Congratulations Mrs. Walsh on Your Retirement!

  We recently said goodbye to Mrs. Ronnie Walsh, ‘58 as she moves on into her well-deserved retirement. Mrs. Walsh has served as our Assistant Principal and Director of Early Childhood for the past nine years, but her history at GSS begins further back.

Mrs. Walsh began her time at GSS as a 5-year-old First Grader. After graduation and moving on to work for many years in other educational settings, she returned to GSS full circle at a critical time. This journey began with a postcard, a call from her fellow alum, Friends of Good Shepherd (FoGSS) founder Rich Scarlata and a meeting with the FoGSS co-founder John Brennan. It was a cocktail party at the NYAC for alums interested in keeping GSS open for Inwood children. Mrs. Walsh knew she wanted to be involved in that effort. Mrs. Walsh played an instrumental role as a Board Member of FoGSS to save Good Shepherd School from closing in the early 2000s. Her work, along with the dedication and commitment of FoGSS, Good Shepherd School was saved. Mrs. Walsh has said, “The last 10 years of GSS’s existence has been a tremendous challenge and a real labor of love from two Pastors, Father Robert and Father Tom, and our two Principals. They have been supported by a very talented group of FoGSS Board Members who have pooled their gifts and talents to keep GSS alive and also raised a tremendous amount from GSS alumni whose love for Inwood and this school continues right to this day.”

Mrs. Walsh went on to serve as Assistant Principal under two principals, Mrs. Agnes McNamara and Mrs. Geraldine Lavery, and then took on the additional responsibility of the Director of Early Childhood program.

“At an event here a few years ago, I said it is my wish that GSS will be standing and vibrant in the year 2025 to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Cornerstone on the Cooper/Isham corner 1925. God willing, I’ll even be present for the celebration. Although I’m stepping away now I’m not going too far and of course, Good Shepherd is always going to be with me and my family with love, memories and a lot of laughter,” Mrs. Walsh said.

Mrs. Walsh, we wish you a wonderful and relaxing retirement and lots of precious time spent with your four grandchildren. Thank you for everything you have done for Good Shepherd, you poured your heart and soul into your alma mater, and you have made a difference for our students. We will look forward to your visits!