Schools
Director of Children's Own School Retires after Four Decades of Service
After 41 years, Rosina Orr Cullinane, the Director of the Children's Own School, retired.
Retirements are often bitter-sweet affairs. For Rosina Orr Cullinane, her retirement party at the was more sweet than bitter.
Cullinane was the Director of the Children's Own School since 1970 and during her tenure instituted and oversaw the one million dollar plus addition of the Paul and Jessica Lohnes Pavilion – a big class room on the end of the school that has held the student's spring and winter concerts as well as many guest performers over the years.
“She really defined an era here at the school and optimized our natural philosophies,” said Christine Schmitt, the events' coordinator. “It's sad to get to the end of her era, but fortunately we have a wonderful Director taking her place.”
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Mary Beth Caruso, a teacher at the Children's Own School for the past 19 years, will be the school's next director. Caruso and dozens of other school staff and parents attended Cullinane's retirement garden party where drinks and refreshments were served and the music of the a capella group, Talk to the Hand, delighted the crowd.
What did the retiree have to say about her time at the school and her leaving: “Shakespeare said it: 'They do not love that do not show their love.' I would say, no matter what we do, if we don't do it with love, it goes to naught. Here, the parent's love poured out for me. I am very privileged to have been the director of this school for so long, it has been an interesting journey.”
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A copper, honorary bench is also in the process of being crafted in dedication to Cullinane's four decades of service, and also to her late husband, John, who passed away last year.
The plaque on the bench will read: “Their loving guidance has touched the hearts and minds of our children. Their leadership and vision are an everlasting legacy to the Children's Own School.”
Although formally retired, Cullinane was announced that she will still be an active member at the Children's Own School on the Board of Directors and as Supervisor of Education.
