Gertrude “Trudy” Ezzo and Her Home Away From Home

 

For Trudy Ezzo, Holy Child Academy (HCA) in Drexel Hill has been home away from home for more than 27 years. Arriving in 1985 as the Third Grade teacher, Trudy moved in 1992 to the Pre-Kindergarten where she continues to teach today. Trudy recalls her excitement and readiness (early childhood studies at Immaculata University) for her new Pre-Kindergarten position, and that enthusiasm and preparedness still serve her and her students well today. Visit HCA’s Pre-Kindergarten class and you will witness happy faces in a warm and nurturing environment that fosters creativity, respect, and good manners.

 

Trudy’s interest in teaching started at an early age. In many respects, teaching is in Trudy’s genes as her Aunt Gert and Aunt Jane (Sister Regina Gertrude, IHM) were educators who influenced Trudy’s vocation. She shares that, in high school, she had spent a week in her Aunt Gert’s classroom, an experience that “sealed the deal” for her career path.  Now a master teacher herself, Trudy finds each day rewarding and professes to have the “best job in the house.”

In addition to her family, the Society of the Holy Child Jesus also has had an impact on Trudy’s life and career. Trudy is a proud graduate of Academy of the Holy Child in Sharon Hill, Pennsylvania. Trudy reminisced that when her parents attended their first meeting there, Sister Elizabeth Fitzmaurice (formerly Mother Thomas Mary) told the audience that school is an extension of home and the sisters are called “Mother.” According to Trudy, her parents were impressed and delighted that the school was a gentle and caring place, just like home. To this day, Trudy fosters this nurturing atmosphere in her classroom. “I always keep “gentle and caring” in mind, and remember that I am here to take care of the children, like a mother.”

Trudy also attributes her Holy Child education in shaping the person she is today. “My high school life has made a huge impact on my life. I was always a shy, timid, child, and my parents felt a smaller, gentler environment would be best. My father always teased that I found my voice at Holy Child and the school found the best in me.”

 

According to Trudy, the Network of Holy Child Schools is a testament to Cornelia Connelly and her conviction to “develop mature persons capable of making choices which enrich their own lives and contribute to the lives of others.” Trudy knows firsthand that Cornelia’s teachings are alive, even in corporate America. “I once heard my daughter, a HCA graduate, tell a colleague that she always keeps Actions, Not Words, in mind.” Trudy continues, “Holy Child grads keep those lessons for life.”

Trudy reflects on her relationships with Holy Child schools and acknowledges their importance. “Whenever my high school friends gather, we reminisce about the superb education and the promotion of exceptional life goals and Christian values and how that sets us apart from other schools, just like HCA graduates today.”

Interestingly, Trudy has noticed a trend of Holy Child graduates becoming teachers…they gravitate toward Holy Child schools.  Perhaps it’s because the Holy Child schools are just like family, warm and caring – home away from home.