Today’s good news story comes from YouTube and was sent to me by Maria Olimpieva. Thanks Maria.
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.
Fiction Favorites 
What a joyful spirit she has! LOVED the video. Teachers like that make such a difference in the lives of children. Thanks for a beautiful feel good story. 🥰
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I thought so too. I wish I had had a teacher like her. Of course, I think I was a bit of a challenge. I came to know the vice principal very well. 😊
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😂
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😊
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Wow! You know how much I love this story, John. 50 is amazing, I’m only at 43.
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Plenty yet to come, Jennie. I cannot imagine you leaving those children to fend for themselves. 😊
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Thanks, John! 🥰
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😊
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That’s sweet.
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😊
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Bless Mrs. Lopresti! You can tell how much she loves those kids and her job–and the feeling is more than reciprocated.
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They do seem to love her.
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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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Thank you, Gwen. It is a life worth sharing. 😊
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It’s very nice to learn about such a dedicated teacher, John. That Mrs. Lopresti lasted so long is amazing to me.
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Me too, Tim. She certainly was dedicated.
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Yes, John. 😊
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What a legacy!
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I know, right? 😊
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Sad but yet happy!
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Yes, indeed. 😊
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HUGE heart smiles
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So glad you liked it, Annette. 😊
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She may be officially retired now, but I’m sure she’s not going to slow down a bit. Lots of energy…lots of passion for her chosen profession.
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She will be doing part-time work at the school.
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Love the inspiration and video, John. I sent it to my daughter who has been teaching 8th grade science for 15 years now. xx🙏🏼💕
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Aw, that is terrific that she has been doing God’s work for 15 years. Thanks, Cindy.
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Congratulations, Miz Loprestri.
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Thank you, Pat
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In fifty years, she made a huge impact on so many students. What an inspiration she is.
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So well said, Teri. That is exactly right. 😊
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Oh, dear John! What a splendid post & an amazing poetry! Thank you so much! I’m very happy that your audience liked the story.🍻🍤🍤🍤🌞🌞🌞
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Glad you like it, Maria. Thanks for sending it to my attention
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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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Wow, Pete. What a great honor. You should be proud.
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Being a teacher is not easy. I know, my wife used to be a teacher. One hard year turned into 50 years of blessings Dolores. That is amazing.
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It is amazing, Thomas. What a career.
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This is such a heartwarming story! I smiled all the way through it.
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I thought it was too, Liz. 😊
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What a special lady. I loved the video. What a legacy and so filled with love. Xxx ❤️
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I agree, Jennie. A terrific good news story.
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50 years. Wow! Remember, ‘if you love what you do, you’ll never quit”. I read that somewhere recently.
Goofy
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