ST. CHRISTINE'S SCHOOL Current and former pupils say tearful goodbye to longtime teacher

Mrs. Kesner said she was born to be a teacher.
By JoANNE VIVIANO
VINDICATOR EDUCATION WRITER
YOUNGSTOWN -- Ask kindergartner Chase Kovacs why his teacher Mrs. Kesner is special and he doesn't take long to think of an answer.
"She really likes me and I like her," Chase says.
That sentiment, perhaps, is why a few tears were shed recently when Mary Jane Kesner was met by some of her former pupils who wanted to say goodbye.
After 35 years of teaching -- and thousands of pupils -- at St. Christine's School, Kesner is retiring in June. She still sings and dances with her class. And she still loves her job.
"She always has that same glow about her, the same radiant smile," said Chase's mother, Lisa Kovacs of Austintown. She was a pupil of Kesner's 27 years ago. "She makes everyone feel so comfortable and loved."
Presenting Kesner with a bouquet of yellow and purple flowers, Mahoning Common Pleas Court Judge Maureen A. Cronin stopped by to say, "I love Mrs. Kesner."
She was in Kesner's first-grade class in the early 1960s.
"I just liked coming to school. She was just so wonderful," Cronin said.
Cronin also gave Kesner -- who spends many hours at Mill Creek Park -- a gold "runner" charm. "She really demonstrates how wonderful life is," Cronin said. "She's an asset to our community."
Always a kind word
Also on hand to visit was Laurie Pugh of Austintown. Kesner taught her 28 years ago and also taught Pugh's three sisters.
"She always had a kind word and could make you do something by saying it in the nicest way," she said.
Kesner now has Pugh's son Anthony in class, and Jonathan, a third-grader, also went through her class.
"When you think of St. Christine's, Mrs. Kesner is the first thing that comes to mind," Pugh said.
Mark Kiraly of Boardman said his kindergarten year with Kesner helped form the basis of his Catholic education -- the most important thing in his life. She has taught three of his four children.
"I'm sorry she can't have the fourth," he said.
His daughter Emily, who is in Kesner's class this year, gives her own reason for why the teacher is so special: "I love her. She's my favorite teacher."
"She's the heart and soul of all the kids," said Monica Rafoth of Canfield, Kesner's co-teacher and a former pupil. She's also the mother of Alise, another of Kesner's current pupils.
Rafoth said Kesner has been an ideal partner. But she said it's difficult to call her former teacher by her first name.
"The hardest thing is not calling her Mrs. Kesner," she said.
Teaching's in her blood
Kesner, a Youngstown native, attended St. Patrick School, where the nuns often called upon her to watch over younger children. She earned her teaching degree at Youngstown State University and began teaching more than 40 years ago. She took an eight-year break to rear her own two children.
"I think I was born to be a teacher. I love children. I love doing what I do," said Kesner, who has taught first and second grades and kindergarten and was instrumental in creating all-day kindergarten at St. Christine's.
During retirement she plans to travel with her husband, George, spend more time with her five grandchildren and do whatever she pleases whenever she pleases. But she teared up when asked what she'll miss.
"The children," she said. "That'll be the hardest to leave. ... I hope they take a part of me with them, the fun things that we do. I hope that they have learned many, many things from me."
Hazard of job
A pinched nerve, she said, was God's way of telling her it's time to move on. A doctor said all the years of bending over desks and bending to tie shoes and zip coats has taken its toll.
But, Kesner said, it has been worth it.
St. Christine's principal, Doreen DeMarco, said Kesner will be difficult to replace.
"She's always willing to go the extra mile. She'd do anything for these children," DeMarco said. "Parents feel safe and secure knowing their children are in Mrs. Kesner's room."
The group of parents recalled their own days at St. Christine's, with Kiraly remembering Kesner's closet full of musical instruments (he never did get to play the drum).
Cronin showed off a black-and-white first Communion picture.
And Pugh remembered the friendship between her mother and Kesner.
Rafoth remembered making butter in class. She wanted to go to school every day.
"Everybody was special," Rafoth said. "She made every student feel like they belonged. She will be missed."