More than a dozen faculty and staff members were recognized for their service to Bishop O’Dowd High School at a staff meeting held on February 7, 2018.
Counselor Janet Huff was celebrated for an incredible 40 years of service. During her tenure at O’Dowd, Huff has served as a Spanish and French teacher, Counseling Department chairperson, Director of Curriculum, and Assistant Principal. She also developed the initial Learning Disabilities Counselor position at our school, helping prove that students with learning disabilities and ADHD can be successful at a college preparatory high school.
As the Counseling Department chairperson, Huff changed the face and function of the department, current Director of Counseling Fran Warmerdam said, incorporating more academic and college counseling into what had traditionally been mostly personal counseling.
“Today, she continues to establish nurturing relationships with her students and families. She shares in their joys and triumphs and skillfully supports them through difficult times,” Warmerdam said.
Added Warmerdam, “She hired me many years ago, and still serves as a great mentor and example to me.”
Religious Studies teacher Lina Schoendorf was honored for 20 years of service, while Assistant Director of Student Activities Marguerite Green, Social Studies teacher Ray Lehner and Fine Arts teacher and department chair Thien Pham were recognized for 15 years of service.
Those celebrating their 10 year anniversaries with O’Dowd included Office Manager Jeanne Dupont, Director of Student Activities Starr Gray, English teacher Martha Hawkins, Religious Studies teacher and department chair Diana Murray, Director of Instrumental Music Fred Randolph and World Languages teacher Michael Turnacliff.
Associate Director of Campus Security Michael Dixon, security staff member Luke Renfroe Jr., PE teacher Lou Richie, Art teacher Chris Roscoe and Academic Coordinator Darling Vinavong were acknowledged for five years of service.