Former Oakmont High Principal Remembered as ‘Inspirational’

Inspirational, a leader, caring, unforgettable – is how many will remember Kathleen Sirovy.

. In April, she was diagnosed with an inoperable form of brain cancer.

She served as principal of in Roseville until retiring last school year. Sirovy served as principal at Oakmont High for the past 10 years and worked in the as a teacher, coach and assistant principal.

Rob Hasty, current principal at Oakmont High, said toward the end of the spring semester, Sirovy was still involved in leading the school – “leading from home, the hospital bed,” he said.

“She truly was a servant leader. She always took care of everyone else,” said Hasty, who knew Sirovy for about nine years. “If you had a problem, she was there. She’s inspired so many lives.”

Those messages of inspiration and leadership were echoed in set up as platforms for people to share their memories and heartfelt condolences to Sirovy's family.

Shortly after Sirovy was diagnosed with brain cancer, Oakmont High staff created a 96-tile mosaic that is now displayed on the wall of one of the school’s outdoor hallways to create a permanent place for Sirovy’s memory on campus. Staff members decorated a tile with drawings, words or a message – each tile with a line connecting to its neighbor.

One tile’s message reads, “You are our rock.” Another reads “Your gift to us: your leadership and commitment to our staff and students. Our gift to you: the reminder of who we are at Oakmont High School. Each circle represents our individuality; each line represents how we connect. Thank you for guiding us!”

The day after Sirovy’s passing, Greg Harnage, Oakmont High class of 2008, and Hanna Marie Adams, class of 2007, created a memorial under the Oakmont High marquee along Cirby Way. People left flowers, notes and candles and the memorial continues to grow.

Sirovy’s husband, George, also worked within the Roseville Joint Union High School District; he retired from Granite Bay High School, as a teacher and athletic director. Together, they have two adult children.

Jan Sirovy, Kathleen Sirovy’s sister-in-law, left a message on “Smiles for Sirovy:” “Thank all of you for your support during these difficult times. Kathleen was a wonderful sister-in-law. We still can't believe that she is gone. She will be greatly missed.”

Tony Monetti, superintendent of Roseville Joint Union High School District, said Kathleen touched many lives within Oakmont High and the district.

“Kathleen was one of those very special people we are privileged to meet in our lives,” Monetti wrote in a letter to the community. “There is no doubt that she has left a lasting imprint on this district and certainly on Oakmont. Her kindness, courage, and tireless work for students and staff are examples for all of us. I will miss her upbeat attitude and the genuine concern she showed that let you know she cared.”

Celebration of Life

The public is welcome to attend “A Celebration of Life” from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 30 in the quad area of Oakmont High School. In honor of Sirovy’s Viking spirit, staff are asking people to consider wearing blue and white. Immediately following, from 7:30-8:30 p.m. there will be a dessert reception in the school cafeteria.

Kathleen Sirovy Scholarship Fund

A scholarship fund has been set up in Kathleen Sirovy’s name. To make a donation, make checks payable to RJUHSD and indicate “Kathleen Sirovy Scholarship” in the memo line. Checks can be mailed to: Kathleen Sirovy Scholarship Fund, Oakmont High School, 1710 Cirby Way, Roseville, CA 95661.