My name is Missy (Cagginello) Dubin and I was proudly born and raised in The Small City with a Big Heart and graduated from SMS in 1997. I reside in Milford with my husband, Brock, and our three children, Gracie, Jack & Sadie.
What is your current job/year in school?
I have worked in the field of Special Education for the last 18 years. I am thrilled to be supporting students in preschool through eighth grade as a teacher in the Learning Center at St. Mary’s.
What was your educational path after graduating from St. Mary School?
After graduating SMS with friends whom I hold dear to my heart to this very day, I went on to graduate from The Academy of Our Lady of Mercy at Lauralton Hall. I adored my time at Lauralton, grew as an individual and forged friendships that will last a lifetime. As a Crusader, my competitive spirit was fueled on the volleyball and basketball courts, as well as the softball field. Academically, I graduated with honors and was a member of the National Honor Society. I continued my journey through Catholic Education as I received my Bachelor of Arts degree from Providence College where I enjoyed being a member of the Women’s Rugby Team and earned Dean’s List Honors throughout my tenure at PC. After completing my undergraduate studies in Regular and Special Education, I remained at Providence College where I earned my Masters degree in Literacy. Most recently, I continued my studies in the area of Educational Leadership at Sacred Heart University & acquired my Administrative Certification.
What volunteer efforts are you involved with?
I have been a member of the W.O.M.E.N. Inc. Club of Milford for the last several years, and for the last two years I have served as the club secretary.
“W.O.M.E.N., Inc represents women in the Milford Community who share a commitment to provide support and assistance to Milford families that fall under the radar. Our goal is to network and discuss issues and obstacles that the families in our community are presently facing. Then, identify opportunities for outreach support. Due to the various educational and vocational backgrounds of our members, we are able to provide extensive networking in order to find solutions that help families in need. Our assistance in funding comes solely from contributions made by our members. We support those who may need temporary assistance such as food, clothing, utility bill assistance, as well as other challenges. Although we are a small club, we hope to make a difference in the lives of the members of our community.”
How do you feel SMS prepared you academically?
As I entered high school and college, I felt that St. Mary’s provided me with the tools necessary, and the work ethic required, to succeed academically. While I can vividly remember something special that each of my teachers instilled in me during my years at SMS, I credit Mrs. Betty Nelson with teaching me tremendous note-taking and study skills that served me well in my secondary and post-secondary schooling. Miss Linda Wandelear provided me with a solid understanding of grammar and usage through her sentence diagramming units of study, which improved my writing skills and continue to assist me in my writing instruction with my own students. Overall, I can say with confidence that the organizational and study skills that were instilled in me at SMS served me well throughout my educational and professional careers.
Do you feel SMS provided you with a foundation for your future?
Above all else, St. Mary’s provided me with a strong personal foundation; a foundation rooted in faith, a spirit of volunteerism and a deep sense of right and wrong. I had the honor and privilege of knowing, and loving, Sister Jane McGurkin who severed as my principal at SMS for the majority of my years as a student there. To this day, I think of Sister Jane so very often and hope that I am making her proud as an educator, mother, daughter, and friend.
What are some of your favorite memories of SMS?
There are too many wonderful memories to recount, but the SMS Carnival and SMS Basketball Tournament were always the highlights of each school year. Spending hours cheering on the girls and boys from the stage and then walking down to John’s Best with friends never got old! Believe it or not, First Friday masses were also a favorite. When Mrs. Pendleton announced “All the Ends of the Earth”, there was no stopping the cheers!
What are your plans for the future?
I look forward to supporting the students and families of SMS through my work in the Learning Center, and I hope to provide my students with the foundation that my wonderful teachers instilled in me many years ago!
What advice can you give to our students?
Be true to yourself and believe in your greatness, but know that you must continue to work hard to earn the respect of your parents, teachers and peers. Nothing truly wonderful in life is handed to you, but know that you are never alone!
