The Elaine Cambria memorial signpost at St. John the Baptist School in Kenmore is dedicated to Cambria, who spent most of her 37-year career teaching kindergarten at the school.

KENMORE — St. John the Baptist School recently dedicated the Elaine Cambria Memorial Signpost in honor of a beloved teacher who spent most of her 37-year career teaching kindergarten at the school and passed away earlier this year. Faculty and students presented the dedication in conjunction with the annual kindergarten play, a tradition that Cambria had initiated decades ago. Her son John and granddaughter Hannah represented the family at the ceremony.

"Dedicating the signpost at the kindergarten play seemed like the perfect way to honor Mrs. Cambria," said Principal Cynthia Jacobs. "Just as the play celebrates many of the special moments that occur throughout the year in kindergarten, Mrs. Cambria will forever be synonymous with kindergarten due the tremendous love and spirit."

Cambria began teaching at St. John's in 1971, and many of her children and grandchildren attended the school. "Mrs. Cambria always had a way of making people feel extra special. Not only did she have a genuine passion for her work, but she made everyone feel special and accepted in the process. She had the remarkable ability to instill confidence and bring dignity to all with whom she interacted," Jacobs commented further.

Due to Cambria's profound influence, there was a universal desire to honor her legacy. The school's Home School Association commissioned a special "street-like type sign" that read, "Mrs. Cambria Way." Placed at the threshold entry into the school's kindergarten wing, the sign provides a tender reminder to all who pass through the area. "We thought the street sign was a good symbol to connect with Mrs. Cambria," continued Jacobs. "Just as a street sign helps you navigate through the roads and streets of a town, Mrs. Cambria helped so many children and their families in discovering their path in life. It's a tangible tribute that is a testimony to her spirit and convictions."

Father Dawid Krzeszowski led the community in prayer during the ceremony and blessed the sign. A memorial scholarship has been established to honor Cambria's legacy.