In recognition of that service, St. John the Baptist Parish in Folsom dedicated the school’s new Betty Dolan Education Center in her honor at a Mass celebrated Jan. 29 by Auxiliary Bishop Richard J. Garcia.

“Betty had more to do with building Catholic education in Folsom than anyone,” said Father Ignatius Haran, pastor of St. John the Baptist Parish.

The new 9,000-square-foot education center, which was completed this summer, includes a kindergarten room, computer lab, library, religious education office, multipurpose room and teachers’ lounge.

Parish administrator Bob Porter said the $1.4 million parish-funded project became a reality none too soon.

“As Folsom has grown so has St. John’s grown,” Porter said. “We’ve been making do with what we had for some time.”

Built 40 years ago, the school was becoming increasingly challenged to find space for its full enrollment of students over the past 10 years. A tool shed had to be converted to serve as a faculty lounge, a storage shed provided space for the computer room and the rectory served other school needs.

In addition to providing space for a much needed kindergarten room with customized furnishings for small children, another feature of the education center that it is wired for the Internet and features a computer lab designed with state-of-the-art technologies.

A time capsule filled with items representing last year’s student body is built into a wall in the entry room lounge.

Porter said that in addition to generous parish and school support for the building project, an innovative “Dream Coming True” fund drive provided the new center with interior furnishing including computer equipment.

“A wish list was posted on the Internet and people contributed what we needed and more,” Porter said.

Kim and Dan Bonnington were among school parents who supported the fund drive and donated all the materials for the education center’s roof.

“There were so many donors coming forward we were truly blessed,” said Kim Bonnington, whose son Timothy is a second grader at the school. “It was a true commitment to Catholic education.”

Sue Halfman, principal, said that students, faculty members, and staff paid tribute to Dolan, who retires at the end of the year, during the Mass and dedication ceremony.

“(Dolan) is the cornerstone of Catholic education in this community and has influenced hundreds of lives,” she said. “God is important in her life and she made sure it is important in the lives of her students.”

The long-time teacher wore many hats through the years at the school, serving as interim principal, teacher for several grade levels, and vice principal.

Fellow teacher Cookie Kipp was one of Dolan’s students nearly 30 years ago. Dolan was also her daughter’s favorite teacher at St. John’s Notre Dame.

“Betty Dolan is just a lot of fun,” Kipp said. “She encourages students to think on their own, has high expectations and students respond.”

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