Meet Gineen Enneking

PRINCIPAL ST. FRANCIS SERAPH

“Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.” - St. Francis of Assisi 

This quote beautifully reflects my journey in education, where I am currently celebrating my 25th year. All but two of these years have been spent in parochial schools, including 15 years serving in a CISE-supported school, 7 years at Resurrection School and 8 years at St. Francis Seraph. I am honored to be completing my first year as principal at St. Francis Seraph School.

My educational philosophy is rooted in a deep belief that all students are capable of learning and accomplishing great things when held to high expectations and supported by caring, consistent adults. If we do not believe in our students, they cannot fully realize their God-given potential. It is our responsibility to guide, challenge, and support them so they can become the people they are meant to be.

I am the youngest of seven children and the only girl. I attended St. James in White Oak and graduated from McAuley High School before continuing my education at Miami University, where I earned a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Master’s degree in Exercise Science and Health Studies.

My husband, Jerry, and I have been married for 36 years. We are blessed with three wonderful children, Patrick, Scott, and Ally, and two amazing daughters-in-law, Meagan and Kayla. All of them serve our community through civil service or healthcare, which is a great source of pride for our family.

Outside of school, I enjoy camping with my family and spending time in the beauty of God’s creation.

What I cherish most about being an educator are those “light bulb” moments, when a student who has struggled suddenly understands, and their face lights up with pride. I especially enjoy watching the underdog persevere and achieve something they once thought was impossible. It is incredibly meaningful to hear from former students who carry lessons beyond the classroom, like one student who, after studying the Holocaust in my class, was inspired to visit the Auschwitz exhibit at the Cincinnati Museum Center with her family and now hopes to travel to Germany to continue learning. Moments like these remind me why I do what I do.

There is nothing more rewarding than seeing students grow academically, behaviorally, and spiritually and take pride in their accomplishments, step by step.

What I cherish most about being an educator are those “light bulb” moments, when a student who has struggled suddenly understands, and their face lights up with pride. I especially enjoy watching the underdog persevere and achieve something they once thought was impossible. It is incredibly meaningful to hear from former students who carry lessons beyond the classroom, like one student who, after studying the Holocaust in my class, was inspired to visit the Auschwitz exhibit at the Cincinnati Museum Center with her family and now hopes to travel to Germany to continue learning. Moments like these remind me why I do what I do.

There is nothing more rewarding than seeing students grow academically, behaviorally, and spiritually and take pride in their accomplishments, step by step.