With the retirement of Union East Elementary School’s Principal Kathleen Rudewicz, the assistant principal, Gretchen Sukdolak, has been promoted to principal.

“Kate and I have been transitioning for quite some time now and I certainly hope to continue with the many good things that she and I put together that the district itself is very keen on continuing,” said Sukdolak. “She is a wonderful lady who did an awful lot for this building and the district. She is a solid and compassionate woman and we miss her, but she says that she is only a phone call away.”

Rudewicz will be back to volunteer periodically with the district.

Sukdolak’s story of how she became a teacher, which led to earning her certificate in administration to eventually become a principal, is certainly one for the books.

While attending high school, Sukdolak worked on the school’s yearbook. An art teacher commented on how she would be a good art educator, even though she had been leaning toward continuing her education in commercial art, advertising and broadcasting.

She signed up at Buffalo State College and after a few classes realized that what she was going for was actually to be a teacher. Through the years she has had opportunities freelancing in the graphic design field, but she never looked back on becoming an art teacher.

“You ask yourself why you wind up where you are,” said Sukdolak. “Sometimes you get led down a path and you find out that it’s exactly what you were looking for, and that’s what happened with me and teaching.”

For 13 years she has been teaching, commencing her career as an art educator, primarily teaching at the secondary level. She always kept her goals and how she could take the next step. Sukdolak earned her second masters at Niagara University. Her leadership positions have included being an assistant principal at Cheektowaga Central High School and held the summer school principal position as well.

Sukdolak has plans to continue focusing on multicultural activities, character education, building bridges with teachers, kids and parents, educating students on patriotism, celebrating the nation’s culture and looking at new technology.

“We probably have the best jobs in the world because we work with kids,” said Sukdolak. “We work with families and we are fortunate to have that opportunity and I hope that I can continue as I’ve mentioned before the good works that have already been started, but enhance and expand and do some spectacular things all within that reach of the community.”

Sukdolak hopes that with the addition of her new initiatives the community will smile and continue to leave their heart within Cheektowaga.

e-mail: ngawel@metrowny.com.

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