Visible in the classroom of Dolores Lopresti is an incentive for everyone who sees it, “It’s not how you start, it’s how you finish that matters.”
After fifty years of teaching and learning at Saint Margaret School, Dolores Lopresti knows exactly what that means.
This beloved-by-all teacher has inspired many, many students not just in her assigned classes but also school-wide.
When one meets Ms. Lopresti, her magnetism and joy are irresistible, and immediately contagious.
All of Narberth celebrated the now famous Dolores Lopresti for fifty years of dedicated and joyful teaching at Saint Margaret School. (Photo submitted by Mary Brown)
Dedicated to every component of what a Catholic School education means, Ms. Lopresti also knows how to inject fun and humor in her time with students.
When interviewed about the homage and celebration for her at Saint Margaret School near the end of the school year, Dolores Lopresti exclaimed, “Friday, May 29th was an amazing day for me, more than I ever dreamed of!”
This veteran teacher added, “Fifty years have gone by in a blink because my job has been filled with lots of love and joy.
“It is hard for me to be the center of attention, but that day it all flowed so naturally because I am part of an amazing community.”
Friday, May 29 was a gorgeous and sunny day as students, faculty, and guests climbed the venerable steps to the Saint Margaret of Antioch parish church for an early Mass presided over by Monsignor Paul Dougherty.
The dedicatory Mass was lovely in every way, especially made memorable by the children’s singing.
With exuberance, at the end of Mass, everyone filed across Narberth Avenue to meet in the school gym for tributes by students in all grades to Ms. Lopresti.
There is no doubt that Ms. Lopresti hugged, greeted, or thanked every single student, resulting in an infectious thrill and contentment for all.
Thinking of career high points, Ms. Lopresti commented, “I have countless precious moments, my most favorite is preparing the second graders to receive Penance and First Communion.
“The children are so open and excited. They are filled with wonder and faith, which renews my faith. They have so many questions and are so innocent. It’s a great time of seven weeks of preparation for each Sacrament.”
Ms. Lopresti’s sense of humor comes to the fore, “I have many funny stories and memories.”
Most of all, she continued, “I want my students to remember that if they love what they do, they will be successful. Be kind and caring. It’s not hard to do. The world needs it!!”
To top off the May 29 celebration in the Saint Margaret School gym, there was ice cream and popsicles for everyone while Ms. Lopresti magically disappeared and was seen again inside a Narberth fire truck.
Narberth Fire Department Chief Fran Dixon and NFD’s Bill Henderson stand with Edwin Walker who answered the call and took the wheel for the rousing ride around the Borough and up to Saint Margaret School on Friday, May 29. (Photo submitted by Mary Brown)
As the fire truck, with her former student Edwin Walker as Narberth Fire Department driver, made its way along Narberth Avenue from the center of town to Saint Margaret School, all onlookers – students, teachers, families, and guests – waved and shouted to their queen for a day.
In response, the now famous Ms. Lopresti waved and blew kisses of joy and love to everyone, later commenting, “The Fire Truck was a blast — more fun than I ever imagined! Maybe a new career!!??”
Of course, Ms. Lopresti has a favorite Frank Sinatra song, in addition to loving them all: The Best Is Yet to Come, Lyrics and Meaning by Frank Sinatra, Count Basie from It Might as Well Be Swing (1964).
“Out of the tree of life, I just picked me a plum
You came along and everything started in to hum
Still, it’s a real good bet
The best is yet to come
Best is yet to come, and babe, won’t that be fine?
You think you’ve seen the sun
But you ain’t seen it shine
A wait ’til the warm-up’s underway
Wait ’til our lips have met
Wait ’til you see that sunshine day
You ain’t seen nothing yet
The best is yet to come, and babe, won’t it be fine?
Best is yet to come
Come the day you’re mine
Come the day you’re mine
I’m gonna teach you to fly
We’ve only tasted the wine
We’re gonna drain the cup dry
Wait ’til your charms are right for these arms to surround
You think you’ve flown before
But baby, you ain’t left the ground
A wait ’til you’re locked in my embrace
Wait ’til I draw you near
A wait ’til you see that sunshine place
Ain’t nothin’ like it here
The best is yet to come, and babe, won’t it be fine?
The best is yet to come, come the day you’re mine
Come the day you’re mine
And you’re gonna be mine”
Dear readers, think back fifty years to September of 1975 and share in congratulating with me and with the entire grateful Saint Margaret School community a wonderfully enchanting and dedicated teacher Ms. Dolores Lopresti.
Mary Brown, a member of Saint Margaret of Antioch Parish, is a weekly columnist for Main Line Media News.