Meet St. Clare school principal Amy Lopez
February 23, 2015
There are more than 300 bright and shiny faces waiting for Amy Lopez at St. Clare Catholic School in North Palm Beach. That means a 5 a.m. rise-and-shine time for Lopez, their principal. And sometimes, she is up even earlier with her 8-month-old son, George Rocco Lopez.
But the early hours and long days are all worth it to Lopez, who lives in Royal Palm Beach with her husband George Lopez.
Meet St. Claire elementary school president Amy Lopez photo
Damon Higgins
Amy Lopez is a young mom and the principal of St. Clare Catholic School.The school is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year and all kinds of events, including a fishing tournament in April. DAMON HIGGINS / THE PALM BEACH POST
“I’ve always enjoyed teaching,” says Lopez, “and as a principal I’m still teaching but on a different level. I can reach a broader range of students.”
“I’ve always enjoyed teaching,” says Lopez, “and as a principal I’m still teaching but on a different level. I can reach a broader range of students.”
Born in Miami, Lopez spent most of her life in Broward and Palm Beach counties.
“I am a product of Catholic schools here in Palm Beach County, attending Pope John Paul II High School in Boca Raton,” she says.
Before taking the position at St. Clare’s, she was an assistant principal, ESOL and dual language coordinator, magnet coordinator and an elementary teacher with the Palm Beach County school district.
Lopez, who speaks English and Spanish, enjoys reading and making a difference with underprivileged children. She volunteers at the Delray Beach Elks Lodge for children’s parties to celebrate Halloween, Christmas and Easter.
St. Clare’s is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year with all sorts of fun events, including a fishing tournament on April 25 at the Sailfish Marina. For more information call 561-622-7171, email tourney@stclareschool.com or visit www.stclareschool.com.
Favorite place for breakfast:
During the week, my top pick is an iced coffee from Dunkin Donuts. After Mass on Sunday at St. Clare Catholic Church I enjoy going to Hobo’s.
Hobo’s Gourmet Kitchen, 421 Northlake Blvd., North Palm Beach, 561- 841-8305, www.hobosgourmetkitchen.net
Favorite place to go out for lunch:
I don’t usually go out for lunch while at school, but if I do it would be Nature’s Way Cafe or St. Clare Cafeteria.
Nature’s Way Café, 420 U.S. 1, North Palm Beach, 561- 882-0211, www.natureswaycafe.com
Favorite place to go out for dinner:
Cod and Capers in North Palm Beach or the Sailfish Marina. I enjoy sitting outside and looking at the boats and the water.
Cod and Capers, 1201 U.S. 1, North Palm Beach, 561-622-0963, www.codandcapers.com
Sailfish Marina, 98 Lake Drive, Palm Beach Shores, 561-844-1724, www.sailfishmarina.com
Favorite place to take out-of-town visitors:
Lion Country Safari (if kids are involved) and Mounts Botanical Garden.
Lion Country Safari, 2003 Lion Country Safari Road, Loxahatchee, www.lioncountrysafari.com
Mounts Botanical Garden, 531 N Military Trail, West Palm Beach, 561-233-1757, www.mounts.org
Favorite place to watch the sunrise:
Lake Worth Beach/Pier. I meet some of my principal friends there at Benny’s.
Benny’s on the Beach, 10 Ocean Blvd., Lake Worth, 561-582-9001, www.bennysonthebeach.com
Favorite happy hour:
I’m a new mom, my son is 8 months old. My happy hour is the hour I get home from work and spend it playing with him!
Favorite place to go to relax and recharge:
Anywhere I can spend time with my family. We sometimes attend the Wellington and Royal Palm Beach community events. I’m also a member of the UF alumni association and occasionally view Gator games with them.
Where I like to shop:
The Mall at Wellington Green or Palm Beach Outlets, or for art supplies and crafts for the family, Crafts & Stuff in Palm Beach Gardens.
The Mall at Wellington Green, 10300 Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington, www.shopwellingtongreen.com
Palm Beach Outlets, 1751 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd., West Palm Beach, 561-515-4400, www.palmbeachoutlets.com
Crafts & Stuff, 9810 Alternate A1A, Palm Beach Gardens, 561-694-0750, www.crafts-n-stuff.com
