Harrigan named interim high school administrator at Catholic Central School

The Catholic School Office has announced the appointment of long-time diocesan educator, Richard Harrigan, to the position of interim high school administrator for Catholic Central School (CCS) at its new location in Latham.

Harrigan will be part of a three-person interim administrative team that includes Lily Spera, St. Ambrose principal, and Christopher Bott, diocesan associate school superintendent, at Catholic Central School during the 2022-23 school year.  

“We trust you will find Mr. Harrigan to be a dedicated and consummate professional that is truly committed to advancing the mission of Catholic education in today’s evolving landscape,” said Giovanni Virgiglio, diocesan school superintendent. “We are confident that his enthusiasm about his new role and diverse skill set will make him a valuable contributor to the interim administrative team for Catholic Central School.”  

Harrigan has served Notre Dame-Bishop Gibbons School for 15 years as both an administrator and educator. Like so many in Catholic education, he’s worn many hats through the years including as NDBG’s director of Technology, assistant athletic director and even providing guitar accompaniment at prayer services and Masses. At the diocesan level, he has served for the last two years as the Social Studies Department Chair to the Catholic high schools and was honored with the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Distinguished Teacher Award in 2021.

“I am so excited to be joining you all as a member of the interim administrative team at Catholic Central School. I look forward to learning more about and celebrating the ‘Crusader Spirit’ along with you as we celebrate the charisms and traditions of this fine school and perhaps even making some new ones along the way, especially as we prepare to celebrate our centennial anniversary,” Harrigan said. “Catholic education is very much at the center of my life, with my wife also working as a Catholic school educator and my son attending our local parish elementary school. I consider it the work of the spirit that I now have the challenge and opportunity to work within a new community and look forward to sharing my time and talents with you all.

“I am grateful for this opportunity and look at it as the next step in my vocation as a Catholic educator. I absolutely cannot wait to get started working with the amazing team in Latham and beginning to meet you all!”