Teacher Feature
 Mrs. Sherri Gemmell joined our St. Paul family this school year as our Academic Resource Teacher. With a commitment to fostering academic success, Mrs. Gemmell plays a vital role in providing personalized support to students. Her approach is centered on understanding each student's unique needs, helping them navigate their academic challenges, and empowering them to achieve their goals and reach their full potential. She works in conjunction with our faculty and school counseling office. This month we asked her a few questions to know her a little bit more. Thank you Mrs. Gemmell.
How long have you been an educator? I have been a middle school and high school educator for 28 years. For nearly my entire career, I worked as an employee in the Archdiocese of Hartford Catholic schools. What is your favorite academic subject? Without a doubt, my favorite academic subject is English. I am passionate about reading and writing, especially if there is a mystery to unravel in a novel or an argument to establish in an essay. What is your most memorable moment in your teaching career? When I think about the years I’ve spent as a teacher, my most memorable moments would be when my students were recognized for their accomplishments for using their knowledge in a real world scenario. In particular, I was awed when a group of students took on a podcasting challenge as part of their classwork. The group became known as the “Pod Squad” and they were recognized at a regional VFW meeting for their podcast, “Thanking A Veteran.” The students interviewed many veterans and then produced a very moving podcast using choices and techniques they learned in class. What are some of your hobbies? I am absolutely an outdoor enthusiast and love to be out in the sun whether I am enjoying a good game or doing yard work. I am an ardent gardener and spend much of my free time tending enormous perennial flower gardens. I also walk with my dog every day and play golf at least once a week. And each day, I make time to read or listen to a good mystery novel. What is your favorite thing about St. Paul? What I love best about St. Paul Catholic High School is its community. From the moment I began at SPCHS, I felt welcomed, valued, and respected. Which one of the five St. Paul core values do you align with the most? When I think about the five St. Paul core values, I think I align most with service. I love to use my energy and talents to help others whenever possible. In my role here as the Academic Resource Teacher, every day allows me the opportunity to serve others; administrators, teachers, staff, and students. Who is your biggest inspiration and why? My parents have been the most influential people in my life. Through their love, support and example, I have learned to be self-sufficient and hard working. As entrepreneurs, my parents needed to seek more education in business management and marketing which required night courses outside of the regular work day. I have learned to seek education to better manage all of the tasks that life requires: job, home, entertainment, and most importantly being a strong and confident person. I’ve learned from my parents that although you can learn the skills to be an independent person. Using my parents’ example, I try to instill the same values in my family, friends, and students. If you weren’t a teacher, what would you be? As a teacher of stories and information, I always incorporated digital media into my lessons. My love of stories and information along with my interest in digital media would provide valuable skills for a position as a librarian. I could also help students or people to discover their own passion for reading, writing, and creating products. What's your favorite holiday, and why? My favorite holiday is Thanksgiving because it is a time for celebrating all that is good in our lives and relaxing with family. I also love the football games that are part of Thanksgiving activities. | 
Can't make it to a game? Watch all St. Paul home games taking place on McPhee Field or in the Rev. Brian Monnerat Gymnasium streaming live on the NFHS Network 
