St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic School Alumni Return to Make a Difference

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton (SEAS) Catholic School is a PreK—8th grade school and is only 17 years old, but is already fortunate to have two alumni on staff. SEAS is proud to have alumni whose experience brings them back to continue making a difference as educators.


Ms. Ronie Egurola
Ms. Ronie Egurola is in her 3rd year of teaching 4th grade at SEAS. When asked about the impact that SEAS had on her life and some of her favorite SEAS memories, she said, “I attended SEAS from the minute they opened. I was in the first eighth grade graduating class of 2009. SEAS has had a huge impact on my life. I firmly believe that SEAS laid down the foundation on which I’ve built my life. I have acquired a great work ethic, strong friendships, a positive outlook, and of course strong Catholic values. I would not be where I am today without this school. It has been such a blessing to have come around full circle, from student to teacher. SEAS is home and always has been, which is why I choose to teach here. I hope to carry out the values that SEAS instilled in me, and I hope to make a difference in each of my student's lives. 


As I look back at my school years at SEAS, I remember so many precious memories...learning about the different symbolic parts of the church from Mrs. Shadonix, doing the infinity walk before math tests with Mrs. Gutierrez, or praying the Serenity prayer in Mrs. Van Loan's room. Then there was the time when we dissected the cow eye with Dr. Chavez, or when we'd sing ‘Lovely Lady Dressed in Blue’ with Ms. Ortiz. Of course, I'll also always remember the A.T.M. Awards, the Red Badge of Courage novel study with Mrs. Shadonix, singing ‘Wade in the Water’ when fellow classmates were baptized, and learning Latin with Monsignor Millane. There are so many memories, and as I write them here they tug on my heartstrings and bring me tears... tears of joy of course. I am so proud to say that I am a SEAS Knight through and through, and thank the school, its wonderful past teachers and previous principal Mrs. Shadonix for all that they have taught. They truly have made a difference!”

Ms. Egurola graduated from SEAS 8th grade in 2009, from Immaculate Heart High School in 2013, and earned her college degree from Northern Arizona University. 

Two of SEAS parent Cici Morales’ children had Ms. Egurola as a teacher, and she noted, “Ronie has so much enthusiasm for the school, which you can see not only by the way she teaches, but also in her presence. Her energy and devotion to SEAS bring a spirit of positivity to our school community.”

Mrs. Hannah Semon Winkel
This year, SEAS is also happy to welcome Mrs. Hannah Semon Winkel to the staff as the newest Kindergarten teacher. Mrs. Winkel completed 8th grade at SEAS in 2012, is a 2016 graduate of Ironwood Ridge High School, and a 2020 graduate of Texas A&M International University. In college, she majored in Multidisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Kinesiology, Psychology, and Education, and was an award-winning athlete who played volleyball throughout her college career.


Reflecting on her time at SEAS, she said, “I loved my SEAS experience! I am so glad that SEAS was my school during my primary years of learning because I was grounded in my faith and was surrounded by people who cared not only for my academic growth but spiritual growth as well. This helped prepare me for high school because with that strong spiritual foundation, the challenges and temptations I faced were not as questionable and I knew who to go to for guidance: God, family, and church teachings.”

She attributes her belief in the importance of a strong foundation of faith and morals as part of why SEAS is a great school to attend and at which to teach; “There is no doubt that our children will face tough situations as they grow up, and bad things do happen; we can’t prevent this, but we can do our best to prepare them to face these battles head on and with faith, knowledge, love and courage to make it out even stronger than when they went in.” And as the newest staff member, “To be on the staff at SEAS as an alumni, it is so wonderful to be surrounded by people who believe in the same things that I do and to be able to turn to a coworker for help professionally as a teacher and for help through prayers as brothers and sisters in Christ.”

SEAS Principal Theresa Dolan-Dixon recognizes the unique gift that having alumni on staff is, “The SEAS community is blessed with these young women who have returned to us as teachers. Many in our community had the privilege of teaching these incredible young ladies and participated in the formation of their Catholic faith. We are humbled to watch them return to their roots to carry on the traditions of SEAS and ensure the future of Catholic Education for our community.“

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic School is located on the Northwest side of Tucson at 8650 N. Shannon Rd. Learn more at school.seastucson.org.