Catholic School Office announces 2018-2019 awardees

The following educators, staff and supporters will be honored at the Catholic Schools Week liturgy to be celebrated by Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on Sunday, Jan. 27, at 2 p.m. Here are excerpts on their accomplishments, as submitted by their respective school communities:

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The Bishop Howard J. Hubbard Distinguished Administrator Award recognizes an administrator who promotes Catholic education, seeking to foster a Christian community of love in which God’s truth and life are integrated into the entire curriculum and life of a school community. The administrator has demonstrated skilled leadership in inviting the Church community, teachers, and parents to share in this mission. 


Terri McGraw
Consultant for Curriculum, 
Instruction and Assessment
Catholic School Office

An inspiring leader of Catholic education, Terri has held several positions throughout the Diocese of Albany, including teacher, elementary school principal, Assistant Superintendent, and now Coordinator for Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment. As a member of the Catholic School Office team, she provided invaluable guidance and support to our schools and teachers aimed to enhance the spiritual and academic experience for our students. A cheerleader and champion for our system of schools, Terri selflessly shares her many gifts and talents for the betterment of our school communities.
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The Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Distinguished Teacher Award honors a Catholic school teacher who has promoted a school’s Catholic educational vision and who has a strong awareness of a school’s Catholic identity and mission.  The teacher is one who has demonstrated excellence in teaching skills and has a positive effect on the moral growth of students. 


Elementary School Award


Elizabeth ”Liz” Farrington
St. Mary’s Catholic School, 
Waterford

Liz Farrington is a gifted, thought­ful and dedicated teach­er who goes to great lengths to ensure her students feel safe, supported and loved. She takes the time to understand the unique needs of each individual student so that she can inspire them to excel. She handles challenging situations with remarkable patience, humility and skill, and is an exemplary role model for her students and co-workers. 
Liz is devoted to St. Mary’s in Waterford and the overall mission of Catholic education. Her fundraising expertise has resulted in significant technology improvements to the school. 


Secondary School Award


Laura Nowosielski
All Saints Catholic Academy, 
Albany

Laura Nowosielski is known for her warmth, sincerity and her passion for education, especially about the teachings of Jesus. She encourages her students to dig deeper into Gospel lessons and find connections to their own life situations. She is highly regarded as a mentor, a compassionate colleague and a teacher who brings fun to the classroom while holding her students accountable for their personal and academic growth. Laura is well-respected and greatly appreciated for all that she brings to her many roles at All Saints Catholic Academy.
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The Vicki Bullis Distinguished School Staff Award honors a school staff member (secretarial, development, maintenance, etc.) who goes above and beyond the call of duty in her/his role. This dedication is demonstrated in daily activities which support the school’s mission and community.


Anthony “Tony” Hayes
St. Mary’s Academy, 
Hoosick Falls

Tony Hayes is currently the custodian of St. Mary’s Academy and also works in the school kitchen. He is the first in the school building every morning and often the last to leave at night. He enjoys greeting the students, preparing breakfast, setting up tables and chairs, cleaning the school to perfection, and he can repair just about anything on a minimal budget. No job is too big or too small for Tony. He is adored by the students who affectionately refer to him as “Mr. Tony.” To the pre-k students, he is a rock star. To St. Mary’s Academy, he is a cherished and invaluable member of their school community.
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The Mother Francis Cabrini Distinguished School Support Award honors a member of the school community who challenges the entire community to make a stronger commitment to the school’s Catholic mission through the personal giving of time and talents. This stewardship is an affirmation that the education of our youth involves the entire community. 

Mary Kay Ilowiecki
St. Mary’s/St. Alphonsus School, Glens Falls

Mary Kay Ilowiecki is known for her sincere love of children, her enthusiasm for Catholic education and her dedication to St. Mary’s/St. Alphonsus School. She has spent the past 27 years sharing her passion, first as a dedicated volunteer after enrolling her children in the kindergarten program, followed years later by her work as enrollment director, and more recently, adding school librarian to her list of responsibilities. Everything Mary Kay does is done with dignity and grace, as a labor of love in the eyes of God.
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The Saint John Neumann Award for Commitment to Catholic Education recognizes an individual who communicates to the Catholic community, and to the broader community, that Catholic schools are the best investment and hope for the future of our Church and society.  The award gives public acknowledgment for service to Catholic schools demonstrated through personal characteristics of zeal, support, enthusiasm, purpose and selfless generosity in the spirit of St. John Neumann.


Rev. Dominic Ingemie
Retired diocesan priest

Since being ordained in 1967, Father Dominic Ingemie has been a champion of Catholic education in the Diocese of Albany. He spent many years at Catholic Central High School in Troy as a religion instructor, followed by administrative roles as vice principal and principal. He also served as acting superintendent of schools for the Diocese. Father Ingemie has served on many charitable boards and has been a beloved pastor of numerous churches in the Diocese, including St. Anthony’s in Schenectady and St. Peter’s in Saratoga Springs. His selfless work on behalf of the poor and needy led to his work setting up a new Code Blue homeless shelter in Saratoga Springs. Father Ingemie currently serves on the board of Bishop Maginn High School in Albany.

The Community Partner Award recognizes members of our broader community who partner with us to demonstrate their commitment to Catholic school education.

Stages on the Sound, founded in 2005, is a not for profit theatre company based in Brooklyn that creates long-term performing arts education partnerships with schools to enrich and transform students and families through theater and the arts. Stages on the Sound has partnered with several of our diocesan schools and, through their innovative arts programming, has captured and inspired the imagination of our students, opening up their world to the richness and beauty of the arts.