February 7th, 2025, might have seemed like any other winter day for most. But for room 1211 in GHS, it was a day filled with sweets, balloons, and gifts for French and Spanish teacher Ms. Finacey’s birthday.
Her birthday is impossible to forget for her French students, as they usually have to translate the date of February 7th into French over 50 times on their days and months packets.
This means it’s a highly anticipated day for Ms. Finacey’s students– and all French and Spanish classes were prepared on this February morning.
“I’m having a wonderful seventieth birthday thanks to my wonderful students and faculty,” said Finacey on her special day.
Ms. Finacey’s teaching attire included a sparkly birthday sash and crown, given to her by beloved colleague Rayanne Menery.
For her first period, Madame Finacey’s French-1 class brought in donuts, cookies and a delicious chocolate cake with blue frosting. Students also gave Madame two shiny gold 7 and “0” balloons.
“My sister watched the video of the French-1 Class and it made her cry,” Finacey said. “She thought it was so endearing that they were singing and bringing in cakes, balloons, cards, and chocolate.”
Madame’s third period French-3 and 4 students brought in coffee and another cake, this time flavored chocolate and vanilla and iced with silky chocolate fudge.
In nearly every French or Spanish class of Madame’s, choruses of not only Happy Birthday but the phrase in French: Bonne Anniversaire, and Spanish: Feliz Cumpleanos could be heard emanating from her lively classroom.
Former and current students also stopped by to say happy birthday or write notes to their favorite language teacher.
After teaching for 37 years, it’s no surprise that Madame Finacey is one of the most adored teachers at GHS and worth celebrating for so many at Gloucester High.
“Gloucester is a wonderful place to work,” said Finacey. “The kids are nice, the faculty is nice– it made the day.”
When asked how she feels about being 70: “It’s wonderful” she said. “I’m alive.”
Susan Finacey Foley • Feb 13, 2025 at 9:49 pm
Beautiful story. Happy birthday Carol.