Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF – Good News/Fri-Yay

~ John W. Howell

Today’s good news story comes from YouTube and was sent to me by Maria Olimpieva. Thanks Maria.

Beloved teacher says goodbye after 50 years at St. Margaret School in Narbirth Pennsylvania

For fifty years, Dolores Lopresti  greeted generations of second graders at St. Margaret’s School with a smile, a lesson, and a heart full of love. Standing before students, parents, and former classmates on the day of her retirement, she admitted a surprising truth: during her first year of teaching, she cried every day and nearly quit. Fresh out of college, she felt overwhelmed. But with the encouragement of fellow teachers, she discovered her calling—and never looked back.

Mrs. Lopresti believed learning should be joyful. Whether she was dressing up as the unforgettable “Mrs. Pepperoni” to teach math or preparing children for their First Communion, she filled every lesson with laughter, patience, and kindness. To her, the students were never just pupils; they were family.

All the children wore Miss Lopresti buttons

Over the decades, she taught not only children, but eventually their children as well. Former students returned to thank her for changing their lives, inspiring careers, and giving them confidence when they needed it most. Her influence reached far beyond the classroom.

Flowers for the teacher

Although retirement marked the end of her full-time teaching career, Mrs. Lopresti knew her mission would continue. “Every day is a new day,” she reminded everyone. “Don’t give up. Be kind. Be loving. It’s not how you start—it’s how you finish. And once I’m your teacher, I’m always your teacher.”

Just a few who came to say farewell.

The good news in this story is when one loves what they do they can have a positive impact on all those they meet.

Today’s JohnKu talks about how other see us. I hope you have a lovely weekend

Impression by John W. Howell © 2026

People remember,

Kind and considerate help . . .

They repeat learning.

 

Here is a video of her retirement.

53 thoughts on “Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF – Good News/Fri-Yay”

  5. Oh, this is so beautiful! What a gifted life. Her joy has reached through generations and spread further. Thank you, John, for sharing her life with us. ❤️

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  15. Thanks to Dolores and all of the other teachers who constantly give of themselves to make their students’ lives better. I will be attending the wedding of one of my former third grade students in a couple of weeks. It’s nice to be so fondly remembered.

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