Please tell us about yourself.
I attended St. John Vianney as a child and graduated from Catholic Central in 2001. I was accepted at Grand Valley and graduated in 2005 with a degree in English and elementary education. I substitute taught in local public schools, until I was hired at St. Mary School. I moved to Big Rapids where I met my husband, who attended the school as a child. We married and had a son, Liam. He is now four years old and in his last year of preschool at St. Mary.
Describe your school.
Our school is unlike any other I have worked at. The population is small, but the faith is large! We have so many caring and generous families!
Catholic schools are different because...
I grew up in the Catholic schools. When I substitute taught, I felt something was missing. The crucifix on the wall has a powerful presence and impact on the day-to-day activities.
What drew you to teaching at a Catholic school?
To be honest, it’s all I know. I had some pretty fantastic teachers at St. John Vianney that shaped my faith, solidifying my vocation as a Catholic school teacher.
What is your favorite part about teaching? What are your greatest rewards?
My favorite part of teaching is watching the struggle and success that follows. My greatest rewards are having children come back to my classroom in the fall and say that they wish they could come back.
In your experience, what do Catholic schools do best? What does your school do best?
Catholic schools do a lot of things “best.” They shape and mold active, participating, kind, compassionate, and faithful people. Our school helps form the Catholics of tomorrow. Being from such a small community, their efforts surely stand out.
From the Principal:
Angela Denny has a strong faith and Catholic school background. She challenges her students in academics while still having fun doing it. Angela is very dedicated to her students and the school helping with the robotics program and other extra activities that the school offers. She has been at St. Mary's for nearly ten years.
Learn more about St. Mary Catholic School - Big Rapids at this link.