On any given morning at Cardinal Gibbons High School, Mr. Marc Colonna can be found juggling multiple tech requests, resetting passwords, troubleshooting laptops, and answering urgent classroom calls.

His day often starts before most students arrive and continues nonstop, as he works to ensure that technology issues never stand in the way of learning. While many students notice him only when something goes wrong, his presence is constant, reliable, and essential to the school’s daily rhythm.

While Colonna is known at Cardinal Gibbons High School for always being on the move and helping others, he faced a major challenge of his own when he underwent heart surgery. The procedure forced him to slow down, something that does not come easily to someone who is constantly supporting students and staff. Although the surgery was common and well-studied, there was always a risk involved, making the experience frightening for both him and his family.

“My heart would randomly skip beats and double beats,” Colonna explained. “I bought myself a heart monitor and realized this wasn’t normal.” Despite multiple doctor visits and reassurance, he trusted his instincts, which ultimately led to a correct diagnosis. After an initial procedure failed to fix the issue, doctors decided to replace his heart valve with a mechanical one designed to last 20 to 30 years. This type of valve is most commonly given to patients around the age of 60, making his situation less typical and uncertain.

During his recovery, students and staff rallied around him with prayers, messages, and constant support, showing just how much he means to the Gibbons community. The experience made him more aware of how fragile life can be and helped him appreciate every step forward. Today, Colonna continues to stay active, remain optimistic, and approach life with gratitude and resilience.

“The odds of everything being successful are high, but they’re never zero,” Colonna said. “It was scary, especially because I have a family and had to think about a lot of ‘what ifs.’” As a proud father of a son at Gibbons, a daughter in eighth grade, and a supportive wife, the surgery was especially nerve-racking. When he first woke up, one of his top priorities was making sure his advisory team knew the surgery had been successful.

Following the procedure, recovery was slow and challenging. Colonna had to limit his activity and take things one step at a time.

“After the surgery, I wasn’t able to make a full lap around the hospital until day three,” he said. Despite these limitations, he remained positive and determined, focusing on healing so he could return to the community he cares deeply about.

Colonna plays a vital behind-the-scenes role in keeping the school’s technology running smoothly and securely. He manages school systems and software, supports the schoolwide laptop program, and implements safety precautions to protect students and staff.
“We have their safety and happiness in mind when we’re making decisions about their laptops,” Colonna said.

Without his dedication and attention to detail, many of the systems students depend on daily simply would not function.

Beyond his technical responsibilities, Colonna serves as a caring and committed advisor for a group of seniors preparing to graduate. He goes far beyond checking attendance, taking the time to truly know his students, listen to their concerns, and celebrate their achievements. His advisory is a space where students feel supported during an emotional and stressful year.

“Colonna is definitely the best advisor I could have had at Gibbons,” said senior Katie Barbour. “He’s always very involved with us, asking us questions, and genuinely wanting to know what’s going on in our lives.”

Colonna consistently goes above and beyond for his advisory by planning activities that bring students together and encourage service. He organizes trips to Target to purchase Christmas gifts for children in need, allowing students to experience the joy of giving back firsthand. He also plans bonding opportunities and service projects that teach lessons about generosity, compassion, and community.

He makes a strong effort to celebrate his students as individuals, organizing Starbucks trips for birthdays and finding small but meaningful ways to recognize them. These gestures leave a lasting impact, helping students feel seen and valued.

“He’s a good person to talk to for anything,” Barbour added. “He’s helped me in one-on-one meetings to figure out stuff with volleyball, college, and classes.”

Through his resilience, dedication, and compassion, Colonna continues to be a steady presence at Cardinal Gibbons, supporting the school not just through technology, but through genuine care for the people within it.