Sister Kathleen McKinney, C.S.J., who has been a Sister of St. Joseph, Brentwood, for more than 50 years, and has dedicated her life to education, is receiving the St. Bridget Award.

Born and raised in Flatbush, she knew she wanted to study science as soon as she took her first chemistry course. When she made the decision to become a religious sister, her focus turned to becoming an educator. Sister Kathleen said she never imagined becoming a sister, but it was a call that she could not ignore.

“I went to Catholic school and I found religious life was something I could relate to. There was something in me that told me I had to try,” she said. She began teaching as soon as she earned her bachelor’s degree in chemistry with a minor in secondary education from St. Joseph’s College, Clinton Hill.

She entered the Sisters of St. Joseph because it is a teaching community. In 1971, she began working as a chemistry and physics teacher at The Mary Louis Academy in Jamaica Estates.

Last June, she completed her 21st and last year as principal there. She said her greatest privilege has been watching young women reach their full potential. She is also grateful to be of service to her congregation.