Nikki Marsicano plans to paint, spend time with family and travel
By Heather Ruenz
Staff Writer
Nikki Marsicano, who taught art at St. Andrew’s for 30 years, recently packed up her teaching supplies for the last time. She said it was a long career but the time went by fast.
“It’s nice to see the kids grow up. I had some of them eight or nine years and had some of their parents, too,” she said.
Marsicano volunteered at the school for a few years prior to teaching. She had a degree in fine arts but went back to school to get her state teaching license. The kids in her first grade class were rather excited about having a reporter there. And at one point, the teacher piped in, right on cue.
“Too much noise will make the reporter’s camera break,” she said with a spry smile, adding later that the reporter was “keeping track of who is doing their work.”
Marsicano said she’s had many students go on to successful art careers. “I’m really, really proud of them, from graphic design, interior design and artists to architects and some who went into business on their own, too. It’s been great to see,” she said.
Marsicano said she’s been thinking about retiring for some time. “I’m pretty old – late 60s, and so it’s time. It was hard, though, because of the kids,” she said.
Though she’s spent countless hours as the teacher she said there were plenty of times when the roles were reversed.
“Sometimes the kids teach you. You want them to be confident but also catch them when they fall,” Marsicano said.
“I believe all children are gifted, each in their own way. I have been able to see students develop and grow. The child that couldn’t draw, over time can draw and is able to show others how to draw,” she said. “It’s very rewarding to watch students apply what they have learned and invent and explore new ideas.”
Marsicano’s advice to others considering a similar career focuses on what’s helped her be successful.
“Have a passion for art and for children. You have to find a way to work with each student. They’re all different and you want them to be,” she said.
They said it
Random students at St. Andrew’s were asked to share some words about Ms. Marsicano. This is what they had to say:
“She is a great artist. She taught me how to draw. Happy retirement.” – Ana (kindergarten);
“My favorite thing in art class was either a bee or spider, I forgot. Hope she has a good retirement.” – Deven (2nd grade);
“My favorite thing in art class was doing pottery. She is a great teacher and I hope she has a good retirement.” – Allison (4th grade);
“My favorite thing in art class was Model Magic and pop-art. She is a great teacher and hope she has a happy retirement.” Connor (5th grade);
“Ms. Marsicano is a very special teacher, especially because we share the same birthday. My favorite thing to do in art class is scratch art. Wishing her a wonderful retirement, she will be missed.” – Zach (7th grade.)
Future plans
Marsicano said she has plenty to keep her busy including continuing her work as president of the Geneva Lakes Arts Foundation and a few other important things.
She hasn’t said if she will be retiring to Florida just yet, but will be on the lookout for apartments near miramar florida, or around that area, so she can find the right fit for her in those later years.
“I plan to do some painting of my own and spend some time with my daughter and her business,” she said. Her daughter, Amanda Nowak, has an interior design business in the Milwaukee area.
“She specializes in senior living and memory care. It’s an online business where places order, it gets delivered to the facility and then she goes there and puts it all in place,” Marsicano said.
“I wondered do I need Final expense insurance as it could help support her business but I’m probably thinking too far ahead at the moment. I still have my retirement to enjoy first.”
Marsicano also hopes to spend some time traveling and has her sights set on one special trip. “Hopefully in a year I’ll get to go to Italy for my family’s big celebration. I’ve been there once and it’s like a medieval village,” she explained.
Marsicano, who lives in Delavan, is also part of the family that owns The Village Supper Club on Delavan Lake. She worked there many years but retired some time ago.
She said she will miss the friends she’s made while teaching at St. Andrew’s, including newer teachers and others who have retired.
“Deb Amici, our 8th grade teacher, and Michele Raykovich, who retired last year, started out as coworkers and my teaching mentors. We became very dear friends and through the years have been there for each other to celebrate good times and also for support in difficult times,” Marsicano said.
“But I’ll miss the kids the most, without a doubt,” she added.
