St. Raymond School throws party for principal

St. Raymond School students, faculty and parents honored Principal Dawn Kapka recently with a special day of events celebrating her 11 years at the school.

Kapka began her career at St. Raymond as an intermediate teacher and then served for six years as associate principal. The last four years she has served its principal.

Kapka will start work as principal of St. Anne School in Barrington in the fall.

The day featured a “Wizard of Oz” theme. Students lined Lincoln Avenue near the school and the school band played as St. Raymond parent Chris Inorio drove Kapka to the gym in a red convertible.

There, she was greeted by “The Mayor” of the City of Saints in the County of SRS (St. Raymond School), played by student Vince Shields; “Glinda,” acted by student Alice Kenny; and “Munchkins,” represented by the preschoolers.

Kapka “followed the yellow brick road” into the gym, with the rest of the students close behind. “The Wizard,” performed by student Luke Maslanka, narrated the program.

Students presented Kapka with gifts, including the key to St. Raymond, and serenaded her with special songs.

At an all-school Mass, Assistant Principal Tina DiLorenzo spoke and the students presented Kapka with more gifts, including an oversized final report card and a quilt made by parent Mary Siefke.

Kapka's family was present at both ceremonies.

An evening reception hosted by the School Advisory Commission, Family and School Association and the Athletic Association gave parents an opportunity to wish Kapka well.

Named a National Blue Ribbon School in 2009, St. Raymond School, as a parish elementary school (pre-K though 8), is an integral part of the faith community of St. Raymond de Penafort in Mount Prospect.

For details, call (847) 253-8555 or visit www.st-raymond.org.