For Paula Barnes, SJS has been a part of her life for as long as she can remember.
As a student from kindergarten through eighth grade, Paula found more than a great education at SJS. She found a community where teachers knew their students, classmates became lifelong friends, and everyone was encouraged to grow both academically and personally.
One of the people she remembers most is Sister Michael Marie. “She was the heart of the school,” Paula says. She recalls that Sister Michael Marie challenged students to meet high expectations while making sure they always felt supported and cared for. Looking back, Paula appreciates how those lessons helped prepare her for high school, college, and life beyond the classroom.
The values she learned at SJS, respect, kindness, and service to others, have stayed with her throughout her life. So have the friendships she formed during her years at the school.
Today, Paula’s SJS story has come full circle. She will be returning to SJS as a teacher this fall, and her four sons will be SJS students as well.
“It is truly special to now return to St. James as a teacher and to have my four sons become part of the same school community that had such a huge impact on my own life,” Paula says. “Being able to give back to a place that has given me so much is such a blessing.”
