LEADING BY FAITH

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK 2026: Principal Kristine Hoffay continues to lead resurgence at St. Jude the Apostle in Wynantskill

Kristine Hoffay said about receiving The Bishop of Albany Distinguished Administrator Award: “I do this job because I love it, I don't do it for the recognition. I’m not someone who enjoys the spotlight. I’d rather be doing the behind-the-scenes stuff … It’s an honor.” (Emily Benson photo)

Kids scream from delight inside the gymnasium at St. Jude the Apostle School in Wynant­skill. Students run around the open room, laughing or waving to their friends. Teachers walk by, books in hand, leading their students — a walking pack of giggles  — over to their next class.

To the public eye, it’s another typical school day. To Kristine Hoffay, principal of St. Jude’s, there’s no place she’d rather be. 

It was no surprise to the St. Jude’s community to learn that Hoffay, who taught at the school for 20 years prior to her current role, was the 2026 recipient of The Bishop of Albany Distinguished Administrator Award for Catholic Schools Week. 

“It’s an honor,” Hoffay told The Evangelist. “I do this job because I love it, I don’t do it for the recognition. I’m not someone who enjoys the spotlight. I’d rather be doing the behind-the-scenes stuff … It’s an honor.”

The award is given annually during Catholic Schools Week to 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” and who demonstrates “skilled leadership in inviting the church community, teachers, and parents to share in this mission.”

“Kris demonstrates her faith to the entire school community every day,” Megan Jeffers, an ELA teacher for grades 3-5, wrote in her nomination letter, adding that Hoffay’s faith is the bedrock of her leadership style. Every morning, Hoffay greets students by name and leads the school’s morning assembly in prayer.

“I don’t know if I would take this position anywhere other than here,” Hoffay said. “My heart is here at St. Jude.”

Hoffay’s roots in the community started long before her tenure as principal. She grew up in Wynantskill, playing CYO basketball and was a cheerleader for St. Jude’s School. Her parents were the first couple to be married at St. Jude’s Church, and her aunt and uncle are alumni of the school.

From a very early age, Hoffay knew she wanted to be a teacher: “Nothing else ever crossed my mind,” she said. Hoffay grew up taking care of kids. Her father was the fire chief for the city of Troy, and parties for the fire department were often held at her family’s home. Hoffay recalls watching everyone’s kids so the adults could mingle. Other days, she helped take care of her nieces and nephews, either with babysitting, rides to soccer practice or helping with math homework. 

Hoffay obtained her bachelor’s in elementary education from SUNY Oneonta and master’s in reading from SUNY Albany. She was hired at St. Jude’s for the 1998-99 school year, teaching second and third grade, respectively, over the next 20 years. 

But when Hoffay took over as principal in 2020, nobody knew what was coming: “I got thrown right into the fire,” she laughed. But it was Hoffay’s leadership that was instrumental in guiding the community through COVID and in setting the school up for success in the coming years.

“Kris’ faith never wavered, even during the most difficult time,” wrote Colleen A. Reynolds, a school parent and president of the school board, in her nomination letter. “She has navigated the ship, so to speak, through stormy waters, and I can confidently say that our school has never been better.”

Under Hoffay’s tenure, school enrollment and student retention rates have increased. The school has stabilized its finances and produced the highest student proficiency rates in Rensselaer County. 

Hoffay also brought back community and school events for families, reviving a lost tradition of “Platters for the Community,” in which students bring food to fire, police and other community service departments during the holidays. Hoffay also started Friday movie nights for families to come to St. Jude’s with their kids, and in a few weekends, St. Jude students will all go tubing at Willard Mountain. 

St. Jude makes no money on these events, Hoffay added, it’s just “something to bring the families together.”

Hoffay is excited to continue working with her school staff and local community, helping to grow the school she loves. 

“I’m St. Jude’s until the end,” Hoffay said.