With arch of swords and a Vespa, Benedictine cadets say farewell to headmaster

Usually, the arch of swords is a solemn thing, but Benedictine High School cadets and departing headmaster John McGinty put their own twist on the old military tradition yesterday.

There were fist-bumps, hugs and -- at the end of the 50-person line, down where a circle of parents and alumni stood applauding on the high school parking lot -- a brand-new white Vespa motor scooter, paid for by students and their families.

"My dad has truly been waiting for this Vespa for nearly 50 years," daughter Katie Botha, who was in on the surprise sendoff, told the crowd as McGinty shook his head, smiled and tried to find some words.

"That's amazing," he said.

"This is a day I'll never forget. This is six years, I promise you I'll never forget."

He's been too busy as a teacher and administrator to mess around with scooters, after serving as a vice principal and then principal at Mills Godwin High School in Henrico County for 21 years before taking the top job at Benedictine in 2003.

McGinty's departure was unexpected, and came after the monks of the Mary Mother of the Church Abbey decided June 7 to remove McGinty and take a more active role managing the 98-year-old school. They stepped in to boost its finances with a $885,000 loan, secured by the abbey itself.

The Rev. Gregory Gresko, the abbey's second-in-command, becomes the new headmaster tomorrow.

"We never really had a chance to say goodbye," said Joe Nelson, 18, who graduated this year, after serving as battalion commander.

"He was always so kind to us. We just wanted to say bye and thank you."

Contact David Ress at (804) 649-6501 or .