When spring break is over, the Office of Catholic Schools begins planning for the next school year. We begin by reflecting on what has happened within the current school year. What went well? What could use improvement?
This year is a little different. Marguerite Olberts, associate superintendent, is retiring at the end of the school year. My thoughts and reflections are a mix of emotions, including sadness and thankfulness, for having been blessed to work with Marguerite for the past 10 years at the diocese.
I first met Marguerite when we were both students at Mount St. Mary Academy. I remember her warm smile as she would greet me in the hallway when we changed classes. Many years passed before we saw each other again at a Professional Day for the Catholic Educators in our diocese. She was the principal at Our Lady of Fatima in Benton, and I was a teacher at St. Edward in Little Rock. I don’t remember the words that we spoke to each other, but I remembered that warm smile.
When I became a principal, I remember how nervous I was about the upcoming principals’ retreat. That warm smile became a welcoming phone call inviting me to ride with her to Subiaco Abbey. The entire car ride turned into a crash course on learning the names of the other principals and which school they served.
When I was hired as the associate superintendent of schools, I saw so many gifts and talents in Marguerite. First and most important for a Catholic school, she had a wonderful prayer life. She had a positive attitude, no matter how difficult the situation. She truly loved and cared about every single student and parent, regardless of the predicament. She was organized and worked hard for her school. Her leadership was top-notch. The list could go on and on.
Marguerite announced that she was leaving St. Theresa’s School in Little Rock 10 years ago, not sure what the Lord had planned for her. But she knew it was her time to no longer be a principal and not work as often. What luck! The Catholic Schools Office had a part-time position. She would be the perfect candidate.
The experiences from her serving at St. Theresa and Our Lady of Fatima gave her the tools she needed to support the principals and the teachers. She gave of herself with her whole heart and soul.
At a recent retreat I attended, our retreat master asked us to reflect on the person whom we admired and what qualities stood out to us about that person. Immediately, I thought of Marguerite and the many gifts and talents she has, and her warm smile.
