Resurrection Catholic School Principal Brenda Weaver has announced her retirement after 45 years in Catholic education.
A Lancaster native, Weaver attended St. Anne School and Lancaster Catholic High School before choosing education as a career.
“I was naturally pulled to Catholic education because my parents instilled in me a love for my faith and learning,” she said.
Weaver earned a master’s degree in education from Millersville University in 1977 and a bachelor’s from York College in 1973. She began teaching at Our Mother of Perpetual Help in Ephrata. In 29 years there, she taught third, fourth, fifth grades, sixth grade Language Arts and second grade religion.
“Each day was a new adventure,” Weaver said.
She fondly remembers teaching social studies and math, but she also recalls the laughter that came many days like when she and students celebrated Thanksgiving feasts with hot dogs, and heart-wrenching days like the time she sat on the floor in the hallway with a child who needed to be held.
When she moved into school administration, she embraced the chance to work in the city. “I felt I was returning to my roots,” she said. She served two years as assistant principal at Resurrection and took over as principal after the incumbent died suddenly. She’s been principal there 14 years.
Her biggest reward came from hundreds of smiles and hugs from members of the school family, truly, she said, “the greatest joy of my life.”
Anyone who knows her will tell you Weaver refers to students as “my kids.” She believes the job requires such a bond. “If you love the kids, respect their cultures, have a passion teach and a calling to pass on the Catholic faith, please apply for the position.”