Teacher Tia Holinger Honored for 40 Years at SFHS

Jamie Lavigueur
Tia Holinger began her career at SFHS in 1983, and it has changed her life and the lives of many students since then. She has taught both art and French, served as a Department Chairperson for 19 years, coached girls tennis, and was moderator of the Culinary Club for 10 years.

The decision to embark on her career in Catholic education has also played an important role in her personal life – her children, Jay ’08 and Molly ’10, are now SFHS alums.

Mrs. Holinger was honored at the All-School Liturgy in February and Principal Raeann Huhn mused that the art room has moved six times during Mrs. Holinger’s tenure. “No matter the location, Mrs. Holinger provides a welcoming space where thousands of students have learned to create,” Ms. Huhn said. “She has inspired many alumni to pursue careers in art: architects, furniture designers, storyboard artists, illustrators, graphic designers, animators, and of course, teachers.”

During the recognition, Kate Kolasinski ‘95 Doane – current SFHS art teacher and former student of Mrs. Holinger – presented Mrs. Holinger with a collection of letters written to her from alumni dating back to 1988.

“We hope these letters remind you that your mentorship, guidance, and impact continue to make waves,” Ms. Huhn said.

Mrs. Holinger was also part of the committee that wrote the school’s mission and vision statement.

“I truly feel that every teacher at St. Francis strives to follow both the mission and vision and that the students are prepared for the next step in their lives after graduation,” she said.

In honor of her 40-year career, Room 1202 is now named and commemorated with a plaque as the “Tia Holinger Art Room.”

“I am exceedingly grateful to my students past and present for the richness they have added to my life,” Mrs. Holinger said. “My high school art teacher and I have been friends for 53 years. I hope that I can be friends with my students for that long!”
    • Teacher Tia Holinger was honored for 40 years of service this year.

St. Francis High School