Our Teachers

Our Teachers

What happened then . . .

. . . Where are they now?

Some of those who we called our teachers inspired us, while others intimidated us, yet some of them left an impression that changed our lives for the better. It is because of these individuals that our lives as young adults were enriched with a good education and a certain wisdom that made us better than we would have been without them. They nurtured our youth and enabled us to learn while we grew into young men and women.

If you have any news on these or any other IHS teachers, let us know. Some of our memorable teachers and favorite stories.

Sister Herberta
Ms. Beatrice Miranda
Father Madigan
Sister Shelia
Sister Marionetta
Father Keeney
Sister Mary De Angles
Mr. John Denaro
Mr. Noel LaFrance
Mr. Patrick Finnan
Mr. Salvatore Emanuele
Sister Florence
Sister Amabilis
Sister Rebecca
Father Quinn
Mr. James Corcoran
Mrs. Mary Clarke Shea
Mr. Francisco Martin
Mrs. Mastrangelo
Mr. Bergen
Mr. Robert Cox
Mr. James Corcoran
Ms. Cherly Fagnano
Ms. Mary-Jean McAvoy
Mr. William Kuther
Sister Jane
Father Zicarelli
Sister Karen
Ms. Helen Exharhos
Ms. Maria Del Carmen Villar
Mrs. Benita Davis
Sister Basil
Ms. Sharon O'Connell
Mr. Baker
Sister Edelina
Sister Joanne
Sister Cosmos
Father Sakano
Monsignor William Rinchler
Mother Superior Sister Clare Marie
Mr. Michael Mello
Mr. John Reagan
Mr. Thomas Dorso
Mr. James Barnett
Mr. William Irving
Mr. William Kealy
Ms. Mary Ann DeVincenzo
Ms. Rosalind Panepento

Remembering When?

Joe Savio: I remember Sister Karen pulling my tie in freshman year and it coming off in her hand. Oops!

Jim Ward: In junior year, the bus ride to a basketball game at Salesian High in New Rochelle. We visited the liquor store on 34th street before the bus left, drank too much but won the game anyway. We got nailed by Sister Basil on Monday and thought wed get kicked out but there were too many of us to get expelled.

Vera Simpsom (Gallagher): A thank you to Mr. Emanuelle for being patient, kind and understanding.

In 1972 the freshman class went to the Statue of Liberty to see President Richard M. Nixon. Mr. Barnett encouraged the students to introduce themselves and shake the President's hand.

Juliana R. Valiente: Ms. McAvoy was, at that time, a recent SUNY-Stony Brook graduate with reddish hair, green eyes, and the personality to match. She taught Religion and Government from 1969 through 1971. She was considered somewhat of an "activist" and "hippy" back in those days. I'll never forget the hub-bub she caused amongst our parents and IHM Sisters when she took my Religion class to visit a Buddhist monastery ... but what a wonderful experience! She figured "Religion" class should encompass "all religions", not only Roman Catholic. As I recall, she was close friends with Mr. Cox (another teacher at that time), then left around 1971 to have a baby. Would love to know if anyone has any info on her whereabouts today.

Teacher's Teacher

It is said that the greatest form of flattery is imitation. So it would only be fitting that the teachers who inspired these fellow classmates to follow the same path should be flattered and very proud.

Mr. James Barnett never gave up on me. No matter what I did or how bad I failed a class he made sure I got into Marymount Manhattan College. Wherever you are. Thank you! I made it!! Because you were a great teacher I became one too. I began teaching Special Education in Maine. I am a Technology Teacher for pre-K through 12 grade. I teach everything from basic computer skill to web designing. I also teach senior citizens and disabled children and adults the joy of computers.
Rosie Del Tejo-Williamson '78

It took me a lot of years to realize that teaching is a passion! Too bad that I didn't realize that while in college!
Maria Matos(Richardson) '71

Graduated from Pace University with a Degree in Computer Science. Today I work with youth -- teaching girls programs.
Daisy Toro (Lizardi) '77

I became a teacher after graduating from Baruch College. Currently, I am getting a Masters in Education.
Magdalena Perez (Vega) '77

Where are they now . . . ?

Mr. James Barnett, who taught history, is an elementary school principal in upstate New York.

Mr. William Kealy, an English teacher at IHS, has been an Assistant Principal on Long Island for the past 19 years.

Mr. Thomas Dorso, who taught at IHS from 81 through '89, has been teaching in the NYC public school system mostly in Brooklyn.

Mr. Salvatore Emanuele, who is both an alumni of IHS and was a faculty member during the seventies recently joined the Bash of the Decade reunion. He is seen in the center of the picture at the reunion festivities.

Memoriam

It is with our deepest regret that we inform you of the passing of these beloved teachers. While our parents, family and friends are expected to influence and affect our lives, rarely do we encounter someone who permanently leaves a positive mark on our existence. It is with the greatest respect for these individuals that we bow our heads in silent prayer and give thanks that our paths crossed.

Mr. William Irving, an English teacher at Immaculata High School, was a wonderful person, gentle man and kind soul. In September 2000, he passed away after battling cancer. A memorial was held in the Fall of 2000 which was attended by his family, friends and the extended IHS family. He greatly influenced the students and fellow staff members who knew him in such an illuminating way that he will be greatly missed by his family and friends as well as all of us from IHS.

Visit the IHM web site for more information on the nuns who taught at IHS.