Irene Quigley always embraced a challenge, from an earlier profession as a Philadelphia police officer to a later career as a teacher in a Catholic elementary school and then as a principal in parochial schools in Coplay and Northampton.

As the boys and girls at Good Shepherd Catholic School departed the Newport Avenue school for the summer, for Quigley, it marks the end of a career in education. She retired June 30.

Quigley began teaching at St. Joseph Regional Academy, Jim Thorpe, in 1988, spending 11 years in third-, fourth-, seventh- and eighth-grade classrooms. She was then appointed principal at Christ the King School, Coplay.

Though thrilled to being offered the post as principal at Christ the King, Quigley returned to the classroom several times a week to teach in a classroom setting.

On her appointment five years ago at Good Shepherd Catholic School, when the Diocese of Allentown merged Christ the King and Our Lady of Hungary schools, Quigley was up to the challenge.

As the boys and girls arrived at the school each morning, Quigley was there to greet them. She was also there when they left the school at the end of the day.

Quigley was instrumental in the technology program at the school. Twenty-five new laptops have been purchased, and white boards have been installed in the classrooms.

A full day preschool program for 4-year-olds also has been a success.

Fundraising at Good Shepherd has changed during Quigley’s tenure. In order to help reduce tuition costs, she initiated a program that a portion of a family’s fundraising efforts be applied toward the tuition costs.

“I’m happy that I was a part of the growth the children have at Good Shepherd,” Quigley said.

Quigley’s retirement will be spent with her grandchild and at Sacred Heart Hospital, where she is a volunteer.