By Jessica Easthope
It’s been only a few weeks since Denise Reicino became the principal of Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Academy in Corona, but her impact is already visible.
Reicino is deeply involved in the school community, knowing each student and parent by name.
“We know every child by name, we know every parent by name, and we know every parent’s situation,” she said.
The school serves a unique population — 95% of the students are undocumented, and English is their second language. Despite being a native Spanish speaker, Reicino faces her own challenges, particularly when it comes to bridging cultural gaps.
“A lot of the challenges that I feel that I’m experiencing are cultural. It’s sometimes hard to communicate American culture to families who are just arriving in the country,” Reicino explains.
Many of the students’ families are migrants from Ecuador, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic. Reicino is determined to make the school a safe haven for these children.
“Discipline is very important,” she said. “But it’s not just about being harsh—it’s about being consistent. I want school to be a place where students can find refuge. For that to happen, the environment needs to be calm, with clear rules that we all follow.”
With most students coming from strong faith backgrounds, Reicino’s role also includes nurturing their Catholic identity.
“I respect any parent who values Catholic education as an investment in their child’s future,” she said. “They know their faith will help their children strive for better things, both in school and in life. And we honor that investment by connecting their children to their faith.”
Reicino is not only shaping the students’ academic and spiritual lives but also growing as an educator herself.
“Listening to students is key,” she said. “Even as a principal, I’m still learning. As an educator, that never stops.”