Sister Mary Ann Tupy is completing her years of ministry as Principal at St. Francis of Assisi School in Greenwood, MS. It is with sadness and deep appreciation that so many attempt to thank her and wish her God’s blessings.
Open House was sponsored by the combined Advisory Council and Home School Board.
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- The cafeteria was arrayed with beautiful tissue flowers made by Sisters Annette, Elena and Kathleen,.
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- A hint of Hawaii appeared at the refreshment table for the Open House .
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- Br. Craig and Br. Patrick spoke in the name of those gathered expressed their appreciation of Sister Mary Ann.
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- The Friars, among many, have been blessed to have Sister Mary Ann here.
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- Sharing of stories filled the evening.
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- Planning for the future marked other conversations.
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- Great memories with good friends
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- How do these chair coverings go?
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- A bit overwhelmed by the Southern warmth shown toward her
The school children had their opportunity to express gratitude to Sister Mary Ann also. May Day began typically with the student body gathered in church for a prayer service. Following the service Sister Elena presented a video montage of many St. Francis students finishing the sentence, “If I were Sister Mary Ann, the first thing I would do when I got to Hawaii would be…” This brought many laughs and led us into the next event.
Then all left church to go to the playground where they gathered around the May Pole. The May Pole wrapping was dedicated to Sister Mary Ann. Here a chair, covered in an authentic silk screened purple cloth (purple being the color of the Island of Kauai), was provided for her. Let the fun begin!
Following the May Pole dance, each class presented a lei which they had made for Sister. Each class crafted a unique type of lei, so Sister Mary Ann was bedecked with a variety of creations using money, candy, beads, and flowers of silk, foam and paper.
The Sisters had some plans of their own…in a Hawaiian theme of course!
One of Sister Mary Ann’s favorite places in Mississippi is Lake Grenada so it only seemed right that we would include this in our plans.
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- We left later than expected so we picked up our lunch on the way to the park. Time to eat!
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- The day was perfect to enjoy a little sun and a cooling breeze.
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- As all good Franciscans we have our favorite ice cream spot on the way home.
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- A beauty only God could create
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- Sister Elena had a little fun renewing her rock skipping skills.
Sunday Mass offered an opportunity for the parish to celebrate Sister Mary Ann and wish blessings upon her.
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- Fr. Greg asked the school children who were present to come up and join him in blessing Sister.
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- Sister Annette got to pin the corsage before Mass.
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- Brother Patrick shared some of his favorite memories of Sister Mary Ann as Principal.
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- One of St. Francis graduates expressed his deep gratitude for all Sister had done for him.
A picnic/tamale dinner was held after mass.
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- A Hispanic family asked if they might make the cake for this special day.
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- Sister Mary Ann and her ever ready smile.
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- Tanya Carter, WABG News Anchorwoman came to greet Sister Mary Ann.
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- Sister Elena cuts the cake as Fr. Greg observes her skills.
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- Sister Kathleen and Br. Patrick helped serve the dinner.
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- Sister Mary Ann visits as she enjoys the picnic and tamale dinner.
The final day of the school year came to a close and as is typical, the faculty and staff shared a relaxing meal together before the work of finishing up the classrooms began. They took this opportunity to say thank you to Sister Mary Ann.
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- Brother Patrick manned the kitchen and prepared a delicious Hawaiian themed meal. Check out the beautiful salad!
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- Expressions of thanks were given in the name of all.
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- Sister Mary Ann’s secretary helped with the presentation of gifts.
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- Sister Mary Ann and Ms. Gilmore have been a great working team all of these years. Ms. Gilmore warned Sister that next year she should listen for her name to be called from a distance as she is sure she will continue her practice of calling across the way to the Principal’s office, “Sister Mary Ann!” as she has every day for 6 years!
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- Good food, good sharing and good fun.
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- The beverage and dessert table were attractively arranged.