After 34 years teaching drama and performing arts at St. Francis Catholic High School, Cheryl Watson is retiring. The beloved teacher says, “I had intended to do it for a semester, but here I am 34 years later! It’s the best job I could have asked for, that I didn’t even know I wanted!”
A born Sacramentan, Watson moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in acting and television production but returned to Sacramento to raise her children. She was offered the position at St. Francis having never directed a full play before or taught in a classroom, she says that she followed her heart.
"My inner voice said ‘you know, this could be a good opportunity,'" Watson says, adding that in her time in the field, she's realized that the arts are essential to young minds.
"It spills over into so many other things we need in our culture — respect for one another, meeting deadlines. In theater, you have an opening night," she said. "You have to meet that deadline. There a lot of life skills you learn by being involved in the arts."
Watson has taught thousands of St. Francis students, including Greta Gerwig, the writer and director of "Lady Bird." But famous or not, Watson says "I think the memory I have that stands highest in my mind and my heart is the warmth and love I’ve felt from this community."
HER FINAL BOW
The last musical Watson will direct at St. Francis is "Quilters." The show runs March 22 to 23 and March 28 to 30. Tickets can be purchased here.
"I would love for any former students...former colleagues, that know me to come see the show, say hi..." Watson said, tearing up as she spoke. "I love them all."
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After 34 years at Saint Francis High School, drama teacher Cheryl Watson is retiring. The theater vet's last show with the school runs through March 31, and she's asking any friends and former students to drop by and say hi before her last day.