Mr. Art Raimo is the commander-in-chief of the most powerful spot on Bayshore. His decisions can halt a crisis, and his words are heard throughout Tampa.

Every day yields new challenges in our ever-changing school with new innovations, construction, and a growing school population. There is no such thing as a “typical day” for Raimo.

ACHONA received the chance to speak with Raimo directly to answer the burning question, “What exactly do you do all day?”

Raimo’s day begins approximately at 6:00am.

ACHONA: “So, what time do you wake up? Any specific morning routine?”

Raimo: “I come downstairs, make myself a cup of coffee, and read the newspaper for about 25 minutes. Then I shower, get dressed for work, and then it’s time to head to school.”

A: “What’s the first thing you do when you arrive at school?”

R: “I arrive here at about 7:30. After that, I enjoy going to the front lawn while greeting students as they arrive at school. I enjoy the sunrise on the beautiful bay, plus getting to see

the students.”

A: “Then after that?”

R: “My work day usually starts with meetings, phone calls, and checking my email. I meet with the principals every other week, as well as administration and the advancement office. We discuss a variety of topics from business, calendars, security, to events, and exchange new philosophical ideas we may have recently learned from books or articles. Especially now, I often meet with contractors too regarding the construction of the Center for the Arts and the new Holy Names Heritage center, which sure has kept us all very busy.”

A: “All of that action must make you very hungry by the time lunch approaches. Any usual lunch plans?

R: “Like the Academy students, Sage is my go-to for a good lunch. You can never go wrong with their salads or wraps, as well as their hot-food options. Usually, after lunch, I carry on with my previous routine and continue with my scheduled meetings, phone calls, or any other plans for the day.”

A: “When do you get home, and what is your favorite way to unwind after the long school day?”

R: “It is different every day, but I usually get home at around 4:30-5:30, schedule depending. As for relaxation goes, I like to read, specifically, books in the mystery or historical genre. I’ll also watch some television with my wife. She’s a big HGTV fan, and we enjoy Fixer Upper. My wife is a lover of happy endings, so that means I watch the Hallmark channel as well.”

A: “Looking back on your day, what would you say your favorite part of your Academy routine is?”

R: “I would have to say greeting students on the front lawn every morning. This gives me a chance to see and chat with them. What’s different about my position is that unlike the teachers and administration, I unfortunately don’t get to see the students as often. Everything I do during my day is to work towards the benefit of the students, and I wish I could see those benefits in action more often.”

A: “What are you most looking forward to this school year as a whole?”

R: “I am very excited for the center of the arts, however I would have to say that I am most looking forward to the heritage center. It will be a place where Alumni can come back and reflect on their time here at the Academy, while sharing collective memories. Academy girls will learn the impact that the Sisters of the Holy Names not only had on Academy, but for Tampa as a whole.”

Just after a night of reading, HGTV, and the Hallmark channel, Raimo is ready for bed to wake up to his Academy day all over again.