Educators cited for excellence

The top principal and several teachers from Catholic schools in the 14-county Albany Diocese were honored at the sixth annual Catholic Schools Liturgy, held Nov. 16 at Christ the King Church in Westmere.

Teachers celebrating 25 and 35 years in Catholic education were also cited during the Mass, which was celebrated by Bishop Howard J. Hubbard.

"This celebration is a wonderful reminder of the rich history and tradition Catholic education has in our communities," said Sister Mary Jane Herb, IHM, diocesan superintendent. "It's a great opportunity to honor the devoted men and women who dedicate their lives to the spiritual and educational growth of our children."

The following educators were cited:

* Bishop Hubbard Distinguished Principal Award to Marie Keenan from St. John the Evangelist School in Schenectady. She was honored for fostering "a unique bond among students, faculty, parents and volunteers."

* St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Distinguished Teacher Awards to Melanie Anchukaitis, a Spanish teacher at Notre Dame-Bishop Gibbons School in Schenectady, and Patricia Tobin, a kindergarten teacher at St. Mary's School in Clinton Heights. Mrs. Anchukaitis' 24-year career has been dedicated to Catholic education at ND-BG. Mrs. Tobin has taught kindergarten for more than 20 years.

* St. John Neumann Awards to Rev. John French, pastor of St. Mary's Church in Ballston Spa, and Rev. Walter Czechowicz, pastor of St. Stanislaus Church in Amsterdam. Both priests have demonstrated a life-long commitment to Catholic education.

* Mother Francis Cabrini Distinguished School Support Award to Rhea Clark from St. Casimir's Regional School in Albany for personifying stewardship and generosity.

Service awards were presented to teachers with 25 and 35 years' experience in Catholic schools, including Sister James Marie Carras, PBVM, Sister Marlene Castle, CSJ, Sister Rose Marie Chamberland, CSJ, and Sister Mary Stephen Vamosy, PBVM, St. Ambrose School, Latham; Joseph Daigle and Sister Anne Marie Glenn, PBVM, St. Helen's School, Niskayuna; David Dame and Sharon Sgroi, Cohoes Catholic School; Marie Gagen, St. Patrick's Academy, Catskill; M. Patricia Hesch, St. Teresa of Avila School, Albany; Rosemary Jacobs, St. Stanislaus, Amsterdam; Christine Knutti and Bede McGuinness, Notre Dame-Bishop Gibbons School, Schenectady; Rhett Segall, Catholic Central High School, Troy; Edwin Hammond Jr. and Edward Sherlock, Saratoga Central Catholic High School; and Margaret Walsh, St. Catherine of Siena School, Albany.

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