July 6, 2016

By Sister Ellen Rose Coughlin, SSJ
Superintendent of Schools

Ogdensburg - Kelly Sternisha, a teacher at St. James School in Gouverneur, has been named the 2016 Outstanding Catholic School Teacher for the Diocese of Ogdensburg.

She was honored June 30 during a luncheon hosted by Bishop Terry LaValley at the Bishop’s Residence
Mrs. Sternisha has been a member of the faculty at St. James since 1987. In her application for the position, she wrote, “I heard of your school from a friend and believe it contains the kinds of classrooms in which I would like to teach, an atmosphere conducive to learning.”

At St. James, Mrs. Sternisha experienced this “atmosphere conducive to learning” and chose to commit herself to St. James School and its mission for 29 years as a third grade teacher.

During her years at St. James, Mrs. Sternisha has embraced many changes in education with a positive and “can do” approach.

In nominating Mrs. Sternisha, Clara Cummings, principal at St. James, stated, “Some would think that going on 29 years teaching 3rd grade might get a bit boring, but not in Mrs. Sternisha’s classroom. Her students look forward to traditional activities and a hands on approach which make learning relevant and fun. Mrs. Sternisha continuously looks for new ways to improve her lessons and to reach each child. She is very organized and has strong management skills.

“Mrs. Sternisha is also one of the first people at school in the morning, one of the last to leave at night, and often comes in on weekends,” Mrs. Cummings said. “She works diligently to know each of her students’ individual leaning needs and strives to bring out the best in each of them. Mrs. Sternisha is always dependable, organized, respectful and truly a reflection of Jesus.

Mrs. Sternisha is a graduate of SUNY Plattsburgh with a degree in Elementary Education, N- 6 grade. Her commitment to St. James includes responsibilities that reach beyond her classroom. She is a mentor teacher who works  with new teaching staff and serves as vice principal.

She was joined at the June 30 luncheon by Mrs. Cummings, Father Shane Lynch pastor of St. James, Gouverneur; Msgr. Robert H. Aucoin, Vicar for Education; Karen Donahue, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction; and Pam Ballantine, Assistant Director of Catholic Education for Christian Formation and Catholic Schools.