Principals leading local Catholic academies and schools were honored at the annual Principals’ Longevity Recognition Awards Celebration at the Immaculate Conception Center, Douglaston. They were recognized for their committed service, leadership and dedication to the mission of Catholic education within the diocese. The principal-honorees are listed below with their school/academy name and years of service; all other principals present were guests.

Above, from left, are Diane Phelan, associate superintendent in the diocesan schools office; Rudolph Cyrus-Charles, St. Gregory the Great, Flatbush, 10 years; Sister Paulette Pollina, R.S.M., St. Catherine of Genoa-St. Therese of Lisieux, E. Flatbush, 35 years; Dr. Elizabeth Frangella, associate superintendent in the diocesan schools office; Sister Pat McGrath, R.S.M.; Satti Marchan, Incarnation Queens Village, 20 years; Joann Heppt, Resurrection-Ascension, Rego Park, 15 years; Elena Heimbach; William Ferguson, St. Elizabeth, S. Ozone Park, 15 years; Dorothy Taylor; Frances DeLuca, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, S. Ozone Park, 20 years; Eileen Harnischfeger, Immaculate Conception, Astoria, 15 years; Diane Competello, St. Athanasius, Bensonhurst, 10 years; Jeanette Bourisquot-Charles, St. Bartholomew, Elmhurst, 10 years; Caroline Donnelly, St. Mark, Sheepshead Bay, 10 years; Mary Lou Reitz; Kathleen Buscemi, St. Bernard, Mill Basin, 15 years; Lynne Alaimo; Zofia Swiatek; Danielle Gonzalez; Barbara McArdle, associate superintendent in the diocesan schools office; Maria Cuomo; Jeanne Shannon and Joanne Dreiss.

Not pictured, but also marking special anniversaries as principals: Dr. Thomas Piro, St. Kevin, Flushing, and Christine Zerillo, St. Helen, Howard Beach, both marking five years; Arlene Figaro, Visitation Academy, Bay Ridge, 15 years; and JoAnn Dolan, St. Sebastian, Woodside, and Anne Zuschlag, Our Lady Queen of Martyrs, Forest Hills, both 20 years.

(Click photo to enlarge)