Mary Grable to retire from St. Edward School for the second time

Bella Bailey

Multimedia Correspondent

Beloved teacher, mentor and principal Mary Grable is to retire for the second time as principal of St. Edward School, Cynthiana. Her dedication and devotion to St. Edward School was celebrated by the community at the end of year Rose and Candle Ceremony.

This annual ceremony is a farewell to the fifth graders as they prepare to leave St. Edward for the local middle school, however this year the community was also saying goodbye to Mrs. Grable. During the Rose and Candle Ceremony the fourth graders give the fifth graders roses to take with them on their new adventure and the fifth graders give the fourth graders a candle, reminding them to lead the school with the light of Christ.

Mrs. Grable and principal-elect, Mark Hatmaker, teacher at St. Edward School, participated also in this ceremony with Mrs. Grable bestowing the ceremonial candle to Mr. Hatmaker and Mr. Hatmaker presenting Mrs. Grable with a dozen roses.

“Twelve roses is probably not enough for all the dedication you’ve given to the school, but we thank you Mrs. Grable,” said one faculty member as the rose and candle exchange was occurring.

“I want to express my sincere gratitude to Mary Grable for coming out of retirement to serve as the interim principal of St. Edward School. She worked tireless during this time leading the school. Mary is a true servant leader who gave so much of her time to help St. Edward,” said Kendra McGuire, superintendent of schools for the Diocese of Covington, in response to the Messenger request for a comment.

Mrs. Grable has been a tireless servant leader, in both her first and second term as principal, putting first the needs of the students and their faith formation. Upon her first arrival at St. Edward School the pastor at the time said that while academics are important, it was her job to turn them into saints. This was a motto she said that stuck with her throughout her tenure.

“My first year here we had a mirror that we put up,” said Mrs. Grable. She would tell the students, “You should see Christ in everybody, so go look in the mirror. Is Christ looking back at you, or is it somebody else?”

Father Niby Kannai, pastor at St. Edward Parish, Cynthiana, said about Mrs. Grable, “Her deep Catholic identity, lived so faithfully and joyfully, has been a shining example for our children and families. Her tireless dedication and tender love for every child has not only educated minds but also formed hearts in Christ.”

Mrs. Grable’s career started at Southside Elementary School, Cynthiana, where she served for 27 years as a special education teacher, before retiring from public education and transitioning to St. Edward School.

As a principal, Mrs. Grable says her favorite part is watching the kids grow up. “Watching people grow,” she said, “after all these years somebody comes back … it makes you feel like you’ve done something.”

Mrs. Grable expressed her sound support for the incoming principal, Mr. Hatmaker, “He’s interested in learning, but he’s also interested in what their future is going to hold and how close to God they’ll be. That’s what I think we need,” said Mrs. Grable.

Upon his being named principal, Mrs. Grable shared with Mr. Hatmaker a poem,

“Isn’t it strange that princes and kings,

And clowns that caper In sawdust rings, And common people,

Like you and me,

Are builders for eternity?

Each is given a bag of tools,

A shapeless mass,

A book of rules;

And each must make –

Ere life is flown –

A stumbling block

Or a steppingstone.”

Mrs. Grable said she hopes she has built a steppingstone for Mr. Hatmaker, and that he will build one for the next principal. Leaving a lasting legacy for the future students of St. Edward School.