`SHE'S AN ANGEL'

After raising six children, you might think Dotty Wencewicz would steer clear of the younger set.

Not so.

This soft-spoken, energetic woman enjoys her job as a teacher's aide at St. Vincent de Paul Elementary School.

Over the years, Wencewicz has been very involved in Girl Scouting and church activities.

"She's an angel," said Dr. Barbara Kohlfeld, principal at May Greene Elementary School.

"Dotty does so much, but she never takes credit for anything," said Kohlfeld. "She's a vision of the Christian spirit, very kind and caring."

Wencewicz and her husband, Tom, raised four daughters and two sons. Their youngest is a sixth grader at St. Vincent's. Their first grandchild, a 10-pound, 13-ounce baby girl, was born last Monday. They're looking forward to the birth of a second grandchild in August.

She stayed home 23 years when the children were younger because the Wencewiczs believe in a strong family life.

"There are a lot of things we can't control like our I.Q. or whether we're musically inclined or artistic, but we can all be loving people," she said.

At school, Wencewicz respects the children, and that respect is reciprocated. She never has to raise her voice to get the children's attention.

Wencewicz calls teaching one of the most wonderful professions. Teaching, she said, is both gratifying and challenging.

"She's a delightful lady," said Marilyn Lively, a first grade teacher at St. Vincent's. Wencewicz works as an aide in her class and two others. She works with about 60 children throughout her day.

"She's kind and considerate of the kid's feelings, and they really respond to her," said Lively.

That same caring attitude is applied to children and adults alike.

"I've never heard her speak badly of someone else. Never," said Lively.

Wencewicz volunteered more than 20 years as a Girl Scout leader. At one time, she was an assistant leader in one troop, and a leader in another.

She also taught Sunday school and confirmation classes for many years.

She credits a good husband with being able to balance it all. He is a mathematics professor at Southeast Missouri State University. The couple will celebrate 30 years of marriage in August.

"I've always enjoyed being around children, whether it was at home or teaching or leading a Girl Scout troop," said Wencewicz. "Everything we do influences our children along the way, we hope positively."