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Spirit of a Squire: 39 Years of Service - Ruthann Pinkos
Ruthann Pinkos
by Stephanie R. Leader
Nearly four decades of Squires have had the privilege of receiving their scientific education from Miss Ruthann Pinkos, now a legend in the halls of Delone Catholic. After 39 years of teaching in the science department and spearheading a variety of extracurricular activities, she is now enjoying her well-deserved retirement. Over the years, she has seen many of her former students go on to careers in the sciences and medicine, thanks to her instruction, discipline, and high standards. Pinkos has left an indelible mark during her tenure, teaching courses in chemistry, earth and space science, and biology. She also spent a number of years serving as department chair.
Her story began as a student at Millersville University in Millersville, Pa., when she participated in a job search program held by Delone Catholic. She applied and was soon hired to officially begin her teaching career. A product of 12 years of Catholic education herself, Pinkos was drawn to the unique spirit of Delone Catholic. “To me, the Spirit of a Squire is tradition, dedication, and family,” she said.
Her extracurricular leadership also shaped students outside of the classroom. “Some of my favorite moments over the years were when I was directing shows, watching the students, and doing everything for Student Council,” she recalled. She remembered how her heart swelled as she witnessed a student who had trouble speaking overcome their struggles during rehearsal or saw a shy student break out of their shell and showcase a talent that no one knew they had. During Homecoming, she “liked the powderpuff games and just helping kids be creative.”
As a teacher, she had a few driving philosophies that guided her in the classroom. “My concern was always to be fair, consistent, and try to reach as many (students) as I could.” As a scientific educator within a Catholic environment, she was always driven by her faith. “In the classroom, (my faith) guided me in showing the students the beauty of the universe that God created. That continues even today, I just saw wild ponies go swimming. I am always in awe of God’s creation.”
As Pinkos moves on to the next stage of her life, she looks forward to connecting with her former students and seeing what life has in store for them after their four years at Delone Catholic come to an end. “I just saw one of my students get his doctorate, and I saw another student that’s gone on to be an aerospace engineer,” she said proudly.
“It was a very fun and rewarding career. I still get text messages that say ‘thank you.’ That is what makes it all worth it.”
Always be fair, consistent, mean what you say, and say what you mean.
Pinkos has advice to future educators who are carrying on the tradition left by so many wonderful Delone Catholic teachers who came before — “Always be fair, consistent, mean what you say, and say what you mean.”
Retirement has now begun for Pinkos, and she is relocating to Delaware to be closer to her family and the beach, where she says she will spend her days on the dock fishing.
As for her time at Delone Catholic, she leaves with one remark — “It’s been a good, good 39 years, and I have no regrets.”
