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Kata Segura is a graduating senior from St. Martin's Episcopal School and an alumna from St. George's Episcopal School's Class of 2021. She is headed to LSU and will be majoring in English to study writing. Before summer officially begins, she is interning at StG and was given the opportunity to write about these two lovely members of the StG staff who are on their way to retirement. 

 

As we look forward to the summer and students begin to say, “See you next year!” to their beloved teachers and staff, there are two long standing individuals who deserve great recognition. 

The reason why? 

It won’t be “See you next year” for Chrissy Negrotto and Werlin ‘Smitty’ Smith, who will be embarking on their very well deserved retirements. Did you know? St. George’s hasn’t seen a year without Chrissy or Smitty since spring of 1996 (!)—though, thanks to their amazing contributions, we know we’re well prepared to weather the future ahead without them on campus with us everyday.

Chrissy Negrotto
Chrissy Negrotto came to St. George’s in 1996 as a second grade teacher and immediately established herself as a big presence, outstanding educator and unforgettable member of the StG community due to her lovely and warm nature in the classroom. As she continued to teach students with kindness and compassion, she moved to first grade in 2001 and stayed in that position for 15 years. During those years, not only did she dedicate herself to her students, but she also was recognized for her commitment to her fellow teachers, taking the time to mentor and assist them. 

Later on, in 2016, she became the Director of Admission, welcoming new students with her warm smile and positive attitude. Then, she went back to second grade as a lead teacher and, finally, a Small Group Instructor a few years later. As a Small Group Instructor, Chrissy filled the role of a part time teacher who supports the lower school by instructing reading and math groups. Even though it was only part time, Chrissy still put in all of her amazing and unforgettable efforts. 

Her friend and fellow co-worker, Sherri Weiser, said in her remarks to Chrissy that, “Her joy for life, her positivity in spite of challenges, her smile and her laugh are contagious. The loyalty and selfless dedication she has shown to StG and its students and families transcends to her family and friends, too.” Chrissy’s legacy is one of grace, care and unwavering commitment. 

Werlin “Smitty” Smith
Also joining St. George’s in 1996, Werlin ‘Smitty’ Smith has been a tremendous presence on the school’s facilities team ever since. In addition to his very respected skills in painting, he is known on campus for his outgoing personality, bringing many smiles to everyone at StG—especially through his welcoming fist bumps and high fives. 

In Mr. Willie’s remarks, he says of Mr. Smitty, “When I first came here, I was surprised by him calling everyone by name. He sees people. He takes the time to know everyone. He makes you feel special.”

Mr. Smitty’s tenure at the school has come with challenges, too: Hurricanes Katrina and Ida, the COVID-19 pandemic and more. The StG community still talks about how much time and effort he, as well as Mr. Eric, Ms. Edá and Ms. Tiny,  put into cleaning up on campus in the weeks and months after Hurricane Katrina hit. Thanks to them and others, St. George’s was one of the first schools to reopen in New Orleans—how incredible is that? 

Over the years, he has continued to work and watch all of the students he cares for grow up, including his granddaughter, StG alumni Mikayla Price.

Throughout his time at St. George’s, Mr. Smitty’s pride in his daily work reflects the same attention and respect that he has for everyone around him. His personality and loving nature will continue to surround us for years to come, even as he embarks into his next adventure in retirement and we only see him from time to time. We know that those visits will become even more special and meaningful.

Sharing Our Gratitude
Both Chrissy and Mr. Smitty were recognized at a faculty and staff celebration in early April, as well as at this year’s Board of Trustees and Parents Group Annual Meeting in May. At the April gathering, complete with a sparkling wine toast, multiple colleagues and even a few family members, including Mikayla ‘19 and Mr. Eric, who is Mr. Smitty’s nephew, shared beautiful memories and messages of gratitude for the pair.

Speaking for Chrissy, one of her past students and current Kindergarten teacher, Frances Reisman shared, “SHE is who made me decide all those years ago that I wanted to be a teacher. I wanted to be just like her.” 

Mrs. Goeke said of Mr. Smitty, “It’s hard to imagine this school without him. Who else will give that shout out down the hall, 'Mrs. Goeke!' making you feel as if, in that moment, you are the most special person walking the earth.”

After all of these lovely words were shared, both Chrissy and Mr. Smitty were presented with special baskets focused on their interests and intents during their retirement.

Chrissy and Mr. Smitty will be greatly missed by the St. George’s community and will be remembered for all of their efforts long after their last carpool duty, application of touch-up paint or heartfelt morning greeting for students and staff. 

Thank you, Mrs. Negrotto and Mr. Smitty, for all of your hard work and dedication to our school community. You always have a home at St. George’s.