Cathy McNabb was the Dean of Students, and she could not have been more gracious. She showed me around and answered all my questions, even when I continued to call her over the following weeks. She was impressive and enthusiastic, and my visit with her (in combination with the many things I had already learned and heard about Trinity) sold me on Trinity as the place for my daughter.
A year later, the school was facing some difficult decisions, and decided to make a change in the Principal position. Cathy was asked to serve as the Interim Principal for one year. Keep in mind that Cathy is trained as a counselor, not a teacher, and that she does not possess the licensure typically required of a Prinicipal. As of today, Cathy is still the Principal, and will be resigning from that position at the end of this school year. Her kids will have graduated from Trinity, and she'll be moving on to life's next challenge.
Five years later, I look back with amazement. We've had a great experience and much of the reason rests with Cathy McNabb. What she has done is nothing short of incredible. Enrollment has grown, morale has improved...she has built trust and earned respect. She wasn't paid nearly enough for what she did, but she served well. She fostered the caring environment that we as parents sought, and was there for my family when one of my children needed special help.
I just finished serving for the past few months on the School's Search Committee for a new Principal, and we just hired the person who will take Cathy's place. We found a great person...one who I am optimistic will do an outstanding job. Selfishly though, I can't help but be a little sad that Cathy won't be our Principal anymore.
You may not know Cathy McNabb. Those who do, know what a great person she is and what she has meant to the lives of so many young children. I know that my children will remember Cathy when they have children of their own.
Marysville needs more people like Cathy. The world needs more people like Cathy. What an example of servant leadership she is, and she deserves our public praise and gratitude.
Cathy, on behalf of my family and many others, what a great five years you gave us! I can't tell you enough how much you are appreciated and will be missed. You've been more than the Prinicipal to us... you've been a good friend.
Chip Hubbs is the President/CEO of Memorial Hospital of Union County, and is a part-time shuttle service driver for his four young children.
