SueEllen Bennett greets visitors to St. James Children’s Center just as she would greet a 2-year-old or a parent — with a big smile. Or maybe even with a big hug, if she senses you need it.
Bennett, who is the director of the center, welcomed Keys Weekly on a day when her staff was preparing for a new class of students. The 2023-2024 school year will be Bennett’s 39th — and also her last, as she will be retiring this fall.
“They’re all cleaning out their closets,” she said, with a wave of her hand, as she walked through the large school room: The sun-filled space was filled with a riot of books, drawings, primary colored mini-chairs and rugs — and four teachers, who were also smiling and waving “hello” as they hung pictures and carried toys.
We almost wanted to sit down, hang out a while and draw pictures. Such is the magic that Bennett has created in this tiny yet mighty preschool, which is connected to St. James the Fisherman Episcopal Church. Over her almost 40 years of building the facility — and caring for generations of Upper Keys children — she has created such a loving and nurturing atmosphere that people just don’t want to leave.
“I cried at my second son’s graduation not because he graduated, but because we won’t be there every day,” said mother-of-two Lauren Solis, who not only attended St. James, but she also taught and sent her two sons there.
“She’s an institution,” said Erin Muir, who is another happy St. James parent. “Her love for children oozes out of every pore of her body. She always knows what a child needs most — a hug or an ear or a Band-Aid.”
“SueEllen is the first one out to greet us at drop-off, helps with sign-in, washes hands and walks the kids to see their teachers,” said Brett Ekblom, who, like Solis, attended St. James as a little one and sent his children there. “It’s very nostalgic and exciting to grow up in a small town, attend schools here and get to watch our own kids experience the same.”
Yet Bennett is modest. When asked her title, the director said, “I’m the chief bottle washer,” she said, with a laugh. “Whatever is needed that day. And we have the best kids and the best parents.”
But she is proud to talk about spearheading the effort for the preschool/VPK to be accredited by NAEYC: the National Association for the Education of Young Children. She and her staff have also — through state grants and community events — raised thousands of dollars for teacher salaries and facility repairs. This past March alone, they raised $20,000 through a read-a-thon.
Bennett built up the school from having just two teachers and 15 students in the 1980s to the current staff of four teachers and two aides who oversee 44 students. Over the years, she said, she has taught, among others, two West Point graduates, a pilot instructor, a Tampa hospital director of infectious diseases and many local business owners.
And if you, dear reader, are a new parent and would now like to sign up your child for St. James, be forewarned: The center has a long wait-list.
Casey Dooley is another former student of Bennett’s who feels lucky to be sending his children to St. James. “(My wife and I) knew we were going to take our kids there,” he said. “As soon as we could, I had called to get them on the wait-list months after they were born.”
“She’s definitely had an effect on this community, no doubt about that,” said Michelle Lane. She has been the St. James parish administrator for almost 20 years and has been tapped to take Bennett’s place.
Former teacher and student Solis affectionately called Bennett “nutty and a softie” and shared stories of staff pranks and Bennett’s infamous tendency to weep on the spot.
“Bring a box of tissues,” said Solis.
Bennett did get emotional when talking about what she would miss the most about St. James: the children.
“They are so honest — they tell you exactly what they’re thinking,” she said, wiping away a tear. “And to them, today is always the best day.”
When asked what she’ll miss about Bennett, Lane looked at her and said, “This is where I get weepy. She’s not only a co-worker, but she’s my mom, my friend, my partner in crime. I aspire to be just half the director you are. I hope I do you proud.”
Bennett, as is her way, couldn’t help but to be comforting: “You will,” she said, with a confident smile.
St. James will be throwing a retirement party for SueEllen Bennett on Saturday, Aug. 26, from 4 to 7:30 p.m. at Bud N’ Mary’s Marina. Any donations for the St. James Children’s Center can be sent via Venmo toward the SueEllen Legacy Fund @sueellenbennettlegacy. For more information, go to the center’s Facebook page @StJamesChildrensCenter.
