Retiring principal’s name set in stone at her old school

Catherine Camp was presented with a plaque at a small ceremony in the courtyard outside her former office. Pictured left to right are Lisa Pickens, Commodore Options School custodian; Michelle Hope, administrative assistant to Catherine Camp; Joan Rossi, parent: Lynn Smith, parent and president of the Odyssey Multiage Program Parent Teacher Organization; Catherine Camp; Tamara Hathaway, speech and language pathologist, Commodore Options School; John Rossi, parent and president of the Mosaic Home Education Partnership Steering Committee. - Richard D. Oxley / Bainbridge Island Review
Richard D. Oxley / Bainbridge Island Review
Catherine Camp was presented with a plaque at a small ceremony in the courtyard outside her former office. Pictured left to right are Lisa Pickens, Commodore Options School custodian; Michelle Hope, administrative assistant to Catherine Camp; Joan Rossi, parent: Lynn Smith, parent and president of the Odyssey Multiage Program Parent Teacher Organization; Catherine Camp; Tamara Hathaway, speech and language pathologist, Commodore Options School; John Rossi, parent and president of the Mosaic Home Education Partnership Steering Committee.

By RICHARD D. OXLEY
Bainbridge Island Review Staff Writer
June 29, 2012 · 11:12 AM

Catherine Camp has retired from her principal’s post at the Commodore Options School, but her name will still be linked to her former school — just outside her former office, to be exact.

The school’s founding principal was honored with a commemorative bronze plaque this week. It was set into a brick wall at the school by local stone sculptor Molly Greist.

As principal, Camp had quite a bit of influence at the school, which comes full circle with the plaque’s placement.

The plaque has been mounted in a courtyard outside the principal’s office.

A few years ago, the school was planning a slight remodel but the plans fell through. However, the walkway outside her office and much of the entrance to the building had been stripped and gutted of trees and benches.

Camp decided that if the remodel wasn’t going to happen, then a little redecorating may be in order. The walkway was re-landscaped with new plants. She specifically asked for a small area to be kept clear so that it may serve as an attractive gathering area and courtyard.

The courtyard has since collected benches that were the product of Boy Scout and school projects.

And now, years after Camp’s seemingly minor suggestion for the courtyard, her name will carry on into the school’s future.

Contact Bainbridge Island Review Staff Writer Richard D. Oxley at roxley@bainbridgereview.com or (206) 842-6613.

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