CSW AWARDS, YEARS OF SERVICE

CSW: Catholic Schools Week Award recipients, years of service recognition

The Albany Diocesan Catholic School Office proudly announces the following 2025 Catholic School Week awards:

The St. Thomas Aquinas 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.

Andrea Roberts
Blessed Sacrament School, Albany

Andrea Roberts has served as office administrator at Blessed Sacrament School in Albany for the past two years and, prior to that, worked for St. Pius X School in Loudonville and Christian Brothers Academy. In writing her nomination letter, Principal Alexandra Morazán said: “She approaches every task with an understanding that her work is not just about logistics but about advancing the spiritual and academic mission of our school. … Her attention to detail and ability to manage complex tasks allows teachers, parents and students to focus on the faith-based education that defines our community.” She inspires and challenges the entire Blessed Sacrament School community through her personal giving of time and talent, and her example of service often prompts others to follow her lead. “Andrea is also a constant presence in supporting the spiritual growth of our students. … By fostering an environment where Catholic principles are applied to every aspect of school life, Andrea ensures that we are not just educating our students academically, but also forming them spiritually and morally.”

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Mother Frances 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.

Ginny Bariteau 
Catholic Central School, Latham

Ginny Bariteau, who has been on staff at Catholic Central (High) School in Latham for 24 years is the “epitome of dedication,” according to one CCS parent. “Her commitment to the school’s mission is evident in everything she does, from her tireless efforts in supporting the admissions process to her continuous involvement in school events and activities.” She goes above and beyond and has a special knack for fostering community and a sense of belonging among all school families. She has a genuine passion for staff and students and always puts the needs of others first. Part of the Catholic Central community for nearly 25 years, Ginny is often the first point of contact for prospective students and their families, no small thing. “In times of crisis, Ginny is often the first to reach out, offering comfort and assistance to those in need,” wrote CCS co-Principals Lily Spera and Ritch Harrigan. “In so many ways, she is the heart and soul of our school — a guiding presence who helps us honor and uphold the legacy of what it means to be a Crusader.”

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St. 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.

Jane E. Kromm
St. Clements Regional School, Saratoga Springs

Once you learn of her decades-long history at St. Clement’s Regional School in Saratoga Springs, it comes as no surprise that Jane E. Kromm would be chosen to receive the St. John Neumann Award for Commitment to Catholic Education. She has served St. Clement’s as teacher, principal, a member of the School Board, and a member of the Catholic Identity Committee. From her earliest days at the school, friends and supporters remember seeing her classroom or office light on at all hours as she went above and beyond for her students. “Mrs. Kromm never asked anyone to do anything she wasn’t willing to do herself,” recalls one parent who is also a Catholic school teacher. Even in retirement, she has remained steadfast in her commitment to Catholic education in general and St. Clement’s in particular. “She lends her years of experience and hands-on help to those tasked with leading the school,” said a school board member. “She has also expanded her reach beyond the St. Clement’s School community and is an active mentor to principals within the Diocese. This is surely another example of Jane living her faith through her actions.” Anna Farone, current principal of St. Clement’s, wrote: “A true advocate for Catholic education, Jane understands the unique mission and needs of Catholic schools.”

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

Capital Region BOCES

The 2024-25 Diocese of Albany Community Partner Award is awarded to Capital Region BOCES, which has demonstrated a commitment to working with our system of Catholic schools as part of the larger conversation of education in the Capital Region and beyond. This includes working with our teachers and administrators on important educational initiatives and inclusion in conversations and events surrounding education. The Catholic School Office truly values the partnership that has been created over the years between our two entities and how we have been able to work and learn alongside each other for the betterment of all students, regardless of where they attend school. 

MORE CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK

Leading By Faith: https://evangelist.org/news/2025/jan/29/leading-by-faith/ 

Friend and Mentor: https://evangelist.org/news/2025/jan/29/a-friend-and-mentor/ 

A Loved Place: https://evangelist.org/news/2025/jan/29/a-loved-place/

The Grand Endeavor of Catholic Education: https://evangelist.org/news/2025/jan/29/the-grand-endeavor-that-is-catholic-education/ 

A Creative Classroom: https://evangelist.org/news/2025/jan/29/a-creative-classroom/