Since she was in first grade, Miss Cathy Nowokunski knew she wanted to be a teacher. And for the last 45 years, what a teacher she has been! It is with mixed emotions of excitement and sadness that I announce the retirement of Miss Nowokunski at the end of this year.
When Miss Nowokunski set out to become a teacher, college professors told her that she would never make it as a teacher - that she wasn’t serious enough. Boy, were they wrong! Miss Nowokunski joined the SJCS community in 1989 as a second grade teacher. Throughout her 31 years at St. Joseph Catholic School, she has given each student with whom she works the most wonderful gift: the gift of confidence. She has always believed that once a student has confidence, they can do anything. Year after year, she comments, “the math will come; the reading will come; he first has to believe in himself.” She has spent the last 31 years growing students’ confidence and cultivating relationships with her students so that each one knew their importance to her. She taught students how to think differently, to trust themselves, to recognize their gifts from God, and to take responsibility for their own learning. She has said many times that she’s “old school,” but her old school ways were very effective. In her 45 years of teaching, she has educated well over 1300 children, inspiring many of them into the teaching profession. Her “ripple” effect is truly astounding.
We will miss our very own “Miss America,” Final Four and Super Bowl guru, as well as her wit, wisdom and uncanny ability to connect with children in ways that allowed them to learn, grow and shine beyond their own expectations. Whenever we hear, “Living On a Prayer,” we will think of her, smile and most likely, dance, too. We will look for her at Impact Field for a Chicago Dogs game this summer and at the Northwestern football games this fall. Maybe, if we’re lucky, she’ll join our substitute list and extend her stay a bit longer in our school? Miss Nowokunski’s legacy will always be a part of the St. Joseph story - in its halls, classrooms, students, alumni and families that she has touched over the last 3 decades.
There is not a child in our school who doesn’t know that impact that Miss Nowkunski makes on others. Her large personality, loving spirit and genuine gift to connect with students sets her apart from others in the teaching profession. To quote Mr. Holland’s Opus, “Look around you. There is not a life in this room that you have not touched, and each of us is a better person because of you. We are your symphony, Miss Nowokunski. We are the melodies and the notes of your opus. We are the music of your life.” Congratulations, and God Bless!
In gratitude,
Anne Phoenix
Principal, St. Joseph Catholic School