Over the years, Mrs. Ferry has probably
taught close to 1500 students, beginning in social studies, language arts, and
religion, and returning to those subjects today. In between, she has taught
grades kindergarten through eight, every subject including those traditionally
considered "enrichment," and Writing to Read.
Today she still resides in Washington
Heights where she grew up, with her family, including husband Bill and one son
and daughter.
Mrs. Ferry recalls fondly many of the same
memories that alums reflect on today: the annual school trip to Rye Beach, the
Christmas shows. "Our Christmas shows were an extravaganza with
Broadway-bound performers," she says.
Some of the biggest changes have of course
been in the area of technology, but Mrs. Ferry is quick to point out that some
things always stay the same.
"The Sisters of the Holy Child left
but Sr. Noreen Nolan, OP came and brought with her a new outlook, and with that
became renewed spirit," she says. "That was the 90s -- a time for
bringing St. Elizabeth into the new century."
"People say that the students have
changed, but they are what they always have been, children, and as such they
remain the same. Inside this place they want a safe haven, a time to pray, a
time to learn, and a time to play. It is St. Elizabeth School that holds the
key. It has been and hopefully will continue to be a home to immigrant children.
A place where they learn the value of being a New Yorker, a Catholic and an
American."
