McCarthy named educator of month

CONGRATULATIONS- The city and the Chamber of Commerce recently recognized St. Mary Magdalen Catholic School second-grade teacher Claire McCarthy as educator of the month. From left are the Rev. Jim Stehly, Principal Marquita Yriarte, McCarthy and Mayor Jan McDonald. McCarthy named educator of month

Claire McCarthy, a secondgrade teacher at St. Mary Magdalen School, received the Educator of the Month award Fri., Feb. 2 from Camarillo Mayor Jan McDonald and the Camarillo Chamber of Commerce.

McCarthy has been teaching for more than 20 years at St. Mary Magdalen School.

She pioneered many programs, such as the Assisted Living Outreach Program in which her students visit the elderly, Faith Formation Programs in Padre Sierra and St. Mary Magdalen parishes, Earth Day and Parent Career Days in which she encourages her students and parents to give to their community.

When presented the award, McCarthy said, "When students come back and give me that hug and tell me what they are up to, it makes it all worth while in everything I do. I hope to have had some impact in their life." She was surprised to receive the honor and thanked all students, parents and staff.

Julie Merrick, education committee representative, presented McCarthy with awards and gifts from businesses within the community.

The Rev. Jim Stehly, pastor of St. Mary Magdalen parish, closed the ceremony with thanks to the McCarthy family for all they do to support education.