Fall, 2011 - Stephen T. Badin High School

Alumni Achievements Milestones EventsMargello happy to have been a part of BadinRetires after 12 years, the last eight as principalFrank Margellothought he was retireda dozen years ago,after he stepped awayfrom a three-decadecareer in publiceducation. Then BadinHigh School PrincipalMargaret Winkeljohncalled to talk to himabout coming over asthe assistant principal.“I said no,’’ Margellorecalled. “I was retired. I was going to do some work for asales contractor who was a friend of mine.”Margello’s wife, Jean, encouraged him to talk toWinkeljohn. It was the right decision.“I love Badin High School,’’ said Margello, who retiredJune 30 after 12 years at Badin, the last eight as principal.“I love the kids. I love seeing their accomplishments. Anysmall part I’ve played here to help facilitate thoseaccomplishments has been very enjoyable. I will miss thestudents terribly.”Margello was the guiding hand behind numeroussubstantial improvements at Badin during his tenure. He isquick to call them “a team effort,” but some of the criticalones include:* The creation and successful implementation of nineAdvance Placement courses in the curriculum* Accepting and facilitating Individual Education Plans(IEPs) for students who need them* Creating a program for International students through theU.S. State Department* Working to get the Pfirman Family Activity Center built* Technology improvements that have included SmartBoards in every classroom and the iPod Touch programfor incoming studentsAs Margello always said, if you’re not moving forward, ifyou’re not improving, you’re moving backwards. The Badinimprovements in the past eight years have been many.“You’re always working to make things better for thestudents – that’s the most important thing,’’ Margellounderlined. “The people here – faculty, staff, administration– are very much willing to work together for the bettermentof the kids. They’re never at odds on that score. Thatwillingness has created a real family here.”Margello and his wife recently celebrated their 44 thanniversary. Their three daughters are all Badin graduates –Ali ’89, Melissa ’93 and Amanda ’02. That relationship withBadin helped lure Margello here a dozen years ago.Margello was involved in education for 46 years,including 34 years in public education before coming toBadin.Heinrich honored byUniversity of ChicagoTeresa Heinrich,Badin’s dean ofacademics, has beennamed an OutstandingEducator by theUniversity of Chicago.“Teresa Heinrich is amajor asset for BadinHigh School,’’ said BrianPendergest, BHSprincipal. “This welldeservedrecognition isfurther proof of the value she brings to all of herinteraction at Badin.”Heinrich has been a member of the Badin faculty formore than three decades, as a chemistry teacher andacademic dean. She has spearheaded theimplementation of Advance Placement courses at Badin,and added an honors Chemistry II course to thecurriculum two years ago.Heinrich was nominated by 2011 Badin graduateRaymond Dong, a freshman at the University of Chicagoand the recipient of the Stephen T. Badin medal as theoutstanding member of his graduating class.“It’s very gratifying to be thought of so highly by astudent,’’ said Heinrich, who says that even after threedecades, her favorite place in the school remains theclassroom. “It’s a cliché to say that we’re not in this forrecognition, but it’s true. Still, you can’t help but betremendously complimented by such an honor.”Teresa Heinrich and her husband, Jim, are the parentsof two children and live in Fairfield.“I’m glad I ended up saying ‘yes’ to Margaret,’’ he said.“To be a part of Badin High School as assistant principaland now principal has been a great opportunity.”Or, as he told the school newspaper in March, “These 12years at Badin have been the best years of my life. … Ilove the people of the Badin community and care deeplyfor each and every student.”7