Celebrating Work Anniversaries: Honoring Marian's Long-Standing Staff

What makes a school truly exceptional? At Marian, it's the dedication and hard work of our remarkable staff. We proudly celebrate Paraprofessional Nancy Faw (5 years), Performing Arts Teacher Amy Blevins (10 years), Brendan Sharp (10 years), Kristen Roland (15 years), Molly Varbedian (20 years), Kelly King (25 years), and Tim Wallace (45 years) who celebrated milestone work anniversaries this spring. Their commitment has been instrumental in shaping the success and spirit of our community.  

What has been the most rewarding part of your time at Marian?  

Nancy Faw: It is a joy that I am able to experience the growth, maturity, and spiritual development of our students. I play a part in their discipline and direction, but I also give them words of encouragement and motivation throughout the day. 

Brendan Sharp: Working with the amazing students, faculty, and staff. 

Molly Varbedian: Without question, the relationships I have formed here are one of the most rewarding aspects of being a part of the Marian community. I simply adore my students and could not imagine doing anything else every day.  Additionally, the peer friendships I have made at Marian are some of my most treasured; my co-workers have enriched my life in every way. 

Kelly King: I have grown tremendously as a teacher in my 27 years in education (2 years outside of Marian). I work with amazing educators, who not only have a passion about the subject matter they teach, but also genuinely care about our students’ growth— educationally, spiritually and personally. I feel appreciated by the administration, and I have always received the support I needed during times of challenge. 

Tim Wallace: The chance the Lord has given me to teach students about Him over these 45 years. 

What is your favorite Marian memory?  

Faw: My first field day! I was part of the limbo event with Mr. Feldman. We had such a great time with the girls. I just knew and felt that being at Marian was an answer to my prayers. Also, I enjoy leading Zumba classes during modern language week. One of the songs was Kalinka, which is Russian Zumba routine, and the students just loved it. 

Sharp: Coaching forensics and attending tournaments – both locally and nationally 

Varbedian: There are too many favorite memories to name, but I cherish countless stories of special interactions and bonds with students. 

King: My favorite memories of Marian are chaperoning Christmas dances; it’s always great to see the girls outside the classroom setting. I really appreciate when I get helpful feedback from the girls at the end of the school year, through complements and cards...but the best part is seeing my students achieve their goals in my class.  I also enjoy the connections I have with my colleagues – they make me laugh a lot.   

Wallace: As head coach winning our final four senior football games vs. Regina, the last on a 45 yd. field goal with 3:43 to go. 

What motivates you to continue your work at Marian?  

Faw: Being a small part of the girl’s spiritual and intellectual development through serving as a role model and providing guidance and discipline. The mission and vision of the school define what it means to be a Marian student, and I am inspired by that. I am so proud to be an employee here and love what I do for Marian. 

Sharp: The need for Catholic education in a secular society 

Roland: I feel at home at Marian. I absolutely love my students and coworkers at Marian, who have become a part of my extended family. Each year, I feel blessed to create a “little family” with my classes; it is so hard to see them “go” when the year ends. Every day I enter Marian, I know I will grow in my faith, improve my teaching pedagogy, and learn from my coworkers and students. I also appreciate the trust the administration affords us in our classroom, allowing each teacher to be their best self. 

Varbedian: I simply love the passion, silliness, insight, compassion, and unpredictability of adolescents, and it is priceless to me that I get to share all I love about English, psychology, and yearbook production with these wonderful girls. 

King: Teaching young women about the concepts of science has always been a passion of mine. I’m known for busting out with, “this is nothing short of a miracle!” simply because the way the human body works, the fact we can remotely understand biological cycles and balance chemical equations, is nothing short of a miracle!   

Wallace: As was featured in the Archdiocesan F.I.R.E. (Formation. Innovation. Renewal. Evangelization.) conference this spring, the chance to make students disciples of Jesus 

What are your hopes for Marian’s future?  

Faw: My hope is that the school will continue to thrive for many years. I hope that these young ladies will be beacons of our Catholic faith and that their education will lead them to fruitful and fulfilling lives, always knowing how blessed they are to be Marian High School graduates. 

Sharp: Continued growth and success beyond the classroom 

Roland: I pray that Marian remains a place where young women can grow spiritually, academically, and personally; feel welcomed and comfortable being their authentic selves; and know they are in a supportive and loving environment. 

Varbedian: My hopes for Marian’s future are that we continue to focus on educating the whole child, helping them develop socially, emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually in an ever-changing and ever-challenging world. 

King: I hope when students graduate from Marian, they feel fully prepared to tackle higher education and life. I really enjoy when students come to visit and they tell me how prepared they felt for college. I am excited for the new spaces we are renovating and look forward to MORE memories.   

Wallace: Despite all the other things about Marian—from rigorous academics to good athletic programs and a strong sense of community—if Marian isn’t creating disciples, it is failing. My great commission is, ‘Go and make disciples.’ 

Fun facts about you?  

Faw: I have been a fitness instructor for over 40 years. When I had a career, I was on an airplane almost every week traveling all over the United States and Canada. My hobbies are fitness, cooking, travel, playing pinochle, and watching football or college basketball games. I graduated from Seaton Hall University, so my favorite saint is Elisabeth Ann Seton. I love time in the kitchen preparing meals and relaxing in a cozy chair, crocheting a blanket. I love Jersey Shore and Bruce Springsteen. As a teenager, I was in a Catholic Youth group and played guitar and sang at Mass. I have a strong devotion to our Blessed Mother.  

Sharp: I am getting married this summer and am traveling to Spain for my honeymoon!  

Roland: I work for Amazon Flex on weekends. My happy place is Comerica Park, cheering on the Detroit Tigers. Over my 28-year teaching career, I have coached softball, baseball, and basketball. I love reading comic books. I have watched every episode of The Office at least 10 times. 

Varbedian: I love to play the piano and I love to sing! 

King: I enjoy working in maintenance during the summer months.  I have learned tools, how to do some plumbing/electrical, how to build things and how move A LOT of furniture…safetly.  I enjoy kayaking all summer long too.   

Wallace: I am an author, and am working on bettering my blues guitar playing.