Lengthened Shadow

Paying tribute to Sharon Blentlinger’s legacy as principal

06/04/2023

Jn 3:16-18 God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him will not be condemned, but whoever does not believe has already been condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.

Ralph Waldo Emerson famously said that “Institutions are the lengthened shadows of one man.” Now, if Emerson had attended Immaculate Conception School, he would have changed that to say: “Institutions are the lengthened shadows of one woman”, namely Mrs. Sharon Blentlinger. This weekend I would like to acknowledge the tremendous contribution that Sharon, our retiring school principal, has made in our school, and in the lives of countless families. Many people have found shade – meaning, comfort, welcome, love, wisdom, laughter – in Sharon’s lengthened shadow.

Sharon, or Mrs. B as she is affectionately known, has served our school for 45 years: as 37 as principal and 8 as a teacher. I have only been here for the past 10 years, and have not known Sharon most of those years. So I asked those who have known her much longer to share some of their stories about her. Through their eyes, we can see how far her shadow has stretched.

Anabel Garcia, who runs the school cafeteria remembered: “My life has had its ups and downs, Sharon is always willing to help turn the down part of life right side up. She has been there for me through my aunt and uncle’s cancer battles, birth of my nephew, and the passing of my grandmother.” In other words, Sharon’s love of her students and staff does not end on the school steps, but extended into their hearts, homes, and even hospitals.

Cindy Robertson, an IC teacher seconded that sentiment saying: “Sharon has been to or been a part of so many baptisms, first reconciliations, first Communions, weddings, birthday celebrations, anniversary parties, and funerals. Her presence showed her love, faithfulness and dedication to her school family.” Woody Allen once said that “80% of success in life is just showing up,” and part of Mrs. B success has been to show up at all the big and small events.

Another aspect of Sharon’s leadership that shines brightly is her welcoming heart. You don’t just feel like you’re coming to school every day, you feel like you’re coming home. Monica Dickerson, who works at the school with marketing and development, shared: “My family and I moved here in 2007, I was pregnant with Rylee and Cooper was starting 1st grade. We knew no one here. IC was recommended to us for the best private school in town.”

Monica continued: “Mrs. B welcomed us with open arms. I was that mom who volunteered for everything so I really got to know Mrs. B. She talked me into joining the festival committee. Here I am 13 years later still doing festival, and now a full-time employee. I have learned so much from her.” In other words, Sharon not only casts a long shadow, she teaches others how to as well. Emerson once said: “Institutions are the lengthened shadow of one woman.”

The first person to recognize Sharon’s remarkable skills as an educator was Msgr. William Galvin, our former pastor. Lona Seiter, Sharon’s mother, remembered how Galvin and Blentlinger became a dynamic duo at IC. School. Lona said: “A couple of years before she became principal, Msgr. Galvin said to her, ‘Sharon, we will not have nuns to be principal in a few years and I want you to get your administrative degree so you can be the principal.

“So Sharon commuted back and forth to the U of A at night, and in the summer she and the three little ones lived in Fayetteville so she could get her degree. Msgr. Galvin was her mentor and confidant.” Lona continued: “A story I remember is Msgr. Galvin would have her come to the rectory I think almost every Friday after school while he relaxed with a tody (Charter 10).

“He would have her relate how the week went and offer her advice and counsel. She learned from the best as he was principal at Catholic High for many years. Another incident I remember is when Sharon would come back to school at night to work. And when Msgr. would see light on in the school, he would come to check on her. He didn’t like her to be in that big building by herself.” If someone brought me Charter 10, I would talk to them all night, too.

Galvin and Blentlinger were a great team. Galvin served as pastor for 30 years, and his name became synonymous with Immaculate Conception Church. In the same way, Mrs. B’s name has become synonymous with I.C. School. You cannot think about one without immediately thinking of the other. It is not coincidence that the school is located on “B Street”, which really stands for “Mrs. B Street.” You might have noticed that the stretch of 13th Street in front of the church is called “Galvin Way.” Both their shadows still stretch over the church and school, and always will.

Sharon has had a lot of highlights in her career at I.C. School, but close to the top of that long list has to be the honor of being designated a National Blue Ribbon School in 2013. That is, IC students achieved an “exemplary high performing” designation, meaning their reading/English language arts and mathematics test scores ranked among the top 15% in the state. Monica Dickerson’s family was not misled when someone told her “IC is the best private school in town.” High academic achievement is one part of that lengthened shadow that Mrs. B has cast for 45 years.

Today is Trinity Sunday, when we recognize the mysterious fact that our God is a Holy Trinity, three Persons and yet one God. And the best analogy for the Holy Trinity is a family, where there are several persons but one family. Sharon Blentlinger has created a beautiful, loving, and caring family at IC School, and not only educated thousands of children, but also given them a glimpse of the Holy Trinity, every time they walk into school.

Praised be Jesus Christ!