Ken SZOPA

Ken, you were a great teammate and captain. Your intensity and friendship will be missed.

Thinking of your family at this difficult time - our prayers are with you.

Dear Debby and Szopa Family,
My name is Annalise, Im a student at Jean Vanier Catholic School in grade 9. I came to J.V. in grade 7 for junior high. I remember walking up to the school with my dad, being a little scared for my first day in a new school. I walked to the front doors and there was Mr. Szopa, in a tuxedo, with that big glowing smile on his face. He asked me my name and welcomed me inside. From that moment on, I felt very welcomed in the school. Mr. Szopa made the school everything that it is today. I truly believe he is the reason that our school is still standing strong. I remember seeing him at all of the revisioning meetings I went to, specifically the last one when all of the decisions were being made. He was sick, I could tell, but there he was to support our school. He didn't think our school would make it, I remember talking with him before the meeting started with my mom. When they anounced the bill defeated, I looked over to Mr. Szopa who's eyes were bright, with that amazing smile on his face. I remember my mom telling him afterwards, "See? At times like this, you just have to stay positive." He smiled again, I could tell how happy he was, even if he was too sick to come back and teach. There are so many more memories I have of Mr. Szopa, and they will stay with me forever. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. Mr. Szopa's legacy will stay with our school forever, his heart, his smile, his positivity, everything always being "fantastic," and his love for our school.

Ken was so Very Special to us.
His Spirit will continue to Shine. What an example to follow!!!
So grateful and we have such fond memories...xoxo
John and Teresa Scalzo

Dear Mr.Szopa and The Szopa Family,

Mr.Szopa was my principal for the past three years at Jean Vanier. I remember on my first day of grade seven he was there to greet us at the doors, welcoming us with his shining face and bright smile, wearing a very spiffy suit. I knew from that moment that I would love and enjoy my experience there. Each morning he would walk the halls and ask everyone how they were doing and when we asked him he always used his favouite word for a response "Fantastic!" He was at every sports game for school, field trips, productions, everything! He always volunteered his time, so others could have a break.His voice on the intercom every morning always made everyone feel relaxed and safe to be where they are at. I remember this one time I had an opportunity room at lunch hour. As i grabbed my unfinished homework and headed for the opportunity room, I opened the door to see 4 of my friends and Mr.Szopa sitting there, he welcomed me in as I took a seat and he filled out my name in the books. We started doing our work, while he sat asking us questions of how school was going and how everthing was. After some brief conversation, he jumped out of his chair and told us to play musical chairs with him. We got right up and started playing with him. That is just one memory that always stands out when I think of him, he always wanted to go against the grain and live each day to the fullest. He was one of my biggest role models, and he will forever be in my heart. His sense of responsibility, honesty, lovingness, caringness and the ability to have unconditonal love for everyone you encounter and to love what you do. He is the true Mr. Jean Vanier. My thoughts and prayers got out to the Szopa family, Mr.Szopa will always be with you in spirit. Much love. ~Lauren Oszust

Our thoughts and prayers go out to you all during this sad time. Ken was truly an inspiration, he always had a smile on his face and was encouraging to others. Thanks for the good and happy times at Madonna.

To the Szopa family. Mr. Szopa was an excellent teacher and caring individual. We are saddened by his loss Cherish all the good memories He will not be forgotten. God's Blessings. the Luchak family.

To the Szopa family Mr. Szopa was a greatly admired and respected teacher to our children .So saddened by your loss. cherish all the good memories He will not be forgotten. god's blessings. the Luchak family

Dear Szopa Family,
Mr. Szopa brought a lot of joy into our school. He made the school what it has come to be. He will be dearly missed. We keep your family in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. God bless. May his memory be eternal.

To the Szopa family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time. I had the pleasure of being a student of Ken's in junior high at JV and I know he truly touched many lives.