There is nothing better as a student than a teacher passionate about your learning and the subject they teach, and this is exactly what Mark DeLaRosa is. Mr. DeLaRosa has been an educator at Cardinal Gibbons since 2005, making this his 20th year working in our community.
Prior to working at Gibbons he worked three years at The Franciscan School as a Middle School Religion teacher. He has Bachelor Degree of Arts from Saint John’s University in Minn., Masters of Theological Studies from Duke, and is currently working on doctorate at Saint Thomas University in Miami.
Mr. DeLaRosa is one of the Department Chairs of the Theology department at Gibbons, a sophomore theology teacher, and leader of many beloved groups. He plays a big role in the community and his love for teaching runs deep.
“It’s the best profession I’ve had… it’s the one that is the most fulfilling, everyday my Catholic faith is being reinforced, there are so many blessings from so many students,” says Mr. DeLaRosa.
When asked if becoming a teacher has brought him closer to his faith his answer was an immediate “yes.”
“One of the great things about a theology class is that students ask such great questions, and they make you think about things in a different way,” says Mr. DeLaRosa.
As well as his passion for teaching, he also has a passion for serving the community. One of the groups that Mr. D runs is Franciscan Youth International (FYI). He says that FYI is putting faith into action: “It’s our love made visible.”
Another group that Mr. DeLaRosa runs is Music Ministry. The Music Ministry plays at daily masses, always amplifying and bringing energy to it.
“I love playing in the mornings with students and it’s a great way to begin the day and mass,” says Mr. DeLaRosa.
Along with FYI and Music Ministry, he also runs the Hispanic and Latino Student Union and Strategy/Gaming Club. This marks his fourth year running the Hispanic and Latino Student Union.
“Having those students come together, celebrating their different heritages, is really reaffirming to them that they are recognized and celebrated,” says Mr. DeLaRosa.
The Gibbons community is very blessed to have Mr. DeLaRosa and we thank him for all that he has done!
