Influencer of the Week: Rosemary Carsello, Lake Buena Vista High School

As school secretary at Lake Buena Vista High, Rosemary Carsello ensures systems are in place for the students’ safety and success. She tries to lead by example and is one of the 2021-22 Orange County Public Schools Support Person of the Year finalists.

What brought you to your school?

It was impossible to resist the opportunity to open a new OCPS high school — especially under the leadership of Guy Swenson. Having worked as Dr. Swenson’s secretary since his inaugural year as a principal at Olympia High School during the 2012-13 school year, I witnessed first-hand his incredible foresight, vision and commitment to education. I simply could not pass up being a part of opening Lake Buena Vista High School and watching it blossom.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

It is so rewarding working with an entire staff of such innovative and motivated professionals. Our teachers; office, cafeteria, custodial staff; and our administrators share a common and driven focus on our students’ success and safety. When I leave work each day, I know the staff at Lake Buena Vista High School has made a positive impact on our students and community. It is tremendously satisfying to be a part of the LBV team.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I thoroughly love spending time with my family. Whether it is a drive with my husband, Marc, to visit my son, Patrick, and daughter-in-law, Kelsey, in Tampa, or simply having the pleasure of my daughter Emma’s company running errands, I feel so blessed. I enjoy theorem painting and practicing my baking and cooking skills — and I am taking great liberty using the word “skills.” There are weekend Candy Crush tournaments I also enjoy and the occasional binge-watching of Hallmark Christmas movies.

Who was your favorite teacher when you were in school and why?

Hands-down and without question, Alice Guess, who was my freshman English teacher and class adviser my four years in high school. Going to my ninth-grade English class was the highlight of my day. Guess was a gifted teacher who opened my eyes to the great opportunity and joy of expression with the written word for which I am ever grateful.

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

As a child, I wanted to grow up to be just like my mom, who was loving, nurturing and incredibly funny. My mom made all those around her happy, and I found her devotion to family motivating and inspirational.

What is your favorite children’s book?

Dr. Seuss’ “Cat in the Hat.’ Aside from the over-the-top antics of the Cat, the idea parents would leave two young children alone at home without a babysitter was something I found quite intriguing.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

Time travel would be an incredible superpower to possess. The ability to travel back and perhaps meet some of the great people of history, or to travel to the future to witness the progress of mankind — The whole idea of time-travel ignites my imagination!

If you could only listen to three bands or artists for the rest of your life, what would they be and why?

Gordon Lightfoot, Coldplay and Alexander Bornstein would be a perfect lineup for the rest of my life. Lightfoot for the musical stories of his songs, Coldplay for their unique and always ear-catching music and the instrumental soundtracks by Alexander Bornstein, my oldest son. Alex’s joy and love and music is embedded in every note he writes and plays. … His music is simply exquisite.

What was your go-to lunch as an elementary student?

I was a devoted PB&J kid and still am! Occasionally when expenses would allow, my mom would surprise me with a Tastykake Butterscotch Krimpet under my sandwich. 

Who was your best friend when you were in school? 

My twin brother, Michael Pierce. As our hometown and school were small, we shared many of the same teachers and our circle of friends overlapped. ... We had then, and still have, a strong relationship, as well as with our other five siblings. 

— JIM CARCHIDI

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Do you have an “unsung hero” at your school? If so, please nominate him or her for our Influencer of the Week feature. Nominations can be sent via email to [email protected].