Torrance, CA (May 24, 2022): Friday, May 20 was a very special day on campus as faculty, staff, alumni, family and friends gathered to celebrate four amazing educators and their service to Bishop Montgomery. Debbie Skelley, Christine Collette, Dulcie Galdámez and Kathryn Bagnell (left to right, above) were honored at a retirement ceremony at the Schneider Retreat Center. They have a total of 137 combined years teaching at Bishop Montgomery and they have impacted the lives of thousands of students and have dedicated countless hours to helping the Bishop community.
Friday, May 20 was a very special day on campus as faculty, staff, alumni, family and friends gathered to celebrate four amazing educators and their service to Bishop Montgomery. Debbie Skelley, Christine Collette, Dulcie Galdámez and Kathryn Bagnell (left to right) were honored at a retirement ceremony at the Schneider Retreat Center. They have a total of 137 combined years teaching at Bishop Montgomery and they have impacted the lives of thousands of students and have dedicated countless hours to helping the Bishop community.
Debbie Skelley retired in June after teaching in the English department for 40 years. Every day, she could be found in Room 308 where she welcomed her students to a class decorated in pink. Skelley was known for teaching her students to have a love for literature and writing and it seems that every student she had was given a lovable nickname that she always called them, even years after they graduated. Skelley served as a mentor to so many teachers on campus and was always a teacher that alumni came back to visit. Skelley's legacy will continue to live on at BMHS as her son, Ryan (Class of 2004), teaches math in Room 309 and is a varsity assistant baseball coach.
Following the 2021 school year, Dulcie Galdámez retired after teaching in the BMHS World Languages department. Over the course of 40 years, she taught thousands of students and impacted the lives of so many, including the many teachers who she mentored. She began her time at BMHS teaching French and soon after began teaching all levels of Spanish. Upon her retirement, Galdámez reflected on her time at BMHS: "I made friendships that will last a lifetime. That sense of community is the reason I stayed at BMHS for so many years."
Christine Collette retired in 2020 after an amazing 42 years at Bishop Montgomery, where she taught Physical Education, Health, Typing, Geography and World History, among other classes. She also served in other capacities over the years, including Athletic Director, Drill Team Moderator, and Girls' Dean. From 1978-1990, she served as Head Softball Coach and led BMHS to three league titles and four CIF playoff appearances. Collette, Galdámez and Skelley are three of only six people to work at BMHS for at least 40 years.
To these four incredible women, we wish you the best on your retirement and thank you for your commitment to our school and our students.
