After four years working at FC and nearly 14 years involved with the school, secretary Lisa Dooley considers it time for a change. Dooley is stepping down from her position, with her last day being Jan. 13.

“I have worked here for four years,” Dooley said. “Madison [Dooley, ’11] was a lifer here and I was totally involved as a parent for all of her 13 years here.”

In her place, Vickie Belmont, mother of students Noah, ’14, and seventh grader Sydney Belmont, will now fill the role of the secretary, alongside secretary Brenda Warkentin.

Considering her favorite aspect of the FC community, Dooley says that she appreciates the tight-knit atmosphere and close relationships.

“The small community allows for personal contact with everyone,” Dooley said. “I feel like I know every single student here and most of their parents. I have a personal relationship with most of them also.”

Although he only came partway through the first semester, junior John-Paul Caprioglio has come to know and appreciate Dooley well over the past few months. Hearing of her near departure, Caprioglio expresses sorrow, and recognizes a number of Dooley’s qualities.

“It is no positive feeling,” Caprioglio said. “She was always the first person I saw in the morning and the first person to put a smile on my face which I will miss more than ever. Her attitude was always positive towards everything which is one of her many special traits that I and the rest of the student body will miss.”

As a freshman, Kathryn Damschen has not spent a great deal of time with Dooley, but has always observed kindness, she says.

“I don’t know her very well, since this is my first year, but what I do know about her, so far, is that she always gives the best advice, and she’s always there for the students,” Damschen said. “No matter who walks into the office, she always greets them with a warm smile.”

Now, with spare time on her hands, Dooley has a wide range of options on how she will replace her time working at FC. Though she has no plans yet, she aims to stay busy.

“I am one of those people that likes to keep busy,” Dooley said. “I hope I find lots to do. I have asked Brenda to keep me in mind if she need help around here.”

“I hope for Mrs. Dooley to succeed in whatever she does and to be constantly watched over and kept safe,” Caprioglio said. “She is one special person, and I will never forget her.”

On her last day working at FC, Dooley has one final message for the FC family:

“I love you all! Each and every one of you,” Dooley said.

For more news, read the Jan 10. article, BRIEF: Feather returns for second semester.