Dedicating fifty years to a career is impressive.  But committing fifty years to Catholic education is an achievement worthy of special recognition. St. Monica teacher Mrs. Sarah Avitalle was honored this past Friday during a Mass celebrating teachers who have reached milestones in their careers. Mrs. Avitalle began teaching in Philadelphia 50 years ago at the age of 18. 

During this time, Mrs. Avitalle said the Archdiocese of Philadelphia was in need of lots of teachers, so she taught while attending college, and has been teaching ever since. Currently she teaches kindergarten at St. Monica, but in her 50 years, she has taught several different grades, and is well known within the Catholic education community. 

Some of her students have even become colleagues. 

“Mrs. Avitalle taught me when I was in first grade here at St. Monica's, so that would have been in 1980. I think she inspired me to become a teacher," said Beth Coleman, now a 5th grade teacher at St Monica's.

Following the mass celebrating Mrs. Avitalle and other teachers, students both past and present were welcomed to a classroom party back at the school.

At the moment, Mrs. Avitalle has no immediate plans to retire.

"Well, I'm sure with my age I'm going to have to soon, but you know if my knees hold out, I hope to at least give it a couple more years.”