At the last Mass, Gibbons honored six teachers who have reached incredible milestones: Mr. Will Catterson, Mrs. Dianne McClellan, and Coach Steven Wright for 15 years of service, Mrs. Kim Timberlake for 25 years, and Mr. Chris Poisella and Mr. Mike Rogosich for an impressive 30 years at Gibbons. 

Each of these educators has made a lasting impact on our school community. Through their dedication, compassion, and commitment to students, they have shaped countless lives in ways that will never be forgotten. 

Mr. Catterson – 15 Years

“I’ve known him for about 14 years,” said Ms. Anders, Retreat Coordinator at Cardinal Gibbons. “Mr. Catterson is an incredible person. He’s vital to the Kairos program. I value his bravery and honesty. He shares his story on Kairos, and it’s amazing how open the students become after hearing about his life. Personally, Mr. Catterson is a dear friend, someone you’d want in your inner circle.”

Crista Anders also shared a story that showed just how courageous Catterson is.

“After attending Kairos a few times and sharing his story with everyone, I asked if Mr. Catterson would be open to sharing his story on an Educator Retreat. While it is scary to share with students, sharing with your peers is even harder. Mr. Catterson was so brave and inspired so many people. This is who he is. He faces a challenge head-on and helps so many people. He is an incredible person!”

Catterson has touched the hearts of students, teachers, and retreat participants alike in a meaningful way. Through his work on Kairos and his dedication to our school, he has allowed others to be vulnerable by being vulnerable himself.

Mrs. McClellan — 15 Years

“She makes teaching the art that it should be,” said Ms. Timberlake, a fellow math teacher and long-time friend. 

“Mrs. McClellan has the enviable ability to talk to anyone (inside or outside of school) and somehow connect with them. She puts people at ease by knowing the correct questions to ask and knowing when to listen. I have seen her meet a person for the first time and, in the course of a single conversation, find out more about them than people who had known them for much longer would know. How much she truly cares about the person she is speaking with always comes across—whether it is a colleague, a student, or a friend.”

Her commitment to her students is as strong as her commitment to people. When she was hospitalized in December 2024, her primary concern was not herself but her classes, planning lessons, communicating with families, and ensuring her students would be prepared for exams. This commitment reflects her belief that teaching is not just a profession, but a vocation. 

Coach Wright – 15 Years

“I’ve known Coach Wright since 2016 — going on 10 years now,” said Coach Drew, Gibbons PE Teacher and Varsity Football Defensive Coordinator.

In his time as a physical education teacher, assistant athletic director for events and facilities, and defensive coordinator for the varsity football team, Coach Wright has shown himself to be a leader whose character is deeply rooted in his faith and his family. 

“Coach Wright is a God-fearing man who isn’t afraid to admit it. He’s a great husband and father to a wife and three girls, whom I’ve had the pleasure of watching grow into young women over the past 10 years. He does things the right way and cares about the people God has entrusted him to lead,” shared Coach Drew.

His mentorship has also shaped fellow coaches.

“I’m very appreciative and grateful for Coach Wright for taking a chance on a young kid who didn’t know much about coaching to help me get to where I am today in the coaching profession.”

One anecdote that demonstrates his leadership skills was from the 2021 football season. After a defeat by a team early on in the season, Wright told his team that they would be playing that same team again in the state championship and that they would beat them. And indeed they did months later, winning the first-ever football state championship for the school. 

Despite his team winning the championship, his humility was still on full display. 

“After the win, Coach Wright always gave credit to God first… he always deferred it to the players,” Drew said. “That’s the type of man Coach Wright is. Selfless and doesn’t take any credit when things are going right.” 

Mrs. Timberlake – 25 Years

For a quarter of a century now, Mrs. Timberlake has helped shape the math department and supported her students through some of the most challenging courses they will face, including AP Calculus BC, Core Math III, and Curriculum Assistance.

“One of the first words that comes to mind when describing Mrs. Timberlake is thoughtful. She is always available for her students and will go out of her way to help them — at any time. She works many hours outside of school, grading papers and preparing lessons. She is dedicated to her students and does whatever she can to help them. She is always thinking about what is best for them,” said McCellean.

She is not only dedicated to her schoolwork. Timberlake is a dedicated mother to her three daughters. She is a dedicated daughter to her own parents. She is a dedicated person to those around her. 

Timberlake is just as dedicated to her co-workers. 

“Every time I have had an emergency or needed to be out unexpectedly, Mrs. Timberlake has always offered her help and asked what she could do for me,” McClellan said.  “This shows how truly thoughtful and helpful she is. It is just her way.”

Mr. Poisella – 30 Years

Mr. Poisella’s three decades at Gibbons are a testament to his unparalleled loyalty and dedication to the Gibbons community. He has taught a wide range of math courses over the years and has served as Director of Facilities for both Gibbons and Short Journey, in addition to coaching several sports. Mr. Jim Liebler, economics teacher, has had the pleasure of working alongside Poisella for almost three decades as leaders of the school’s baseball program.

“I’ve known him since 1997… 29 years,” said Liebler.

The first encounter between the two was quite memorable.

“In those days, we were selling books… families would come in the week before school to purchase textbooks, and teachers had to ring them up like cashiers. I was stationed next to him as a new teacher… we were sitting together ringing up people. So that’s how I met him.”

What is most impressive about Poisella is his character. “He’s probably the most loyal person that I’ve ever known.”

Liebler was also impressed by Poisella’s loyalty from the get-go. “He just started coming to the fall workouts… and we wound up becoming fast friends. He’s still an assistant coach… to be an assistant for 29 years… that speaks to his loyalty.”

Poisella has also had a great impact on the students. 

“I would describe Mr. Poisella as a very genuine, funny, and intelligent person. I truly appreciate his ability to make his classroom fun and engaging while keeping a positive learning environment,” said Kairos student leader, Taryn McGroarty.

She also expressed her gratitude for Poisella’s impact on her Kairos retreat. 

“I learned so much from Mr. Poisella on Kairos… leading a small group with him was so impactful in my life. He is such a great role model and mentor.”

Mr. Rogosich – 30 Years

There are a handful of people on campus whose school spirit is second to none. Currently serving as the Dean of Culture, he is responsible for student life, teaching classes, global education programs, and international trips such as the one to Italy. 

“I met Rogo for the first time in the fall of 1997,” said Mr. Mike Curatolo, Director of Facilities at Cardinal Gibbons. “I started working with him as an Assistant Principal in the spring of 2003 and have worked basically side by side with him since then.” 

“Rogo” is a man known for his boundless energy and enthusiasm. 

“Rogo is an amazing person with a ton of energy, excitement, and enthusiasm for life and all things Gibbons. What I appreciate most… is his willingness to give something out of the ordinary a try… his compassion for students… and his deep wealth of knowledge and faith.” 

One story tells of his adventurous spirit. After his first year of teaching, Rogo set off on a cross-country journey on a small motorcycle. 

“He just decided to ride his little Honda motorcycle across the country with no map, no real ‘plan’, no wife or family, no real money, he just set out give it a try and explore, something I would not be very good at but have learned over the years to follow his lead (a little bit) and let life take its course and I learned no matter all the planning in the world at the end of the day God is in control of your life journey not you,” said Curalto. 

A Community Built on Dedication

In these six educators, you will find a combined total of 100 years of dedication, but more than that, you will find the heart of Cardinal Gibbons.

While each of these individuals has made a lasting impact on our school, their achievements are more than a measure of their time here. They are a measure of early mornings, late nights, personal sacrifices, and life-changing moments that go far beyond a classroom.

We are a better school because of these individuals, and our students will feel their impact for years to come.