April 29, 2015 Massena - Trinity Catholic School honored three past principals for their dedicated service at its first annual gala, “April in Paris.” Joan Rufa and Michele Bombard paid tribute to Dan Case and St. Joseph Sisters Mary Eamon Lyng and Shirley Anne Brown, for their efforts securing the future of Catholic education in Massena. Over 200 guests, including Bishop Terry LaValley and St. Joseph Sister Ellen Rose Coughlin, Diocesan Superintendent of Schools, were present to help honor these three leaders of Catholic education. During her tribute to Mr. Case, Mrs. Rufa commented about the fact that two of Massena’s Catholic school principals have been alumni of Holy Family High School, Mr. Case and herself. “I’m quite certain our beloved Father Billmeyer was up in heaven; beaming with pride knowing that Dan, one of his brightest students, a forensics star, with a brilliant mind for numbers and trained by Jesuits, would be following in his footsteps,” she said. Mrs. Rufa went on to praise his efforts with undertaking the challenging task of running a K-8 Catholic school for six years and then courageously assisting the blending of Sacred Heart School and St. Joseph School when the decision was made to consolidate the two schools in 1983. “Fortunately for Trinity Catholic, God had placed the right person at the helm of Sacred Heart School; a leader who exemplified extreme humility, loyalty and service above self,” Mrs. Rufa said. “ He was a leader who worked diligently to assure this newly consolidated school would be a success and Catholic education in Massena would remain alive and well.” Dan Case lives in Massena with his wife, Linda and is still helping out Trinity Catholic when he can. Mr. Case is currently serving as a member of Trinity Catholic’s Strategic Planning Committee for Finance. Sister Mary Eamon Sister Eamon served as principal in Massena during two different periods of time. She was principal of St. Joseph’s School from 1977-1983 and principal of Trinity Catholic School from 1988-2000. Sister Eamon was greatly loved and respected by the parents, students and teachers during her time as principal at St. Joseph’s and Trinity Catholic. Sister Mary Eamon Lyng also played a significant role in the consolidation process of St. Joseph’s and Sacred Heart School. At the time, many parents were concerned about their children transferring into a newly formed school. Sister Eamon guaranteed a solid enrollment for Trinity Catholic by visiting every family; listening to their concerns and dispelling their fears. Her optimism and perseverance convinced each family not to abandon a Catholic education for their child. When Sister Mary Eamon Lyng returned to Massena as principal at Trinity Catholic School, she initiated several improvements and accomplishments such as: the New Window Campaign, the Trinity Truck raffle and the Ellen McKenna Scholarship Fund. One significant achievement, while she was principal, was Trinity Catholic’s recognition as a National Drug Free School. Students and teachers were invited to the White House, in 1989, to receive this prestigious award. Sister Shirley Anne Sister Shirley Anne accomplished this with integrity and grace; as well as laying the groundwork for a cutting edge curriculum and high academic standards. Under her leadership, Trinity Catholic began a Pre-K program, a program for Talented and Gifted Students, the Great Books Program and was the first school in Massena to offer a full day kindergarten. Sister Shirley Anne’s administrative efforts and guidance was largely responsible for Trinity Catholic School being named a New York State School of Excellence. Michele Bombard honored Sister Shirley Anne with these words, “The poet Maya Angelou said,‘ if you’re lucky, once in a great while, one visionary’s solitary fantasy can transform a million realities.’ Trinity was one of those lucky ones; for without a doubt Sr. Shirley Anne’s vision for Trinity Catholic School touched the future of so many lives and virtually saved Catholic education in Massena.” The three past principals were chosen to be honored at Trinity’s very first gala because they were the “trinity” of leaders who selflessly put their egos aside and vigorously acted as stewards for the future. Their dedication, loyalty and sacrifice helped guarantee a choice in education for all families in Massena and its surrounding communities. Photos left to right Dan Case St. Joseph Sister Mary Eamon Lyng was honored by Joan Rufa during the Trinity Gala. |