–Linda Reeves
Three model principals with service in their blood retired as the academic year wrapped up to serve their parishes and others.
Dr. John Luciano set a goal for his retirement leap. “I said 40 was the number.”
At the helm 22 years, he is leaving Holy Spirit Catholic School in Jacksonville. “Dr. Luciano is well-loved by our school and parish,” said teacher Kristy Demetres. “He is one of only two principals Holy Spirit has had.”
Luciano steadily kept enrollment up while Catholic schools closed around the country. In 2022, in the aftermath of the pandemic, Holy Spirit was the only school in Florida and among 24 in the nation to receive the National Blue Ribbon School designation for excellence. A distinguished Purple Star designation came the following year for outstanding assistance to military families. “All our accomplishments are because of the entire faculty and staff,” said Dr. Luciano.
Dr. Luciano fondly recalled taking part in his school children’s milestones and celebrations over the years as if they were his own children. Mixed emotions came last year, when former eighth graders showed up on campus out of uniform, all grown up and with children of their own.
What is next for him? “Train my dog,” he said about therapy dog training for his faithful companion for visits to forgotten seniors in nursing homes. Plans also include more time serving as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion and catching up with his wife of 34 years, Jodie. “I have no big plans,” said Luciano, who doesn’t plan on sitting on the sofa but serving others.
Linda Earp, the founding principal of Palmer Catholic Academy in Ponte Vedra Beach, marks 27 years at the helm. At the school’s start, Earp in hardhat was involved in the construction and every startup detail. “My three children say that the school is my fourth child,” she jokingly said. “It is hard to leave.”
A widow, who has battled cancer over the years, Earp says, “It’s time.” Of note, she helped land the school’s 2005, National Blue Ribbon designation for excellence, one exciting moment in the school’s history among many under her leadership. Leaving campus, Earp hopes to spend more time with her five grandchildren and pursue volunteer work. “I want to help the church, and get back into different ministries,” said the faithful servant.
Susan Dorner came to St. Michael Academy in Fernandina Beach as a volunteer, and shortly after she learned of the principal opening, applied and got the job. That was five years ago. “I love this school, and the teachers are the best I have ever worked with,” said the educator in the field for 38 years. “It’s the little successes every day that are so special.” She plans to spend time with her two boys and volunteer at the local community kitchen and parish. “In August, I am hiking the Camino de Santiago,” she said about a solo pilgrimage taking off on foot in Portugal and ending at the shrine of St. James. “I am made to serve others. I am hoping on this walk to discern what God is calling me to do,” said Dorner, who continues to walk a journey of service.
