OCS secretary celebrates 45 years on the job

January 17, 2020 | 12:07 am

Updated January 16, 2020 | 6:52 pm

Maria Carr has been greeting students, parents, visitors and staff as they enter the Owensboro Catholic Schools for 45 years. For the past 31, she’s been doing it at the OCS 4-6 campus, and many parents who are now dropping off children remember Carr from their own days at the school.

OCS 4-6 campus Principal Tracy Conkright said that Carr is an asset to the school. The two have worked together there since 1998, and Conkright said that beyond Carr’s “unbelievable” work ethic, she is compassionate, supportive and willing to do anything to help anyone.

“Parents and students know they can always count on Ms. Carr to answer any question or accomplish any task,” Conkright said. “She is as protective of our students as she is of her own children and grandchildren.”

Carr said she feels blessed to have the faculty and staff as her school family, and she includes present and past secretaries in her network of support.

“I feel we enjoy each other’s success and cry and pray together over our sorrows,” Carr said.

Carr said she enjoys working with the school community to make a difference with children and their families.

“As many who work in schools, I see this not only as a job but a ministry and service of my Catholic faith,” she said. “Seeing Christ in our students is the greatest reward when sharing the day with these young people. I see they have placed their trust in the school community and are secure in knowing we will assist them to meet their faith, education and social goals.”

Carr graduated high school from St. Mary’s Academy in Paducah and then moved to Owensboro to attend Brescia College, which is now Brescia University. She has two sons, seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, all of whom she considers the “joy and blessings” of her life.

Throughout her career, there have been changes in her job description in addition to technological innovations. Carr joked that there was “a lot of White Out” when using a manual typewriter or writing something out by hand prior to today’s computers.

She also said the changes in building security and student safety have become top priorities during her career, including the “enormous impact” social media has — and will continue to have — on the students and education.

“The school administration supports all of us to address these challenges and many others in a very positive way,” Carr said.

Carr enjoys traveling to visit family and friends outside of Owensboro, reading and spending time in her yard — even though she said she does not have a green thumb.

She doesn’t have plans to retire at this time but said when she does, she hopes to volunteer with a school or her church parish.

“She is a great asset to our school,” Conkright said. “She is more than a co-worker, she is a true and valued friend. She is loved and admired by everyone here.”

January 17, 2020 | 12:07 am

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