After over two decades of service, Montini Catholic staffer retires

Montini Catholic High School in Lombard recently announced the retirement of administrative assistant Sue Martin, who has been a vital member of the Bronco family for 21 years. She was honored for her service during the Lasallian college preparatory school's Founder's Day ceremony on Friday, May 21.

Martin became a member of the staff in 2000 when son, Jonathan, Class of 2004, became a Bronco his freshman year. Coincidentally, at that time Montini was looking for an attendance officer. "I was a stay-at-home mom for 16 years. When Jonathan became a Bronco, so did I!"

Martin has always worked in the main office at Montini, but is quick to point out that the main office has moved from her first days at the school. "I was always at the front desk, but the front desk wasn't always where it is now. When I started, the main office was on the 16th Street side (where student services currently resides), and then I moved along with the main office to the parking lot side with the building of the new administrative center." The new center was part of Phase II of Montini Catholic's "Celebrate our Future, Building On Success Capital" campaign in 2005.

Martin feels very impacted by, what she considers, very precious time spent at Montini's front desk. "I feel working here has increased my 'coolness' factor. Spending time with the teenagers has been a blessing and has kept me up to date on the latest trends/sayings!"

Her retirement decision has caused a wealth of emotions and remembrances to flow. "I have been thinking back fondly about the teachers and students who have come through here. In dealing with the students I have always tried to instill a sense of 'do the right thing,' or 'always take the high road.' I was not teaching them math or history, but I felt I could teach them life skills and a good sense of self worth." (Which is the ultimate goal of a Lasallian educator - to touch the hearts and minds of students.)

Martin has celebrated many traditions and has seen many trends come and go throughout her two decades at Montini. She is grateful to have had the opportunity to chaperone two student trips to Spain and France and has seen many walkathons, Golden Gobbler Food Drives, Homecomings, Turnabout Dances and Kairo Retreats (to name just a few).

"I cherish those memories greatly and I will always remember working amongst a staff of people who were all working toward the same goal - to do what we could to provide an excellent and well-rounded education for the teenagers that have been entrusted to our care," Martin said.

Number one on her retirement "to-do" list is to travel. She is looking forward to being able to get out and go without being beholden to a school calendar. "I also would like to perfect my baking skills. So I will probably be on campus often handing out goodies!"

Words of wisdom for anyone wanting to work with teenagers at a bustling high school? "Some days will be easy - most days will be crazy, so take each day as it comes! But above all, have fun and enjoy the students!"

Montini Catholic President Jim Segredo said, "We are truly going to miss Sue, her sense of humor and the positivity she brought to school with her everyday. We are counting on seeing her back here to visit - she will always be a member of our Bronco family - and we wish her nothing but the best with her retirement!"