Saint Margaret School in Narberth honored retiring teacher Miss Dolores Lopresti with a festive ceremony that included a ride on a fire truck and the proclamation of May 29 as Miss Lopresti Day. After five decades of service since 1976, Lopresti will officially retire on June 11 but intends to stay involved on a part‑time basis.

Fire Truck Ride Caps 50‑Year Teaching Milestone

The celebration’s highlight was a ride in a local fire truck, a nod to the community’s appreciation and a symbolic “full‑circle” moment because one of the firefighters was a former student.. According to the school report , each grade performed a short presentation, and students cheered as the vehicle rolled through the courtyard, underscorinng the deep personal connections Lopresti forged over her career.

May 29 Declared Miss Lopresti Day by Principal Patti Dougherty

Principal Patti Dougherty formally designated May 29 as Miss Lopresti Day, noting that the teacher’s kindness and dedication have become a hallmark of the school’s culture. “She was just a great teacher. She was an inspiration to everybody. So kind, one of the nicest people you’ll ever meet. Tiny, but furious,” Dougherty said, emphasizing the lasting impact of Lopresti’s approach to education.

Family Tale of a Blackboard Wish Highlights Lifelong Passion

Lopresti’s brother, Tony Lopresti, recounted a childhood story in which a young Dolores asked Santa for a blackboard, then spent evenings teaching her dolls.. As he told the school, “She lined up all her dolls, and she taught them every night after homework,” a anecdote that illustrates how her love of teaching began long before she entered Saint Margaret’s classroom.

Lopresti’s Planned Part‑Time Return After June 11 Retirement

Although the official retirement date is June 11, Lopresti announced she will work a few days each week at the school. “I’m going to do part‑time a couple days here,” she said, and Principal Dougherty confirmed the school welcomes her continued involvement. This arrangement may set a precedent for retaining veteran educators in a limited capacity, though the long‑term staffng implications remain unclear.

Will Lopresti’s Part‑Time Role Influence Future Staffing?

The school has not detailed how Lopresti’s reduced schedule will be integrated into the existing faculty roster, leaving questions about whether other long‑serving teachers might follow a similar path. As the report notes, the community’s response has been overwhelmingly positive, but the practicalities of part‑time coverage for her classes have yet to be disclosed.