KEARNS — This year, St. Francis Xavier School has three teachers who are celebrating significant career anniversaries: Veronica Brand has been an educator in the Catholic school system for 40 years, Mary Cremer has taught for 30 years and Kathleen Kilby has been in education for 20 years, Members of the school community wrote the profiles.
Kathleen Kilby
Librarian/technology coordinator
“God gives us dreams a size too big so that we can grow into them.” – Author Unknown
You will find this inspirational quote on the wall in the school library, chosen by Mrs. Kilby, who is extremely proud of the library renovation, just one of the many additions she has been a part of during her 20 years in education, presently serving as librarian for St. Francis Xavier Catholic School.
Mrs. Kilby’s dream for the school when she first started was to have a “real library” for the students. She is a problem solver and has used this skill along with her love of reading to create educational programs for the students, instilling the same love and desire to read and learn.
Mrs. Kilby created numerous reading programs that are used today, brought technology to the library and the classrooms, and automated the library system. Through all of this, her most gratifying moments are when students come to her and ask her to help them find a book. She is incredibly proud of each student who makes the Reader’s Wall of Fame or the 90% Club. Mrs. Kilby has been able to work in her dream job and she encourages all students to “follow their heart and do what makes them happy.”
– Felicia New, SFXCS parent
Mary Cremer
First grade
Mrs. Cremer’s loyalty to teaching at Saint Francis Xavier School is verified through her 30 years of service. Mrs. Cremer first sought to become a wildlife biologist, but her heart was pulled in a different direction after only a few years of college, and switched to earning her teaching license. An evolving desire to guide young students on their path to learning and becoming knowledgeable members of society helped Mrs. Cremer on her way to becoming an exceptional veteran teacher. Her mother’s high school teaching career was an inspiration that fueled her passion for becoming an educator. Mrs. Cremer developed a high level of care and affection for each class that passes through her first-grade room. She has empathy when her students struggle, but learns how to help them and form a bond with them. Never has Mrs. Cremer lost desire for her vocation, and we hope she never does.
–Lacey Cintron, 7th grade SFXCS
Veronica Brand
Middle school social studies, literature, health and exploratory classes
Since she was 8 years old, Veronica Brand wanted to be a teacher. Now, she has been working in the Catholic school system for 40 years. Currently, she is teaching at St. Francis Xavier, where she started in 1991.
Her favorite thing about teaching is “working with young people,” she said. “I love sharing my enthusiasm for literature, history and my faith. But I also learn a lot from my students.”
From 2013-2015, I was blessed with the opportunity to have Mrs. Brand as teacher. Not only was I able to learn literature, history and religion, she taught me many life lessons; for example, the impact that a smile can have on someone’s life. I learned to appreciate literature, trust God, and be a better person.
Every day, no matter what was going on, she came to St. Francis with a smile on her face. From her hundreds of frogs to the library in the corner of her classroom, Mrs. Brand’s room radiates an inviting feeling that I still feel when I visit St. Francis.
Every day I think about all the lessons Mrs. Brand has taught me and I thank God that I was able to have her as a teacher.
– Maggie Condas, SFXCS Class of 2015
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