Alice Miller’s long dedication to Catholic education hasn’t gone unnoticed.

A teacher at St. Jerome Regional School in Hometown, Miller has been teaching in Catholic schools for 51 years.

The last 50 years, though, have been at St. Jerome.

On Friday, her school community thanked her for those many years of guiding her students in faith and knowledge.

Principal Amy Hannis-Miskar referred to Miller as “a living legend among us,” and the “heart and soul” of the school following a Mass celebrating Catholic Schools Week and honoring Miller.

“Mrs. Miller, as we gather here today, we want to express our deepest gratitude for your 50 years of service at St. Jerome,” she said, calling her an inspiration for countless individuals who have known her.

“In celebrating your milestone, we are reminded of the profound difference one person can make in the lives of many,” Hannis-Miskar said. “Your legacy is etched in the hearts of those you’ve taught, and your influence will continue to shape the future of St. Jerome Regional School for generations to come.”

She then announced that the circular driveway in front of the school will be named Alice Miller Circle.

“This circle will forever stand as a testament to the indelible mark you have left on our school and the countless lives you have touched,” Hannis-Miskar said.

“Alice Miller Circle is a reminder to all who pass through it of the remarkable journey of a woman who dedicated five decades to educating so many students,” she said. “Congratulations, Mrs. Miller!”

The dedication took Miller by surprise, as did seeing her daughters, Ann Marie Polinger and Lisa Fuller, both Marian Catholic graduates, on this special day for her, she said.

“It was emotional,” Miller said afterward, “Starting with seeing my daughters.”

The school has been blessed with having Miller for 50 years, Hannis-Miskar said, noting that they may never have another teacher reach that milestone.

She is also grateful to have Miller, who remains committed to teaching in a Catholic school even after more than five decades.

Being able to incorporate her faith and religion into everything she teaches is important to her, Miller said.

“I’m helping them to develop not only academically and socially, but spiritually,” Miller said this week.

She also gets to teach them about Jesus and bring them closer to Him, and how to live their faith every day, she said.

Miller’s fondest memories, though, are those of returning students who tell her how she helped them to get where they are today.

“That is what makes it all really worth it,” she said.

Teaching seventh and eighth grade, Miller said she’s preparing her students for high school and also how to become responsible, organized and to manage their time.

“Those are all things that are important that they need to learn,” she said. “It’s not something you just do. You have some guidance along the way to develop those things.”

She recalled a saying that someone gave her, “A teacher shows you where to look, but not where to find it,” Miller said. “That’s true.”

Her career longevity can also be attributed to liking what she does.

Miller remembers her mother, who recently passed at the age of 103, asking her if she was going to retire. She told her that she didn’t’ know.

“She looks at me and goes, ‘You still like what you do? Then, you’re not ready,” Miller recalls her mother saying.

Many others have told her the same thing - that she’ll know when it’s time.

And it’s still not time, she said.