School secretary serves as anchor for fellow Mexicans in Indianapolis

Published: 2006-06-28

INDIANAPOLIS (CNS) -- Maria Lomeli laughed as she talked about the various hats she wears as secretary at St. Philip Neri School in Indianapolis. She was a preschool assistant for four months before moving to the administrative job at the school two years ago. While her regular duties now include working closely with principal Maureen Reynolds and answering the phone and students' questions, she also serves as an anchor for the many Hispanic families who come to the school for assistance. "Most of them I know from Mexico," Lomeli said of many of the families who have enrolled their children at St. Philip Neri. A native of Tala, Mexico, a city near Guadalajara, Lomeli moved to Indianapolis 13 years ago. Many of the newer Mexican families come from Tala, and they feel very much at ease when they see Lomeli's welcoming presence at the school, which covers pre-kindergarten to eighth grade.

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