Campion says goodbye to Dawn Fagan

Dawn Fagan (center) is pictured with her husband and their three children and son-in-law.

After 16 years of dedicated service and delicious food, Dawn Fagan is resigning as Food Service Director. Fagan has been known as an incredibly hard worker and has contributed to Campion in many ways. “Dawn is one of the hardest workers I have ever known,” commented Sue Helm. “If there is something that needs to be done, she is either volunteering or had already seen that it needed to be done, so she just did it. She definitely had the gift of seeing the BIG picture of what needed to be done.”
 
Fagan was always sure to provide a variety of options to meet each student’s individual dietary needs. “Dawn’s passion to provide three meals a day as well as all the extras such as homemade daily bread is inspiring,” said Honali Marin. “Her desire and goal was for every meal that was served to not only be nutritious but also to look and taste delicious. She tirelessly worked countless hours to go above and beyond to make every student’s and guest’s dining experience pleasant and enjoyable.”
 
Fagan has contributed to the creation of many Campion traditions, such as the church and school joint potlucks, and special meals hosted by the international students. Her menu has been diverse and introduced students and staff to unique recipes. Some favorites were sofrito stew, falafels, and perogies. Over the years at Campion, Dawn and her husband John Fagan have also been faithful class sponsors were sponsors of this year’s graduating senior class. In addition, Fagan was a volleyball coach for 18 years.
 
All three of her children graduated from Campion Academy. In February, Fagan’s first grandchild was born to her daughter Elizabeth who lives in Montana. Spurred by the desire to have more flexibility to spend time with her grandchild, Fagan decided that it was time for a change. While the Fagans haven’t finalized plans for the future, it will be sure to include extra time with family.
 
Fagan commented that she would miss working with the students at Campion Academy. While Fagan is known for running a strict and efficient kitchen, she noted the importance of showing grace. “I have learned many things working at Campion Academy, but one of the most important continues to be that everyone has a story (past).  We don't always know what has shaped them, how they have gotten to where they are now, or what they are going through.  So many students have come from such sadness, brokenness, and setbacks.  Many times, we are only aware of some of the issues, and often not until after the student is gone.  We must love everyone like Jesus showed us when He was on this earth and continues to do.  I repeatedly pray that I neither do nor say anything that turns others away from God,” Fagan reflected.
 
When asked about a favorite memory from her time at Campion, she said, “I have so many memories, I cannot choose one.  I have memories of good experiences (cooking, class parties, banquets, baking, coaching, serving, alumni weekends, parents' weekends, class trips, picnics, music festivals, games, helping students, school/church potlucks, special international meals, etc) and bad ones (reacting poorly, snapping at someone, allowing myself to be overly stressed, etc).  But all the memories are good ones because they have helped me (hopefully) become a better person. Thank you Campion Academy, I love you!”
 
Thank you, Mrs. Fagan, for the incredible years of service you have given to Campion Academy. You will be greatly missed. 

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