Staff Spotlight: Mr. Arnold

Born Anthony Arnold in Farmington, New Hampshire, our principal, and devoted Catholic father of three has lots of things you might not know about him. That’s why I interviewed him in his office, a small humble room decorated with unique lighting, pictures of his family, and symbols of his Catholic faith. I asked him about his interests, hobbies, family, career, and future for St. Patrick School. 

Interests and Hobbies

You might wonder what some of Mr. Arnold’s interests are. Mr. Arnold enjoys watching movies with his family such as Goodwill Hunting, Silver Linings Playbook, and Everything Everywhere All At Once. He likes reading books like Screwtape Letters and The Great Divorce. He also enjoys his friend’s smoked and seared steaks, his wife’s burgers, and everything El Maguey. Desserts like his grandma’s chocolate pie, Belgium waffles, or his grandma’s chocolate cake with mocha frosting are also things he enjoys.

Family

Mr. Arnold has three children and two grandchildren. He prioritizes family time in his life. During my interview he told me that Christmas was his favorite season because of the smiles he sees on his wife and daughters’ faces.  

“Any free time I get I want to be with my family.”

Career

“It was a calling.” That’s what Mr. Arnold told me when I asked him why he became a teacher. His first teaching job was at Rolla Middle School. I asked him why he became a principal and he said “My personality and skill set would serve better as a principal.” Many don’t know this but Mr. Arnold has been the principal at St. Pats before (’04-’07).   “My desire is to be here as long as God wants me here.” 

Future of St. Patrick School

When I asked Mr. Arnold about his dreams for this school he broke it down into three different goals. His first goal is to make this school capable of housing all students that desire a Catholic education. His second goal is to effectively educate all of the students.  His third goal: “I want this school to be guided by the one sole principle we are all taught to live by–love.” 

“If we let love guide us, we cannot do anything wrong.”