Laurette Smith Cribbins

Every so often, someone enters your life that empowers you to change how you think, or introduces you to something that helps you to expand your horizons. Laurette Smith Cribbins has been one of those people in my life.

Mrs. Cribbins (how I still refer to her) entered my life in seventh grade as a teacher of music. She wasn't on the staff as that was something beyond the scope of a Catholic grade school budget. But on those few occasions when she visited my classroom, the 45 children entrusted to her knew that when it came to music, she meant business.

We learned to correctly sing the Star Spangled Banner and were introduced to such classics as Possum Sittin' on a Hickory Limb. She demanded excellence from her students, and in most instances, she got it, because she actually cared about each and every one of us.

After grade school I didn't know what she was up to until three decades later when I read a newspaper article that characterized her as a principal fighting for a principle…to keep her Catholic grade school alive in the face of changing demographics and declining enrollment.

St. Francis Grade School eventually closed and Mrs. Cribbins retired…but she has gone on to pursue her interest in art, write a book, compose poetry, and most importantly, take an active role in defending her most important asset…her Catholic Faith.

I've developed this site to give you an opportunity to get to know her, because the value of any gift is only enhanced when it is shared with others.

BOOKS
Regret to Inform You