An actor-turned politician by the name of Ronald Reagan was President of the United States.

Moviegoers were enjoying films like Dirty Dancing, Good Morning, Vietnam, Moonstruck, and Three Men and a Baby.Songs including At This Moment, Livin on a Prayer, The Lady in Red, and Walk Like an Egyptian filled the airwaves on boomboxes and walkmen.It was during this time that Candace Steffie was hired as a teacher at SS. Peter and Paul School in Lehighton.At a recent brunch held in her honor at the school, family and friends, as well as current and previous fellow teachers and administrators, gathered to honor Steffie for her 25 years of dedication to the SS. Peter and Paul School family." I am extremely grateful as a Catholic school teacher for having the opportunity over the past two and a half decades to teach and instill lifelong values in my students," said Steffie." Students learn Religion and how to live a spiritual life as well as the importance of treating others with respect, using manners, and promoting positive social skills."Through the years, Steffie has taught first grade, a combined third and fourth grade classroom, and fourth grade which she is teaching now. She estimates that she has taught approximately 300 students.According to Steffie, "my goal has always been to foster in my students a sense of responsibility, organization, and accountability in and outside of the classroom."During the brunch, students made special presentations to Steffie. The pre-school class presented flowers made of their handprints. Kindergarten made a Children Have the Future in Their Hands flag out of their handprints. First grade sang a song in Steffie's honor to the tune of B-I-N-G-O. The students in second grade wrote and read a special prayer.Third grade students each wrote and read a personalized haiku poem to Steffie. Her fourth grade class gave Steffie a certificate for a relaxing day at the spa. Fifth and sixth grade students each presented her with a rose and a card. A collage of photos from throughout the years was presented by the seventh and eight grade students."The easiest part of my job is knowing without a doubt that the faculty and staff here at SS. Peter and Paul are professional, caring, Christian role models for our students every day," said Principal Sherry Sernak. "And the reason they are such great role models is because they have Mrs. Steffie as THEIR role model."Looking back on her 25 years of teaching, Steffie summed up, "Teaching is a continuous learning process and one of the most rewarding professions because of the impact that is made on the lives of students."For more information about SS. Peter and Paul School, visit

www.ssppschool.org or call (610) 377-4466.