A Note from Mr. Horner
I have felt privileged since my first day at the Academy to stand upon the shoulders of giants and follow in the footsteps of saints. Today we honor and celebrate the career and impact of one such individual – Mrs. Marcia Renken – as she moves into retirement in June 2024.
In her four decades at the Academy, Mrs. Renken has guided generations of students, serving with wisdom, faith, and a deep sense of her own Sacred Heart spirit and experience. As a teacher and principal, the character and heart with which she cares for each student, each teacher, each parent is exemplary. I believe that it was with Mrs. Renken in mind that Maya Angelou wrote: “… people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” I know that each day working together has been a gift, and each day I am better because of her living the Sacred Heart charism.
Reflections from Mrs. Renken
I have felt both honored and privileged to be a part of the Academy community. My parents were my number one influencer and I value every opportunity, lesson, and advice they offered me. Their decision to send me to Sacred Heart was the perfect match of shared values. My years as a student were quite impactful and I have always been proud to be a graduate.
To my surprise, Sr. Patricia Steppe, RSCJ called me inviting me to teach Primary. She had been my First Class teacher and later the principal during my middle school years. Because she herself was an extraordinary and visionary educator, my “yes” came quickly. Thus began my teaching years in 1982.
There was little conversation when my own children became school-aged. My husband agreed there was no other place for them and thus, our family. I was so very happy to give to my children what my parents had given to me – a unique learning experience where I was surrounded by strong teachers, advanced curriculum, an awareness of the world around me, and nurtured to believe in myself.
I continued to teach Primary and First Class until I joined the academic administration in 1999. I have always known I am a teacher. The thought of leaving the classroom was challenging – I love being with students. I quickly learned that I could have a bit of everything; I could continue to teach and work with faculty at all levels and meet with parents to gain a stronger understanding of the students that come to school each day. The expanse of my daily interactions made me realize that I could have it all in a place that I deeply love.
Preparing for a new school year brings me great joy. I love buying school supplies, creating bulletin boards, planning new lessons, and the joy of new beginnings. A recently added perk to my days is greeting my two grandsons each morning as they pass my office on their way in. Lucky me!
As I shared my decision with the faculty and staff in early August, I shared my love for the start of the new year knowing it would be the best year ever. It is proving to be just that – the best community of faculty, staff, students, and parents that have given me many opportunities to learn, share, play, and pray together. All of which is priceless and will forever be one of the greatest treasures I have received.
Mrs. Renken’s impact to love our students, mold and shape our curriculum, and support our faculty is profound. We are forever grateful for her gracing us with her presence and by making every day better. We will have opportunities to wish Mrs. Renken a very well-deserved and happy retirement. For now, let’s make this the best year ever in celebration of all the gifts she has so humbly and generously shared with our school.
Parents, please feel free to celebrate this news with your children!
We offer this announcement early in the year in order to begin the search for our next principal. While preliminary outreach has started, the posting and public recruitment will soon begin. We will keep our community informed of the process and candidates. If you have any questions, please contact Tim Horner at thorner@ash1818.org.
