NY Archdiocese Catholic Schools Win National Award

The National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) will present the 2016 NCEA Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Award to the Catholic Schools Office of the Archdiocese of New York.

The Seton Award commemorates individuals and organizations devoted to faithful service to Catholic education.

“We are incredibly proud and humbled to receive the Seton Award from the NCEA,” said Dr. Timothy J. McNiff, Superintendent of Schools in the Archdiocese of New York. “Catholic schools offer the fundamentals so many of us care about – outstanding academics within a safe and nurturing community. But at the heart of the Catholic School experience are things we hold sacred – a belief in the dignity of all people, a calling to service, a pursuit of faith, a personal relationship with God, and a commitment to learning. These values prepare our students for success and good citizenry in school and beyond. We will always remain committed to these values and our students.”

Eight years ago, the Archdiocese of New York established Pathways to Excellence, the strategic plan to ensure a vibrant, sustainable Catholic school system, both now and in the future. Today, there are 216 schools serving 68,000 students from Pre-K through 12th grade in nine geographic regions. Regionalization has brought most parish elementary schools into the regional model of governance where these regional schools now benefit from the leadership and oversight of Regional Boards of Trustees. The boards include dedicated and talented local members of the laity, who share an expanded role with pastors and the religious.

In addition, now, every parish is responsible for, contributes to, and has a voice in Catholic education, allowing re-investment into Catholic education while identifying and securing additional funding. This new funding has helped provide advanced teacher training and technology in classrooms and exciting new academic programs, including Blended Learning for students. Most importantly, The Catholic Schools Office has ensured its schools are places where Catholic culture and values will continue to thrive, now and in the future.

In addition to receiving the Seton Award, the NCEA is also presenting the Seton Scholar Award to a student at Cardinal Hayes High School in the Bronx. The award is given to a student with excellent academic achievement, shows sound character, community service, and support for family. The award recipient for 2016 is Cardinal Hayes junior Christian Martinez.

Named after Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, in recognition of her lifelong dedication to teaching and children, the Seton Award is presented annually to individuals and organizations whose support and service impacts Catholic education and the well-being of our nation’s youth.

The awards will be presented Oct. 3 at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington, D.C.

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