 years. As we assumed the leadership of the school, we were cognizant of the rich tradition and spirit of the Sisters of St. Joseph of St. Augustine who had founded the academy in 1881.
To come to St. Michael Parish to a school that had been closed for 30 years and to help form a strong educational and rich faith community was a challenge at first, but after 10 years we came to realize the deep bonds of affection and lasting relationships that were established not only in the Academy but in the parish and in the Fernandina Beach community. These friendships continue to be a gift to us.
On June 21, Deborah Suddarth will come as the new principal of the school.
In the spirit of Father Samuel Mazzuchelli, OP, we set out for a place, and I remember all of us looking at a map to see where Fernandina Beach was located. We were given tremendous support and love from many to accomplish our mission. As we leave Fernandina Beach it is with great confidence and peace. We know that together we helped build a future for a wonderful Catholic elementary school upon which other leaders will continue to build a better world.
To read more about the school, visit www.stmichaels-academy.org on the Internet.