Goodbyes can be tough. Everyone knows that. Especially to a teacher that was so well liked by the student body here at Central. After two and a half years of teaching Latin and Spanish, Miss Victoria Abbondanza is leaving. Friday, February 22, will be her last day before she takes up her new job as a Latin teacher at the Beaver Area School District. Luckily, I was able to interview her before she left.

Q: Which teacher do you dislike the most at Central Catholic?

            A: Just kidding.

Q: What has been your most memorable experience at Central Catholic so far?

A: Probably my second semester teaching here. That was when I stepped in for Mrs. Salamacha [to teach English], and got the chance to get to know students outside of Latin class.

Q: “Which teacher at Central Catholic do you believe you are closest with, and why?”

A: “I would have to say Mr. Retenauer. He and I have very similar personalities, and I’m close with his wife as well.”

Q: What was the funniest moment you ever experienced at Central?

A: The freshmen/sophomore winter dance of this year, because the sophomores got me to do the Dougie in front of the students.

Q: Name one of your favorite students you taught at Central and why.

A: Richie Shulik, because as much as he never did his work, he always made the entire class laugh.

Q: Lastly, how has being a part of Central Catholic impacted your life?

A: Central has shown me what it actually means to care about people in your line of work. I have learned that by doing for others, you are doing for yourself. Above all, I have seen God in every person I have met here at Central.

After two and a half years of teaching Latin and Spanish at Central, Miss Abbondanza will be sorely missed. Going above and beyond teaching language, she was also the moderator of the Culture Club, and participated in volunteer opportunities, such as being a group leader at KAIROS. Many students enjoyed the way she taught class. For those of us who never took her class, she was always a cool teacher to talk to in the hallways. So, what more is there to say? Well, I’d like to say thanks and so long, Miss Abbondanza; I’m sure you’ll kill it in Beaver.