Karen Moschetto

Ms. Moschetto (or as I and countless other teammates and years of alumni call her, Mosh) started her life of heroism in Brooklyn, New York, on March 10, 1965. She grew up with three younger brothers, which propelled her into a life full of sports and competition. Her friends and family could always find her in the basement playing a game of hockey with her brothers, or on the field and court playing alongside her teammates. Sports is where she felt most comfortable, and she truly thrived in the competitive atmosphere. Her dedication and years spent on countless sports teams, as well as being the role model for her younger siblings was the foundation of her effortless ability to lead by example. Her parents pushed her to become more self-reliant and independent by giving her the freedom to follow her desired paths toward the future. Without even attempting to, Mosh started to be a leader right when her first brother was born. This sense of leadership stuck with her throughout her time at Purdue University, to multiple other independent schools, and finally landed her as head of school at Fredericksburg Academy.

As I was only ten years old in 2010, I did not fully understand the implications behind Mosh becoming our headmaster. I looked at grownups all the same; they were tall people who worked, and they definitely had authority over me. I looked at this change as a minor promotion, so to speak. Looking back on it now, and as I became older, I truly started to understand the strength of will, dedication, and love that came along with her decision. She was going into a situation she had never been in before, causing her to step out of her comfort zone. That quality alone is something I respect and value within Mosh. Her underlying passion for our school is something unmatched by any other. She dedicates so much time, work, and energy into our community, and this work does not only impact our present community, but it prepares our school and students for a successful future. Her work is beyond legendary, and her fellow employees are able to vouch for her exemplary dedication.

Mr. Durso, Head of Middle and Upper School, has worked with Mosh for eight years, and Mrs. Estes, Head of Lower School, has worked with her for twenty. Over their years together, they have both been able to witness her dedication first hand. Mrs. Estes truly values the level of respect and belief Mosh has in the school. She makes it a safe and friendly environment so there's a level of ease and comfort in their relationship. This makes it easy for Mrs. Estes to talk to her and share ideas, and she knows those ideas will be valued.

Like Mrs. Estes's relationship with Mosh, Mr. Durso has shared similar interactions and relations. He values her ability to say what needs to be said; in times when it is often so difficult to say the right thing, she deals with it properly and appropriately. The way she delegates tasks to her employees and the freedom she gives them truly shows her compassion toward her colleagues. She appreciates each individual as an individual, and although she deals with many long-term goals for the school, she still maintains so many relationships with those around her, and makes sure she is updated on the daily happenings within the community. Her strong, dedicated work ethic is balanced perfectly with her kindness and compassion for those around her. 

Mosh not only excelled in classroom teachings and happenings, but also on the athletic fields, where she was not just a player, but a coach as well. When I started field hockey, I had a love hate relationship with it, I loved the game, and I loved the skills, but I was not yet sure if it was what I wanted to continue to pursue. The day I started playing for my hero was the day my mindset changed, not just because I enjoyed the game more, but because she motivated me to reach for greatness. Mosh has been my field hockey coach since eighth grade; it may not seem like a big deal, but in seventh grade, my nerves about making varsity had reached an all-time high. The older girls seemed so good and, well, I guess, old. I had known Mosh since I was a kid, but I had no clue what field hockey was going to be like. As soon as I walked onto the field for the first day of preseason in August 2014, and I saw Mosh sitting on the bleachers joking with my soon-to-be teammates, I knew immediately that all my concerns were laughable.

Just from that first day of eighth grade preseason, I was able to form one of my strongest, most trusting relationships in my life. I had found a mentor, and I knew she was going to be a key figure in my years to come. Not only did I find a new love for hockey, but a new love for my teammates, and a new reason to reach for greatness. Mosh always knew what to say to clear my mind before a game, and even going into our state final game this year, I clearly remember her saying, "Just play. Stop thinking, and just play." She was the voice of reason in my game when I needed her the most.

The thing I like about her guiding words, though, is that they apply to life too. She taught me that it's not about the fans or others' opinions or even about if we lose, it's about doing what you do best. I shouldn't worry about all the things floating around in my life all the time because in reality, when I'm not thinking about the unnecessary details, I can focus at a higher level. Her mentorship as a coach started to impact my daily life, and she told me I should make the most of what I have right now because once I go off to college, and get married, and find a career, I will never be surrounded by the same group of individuals ever again. Some say that youth is wasted on the young, but Mosh's words and guidance have taught me to leave it all out on the field, so I can leave my time here at FA, and other aspects of my life, with no regrets, not even a single missed goal.

Ms. Karen Moschetto has clearly impacted me in almost all areas of my life, and although this is a paper about how much I admire her heroism, I feel like her impact is so extensive, it is almost difficult to express in words. No matter which person she talks to, whether it be a faculty member, a student, player, or friend, they always leave knowing she cares. Mosh has the gift of making everyone who crosses her path, and those who step through the doors of FA, feel welcomed and secure. Her contagious pride and joy in FA, and energy, leadership, and love she pours into her life is a huge motivation for me as I grow older. One day, I hope to have just an ounce of the heart, wisdom, and kindness, she possesses, and if I can impact just a small percentage of the number of people she has, I know I will have succeeded in my goal.