SMSA hires Gormley as new principal

Longtime educator brings three decades of experience to Glens Falls school

Patrick Gormley was named principal at St. Mary's-St. Alphonsus School in Glens Falls on May 5. (Photo provided)

St. Mary’s-St. Alphonsus School (SMSA), in partnership with the Catholic School Office of the Diocese of Albany, has announced the selection of a new principal, Patrick Gormley. Gormley is a parishioner of St. Mary’s Parish, graduate of St. Mary’s School in Ballston Spa and Saratoga Central Catholic High School, and a veteran educator at Queensbury High School. The appointment takes effect July 1. 

The selection comes following an extensive interview process in collaboration with the pastor, parish community representatives, teachers and school-board members. 

“God has brought a true renaissance man to lead SMSA through our next chapter,” said Father Scott VanDerveer, pastor of St. Mary’s Church. “Patrick’s broad education background, along with his coaching and freelance writing and illustrating, make him uniquely qualified to fill our children with a love of learning and pursuing virtue.” 

A certified school administrator and certified teacher of English and art, Gormley has taught a variety of English courses at Queensbury, including a senior elective on Adirondack Literature that he conceived and designed. In addition, Gormley has coached all levels of boys’ and girls’ sports, including varsity, JV and modified football; boys’ and girls’ lacrosse; and boys’ and girls’ basketball. He is a published writer and illustrator with a celebrated talent for drawing caricatures. 

“I am so grateful for the opportunity to become the next leader at SMSA”, Gormley said. “I am excited to begin the next chapter of my educational journey and to work collaboratively with Father Scott, the school board, and with the devoted faculty and staff. As the incoming principal, my first priority is to listen. I intend to learn as much as I can by talking with everyone invested in the success of our great school. As a teacher for the past 30 years, I don’t remember a year when I wanted the summer to end sooner than it did. I can’t wait for September!” 

Gormley earned a bachelor’s degree at SUNY Cortland, a master’s in education at Canisius College in Buffalo, and did his post-graduate studies in educational leadership at SUNY Plattsburgh. He is the father of Liam, who graduates this spring from Cornell University, and Aiden, who begins officer training at The U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., this summer. 

The parish and the school will be hosting “Meet the Principal” events throughout the summer to provide members of the community opportunities to welcome Gormley. St. Mary’s-St. Alphonsus School recently celebrated its 140th anniversary of providing excellence in education in the city of Glens Falls.