Patrick McPartland/Staff Photographer - The Catholic School Administrators Association of New York State honored Dr. Rosemary Henry, Superintendent of Schools for the Diocese of Buffalo, with the 2011 Lighting the Fire for Catholic Education Award at the 2011 Catholic School Administrators Gathering on November 13. Henry accepted the award on behalf of the women religious, clergy, and laity, who dedicate themselves to advance the mission of the church.

Dr. Rosemary Henry, superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Buffalo, was the recipient of the 2011 Lighting the Fire for Catholic Education Award at the annual gathering for New York state Catholic administrators which took place in November in Albany.

Henry said she was humbled to receive the award but feels it’s because of all the clergy, women religious, lay teachers and administrators that helped her get to this point.

“I only accepted the award on behalf of all the people before us,” she said. “We stand on the shoulders of great people. It’s a tribute to them.”

The award is given to a school leader who has a clear philosophy of Catholic education; shows a strong commitment to leadership through active membership in professional associations; assumes an active role in his or her parish community; distinguishes him or herself as a leader in civic, religious and humanitarian activities; shows strong educational leadership by setting high expectations for school staff and students; and is respected by students, colleagues, parents and the community.

“The executive board chose Dr. Henry because of her unwavering support for the administrators, teachers, children and families of the Diocese of Buffalo,” said Carol Geddis, executive director for the Catholic Schools Administrators Association of New York state. “She exemplifies Catholic education in her daily interactions with those she works with. She practices the teachings of Jesus in a way that makes all who know and work with her have their passion for Catholic schools enriched.”

Henry has served as superintendent in Buffalo since July 2008. Previously, Henry worked as the assistant superintendent for Instructional Services and Accreditation for the Archdiocese of Seattle. She worked as both a teacher and an administrator while she worked toward a post-graduate degree in education. A native of Syracuse, she moved to Texas to attend the University of Texas at Dallas and worked there for several years after graduation. 

The keynote speaker for the conference gathering was Donna Moss, a Catholic school principal from Raleigh, N.C., who spoke about what it takes to be a Catholic school principal in the 21st century. 

Attendees also heard speeches from Dominick Lisi of the Diocese of Syracuse, who spoke about the role of technology for administrators, and Scott Averill of Fidelis Care, who lectured about wellness in Catholic schools and helping uninsured children.

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