---
title: "Student to Teacher: Alumni Spotlight: Melissa Walsh (09’)"
description: The three core values of The Franciscan School - Faith, Academics, and Service - are woven into the daily lives of students, instilling lifelong skills that help set them up for a future of success. After 21 years of operation, TFS has seen the return of this investment by watching alumni make their marks on the world.
---

[NEWS - The Franciscan School ](https://www.franciscanschool.org/tfs-news)

# [Student to Teacher: Alumni Spotlight: Melissa Walsh (09’)](https://www.franciscanschool.org/tfs-news/2021/11/08/student-to-teacher-melissa-walsh)

 Written by [The Franciscan School](https://www.franciscanschool.org/tfs-news/author/the-franciscan-school) | Nov 8, 2021 2:29:32 PM

“The young people of this generation have such amazing potential, and the insight and gifts that  
they share with me every day are simply amazing.” In a world riddled with a global health crisis and constant discord, these words spoken by TFS teacher Melissa Walsh could not be more refreshing. But Walsh isn’t just a TFS teacher; she also graduated from TFS in 2009 and is a part of the parish community.

After spending five and a half years at TFS, Walsh went on to attend Cardinal Gibbons High  
School and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Although it was at UNC-Chapel Hill  
that Walsh pursued her calling to be a teacher, her roots at TFS were foundational to her career  
path. “Every piece of who I am as a teacher is made up of little pieces of who my teachers  
were,” says Walsh. “TFS gave me such an amazing quilt, focused on love and support.” School  
Counselor Laureen Wacenske has continued to be one of Walsh’s biggest supporters. TFS  
Science Teacher Carolyn Moser taught Walsh how to have a dedicated work ethic and pursue  
her passionate interests. TFS teachers Stacey Kababik and Lisa Kowite inspired Walsh with  
their incredible teaching skills and love of learning. 

But Walsh’s love for TFS didn’t end with academics.

Walsh was a part of the school’s inaugural softball team and enjoys seeing how it’s grown over  
the last 15 years. Her fifth grade field trip to Blue Jay Point remains a meaningful memory of  
gaining outdoor skills that incorporated hands-on learning.

As Walsh has moved from student to teacher at TFS, she recognizes how important Catholic  
education is to her. “Infusing my faith with my classroom instruction is something that I feel so  
blessed I’m able to do. I truly feel as if my role in the Body of Christ here on earth is fulfilled  
through education.” 

As the 7th grade ELA teacher, Walsh also weaves in her love of reading and creative writing  
every day. Walsh encourages students to keep reading books they love and never stop  
learning. And even more importantly, she says “When in doubt, say a prayer. Don’t be afraid to  
ask for help and remember that you have a school and parish community to support you.”

[View full post](https://www.franciscanschool.org/tfs-news/2021/11/08/student-to-teacher-melissa-walsh)

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