By CATHY MOUNCE, Register Staff Writer
Gainesville —
Junior High language arts teacher Sonia Swirczynski has been chosen by St. Mary’s School as the Catholic Schools Week Honoree for the 2012-2013 school year. Each year during this time a teacher is recognized for his or her contribution to education and St. Mary’s.
Swircznski’s 38 years of teaching experience has allowed her to teach most grade levels during her career including a stint as principal in a New Mexico school district.
Of the 14 years spent at St. Mary’s, she said, “I have enjoyed being here and have had a very rewarding life experience working with wonderful children, parents, and fellow educators at St. Mary’s.”
She said her decision to retire this year has been a difficult choice to make. “I will certainly miss the camaraderie and making a positive impact on my students, but I think it is time to pass the torch on to younger teachers that are more in tune with today’s ever changing world.”
A native of Muenster, Swirczynski looks forward to spending more time with family and friends but also plans to see more of the world outside Cooke County.
“I always wanted to travel and take a cruise, maybe to Alaska,” she said. “Once I quit thinking about lesson plans, the next chapter of my life is about having the freedom to do what I want.”
When asked about any advice she would like to give her students, she said, “I would tell them to just be the best person they can be and to do their best in any endeavor.”
What more could a teacher ask for?
