Local Educators Honored at National Convention

Two diocesan educators from Queens parishes were honored at the annual National Catholic Education Association’s national convention held recently in Indianapolis.

Msgr. Raymond Chappetto, pastor of Our Lady of the Snows, North Floral Park, was honored as the region’s Distinguished Pastor of the Year, the first time this presentation has been made. Eight pastors from across the country were so honored.

NATIONAL HONOREES FROM DIOCESE: Thomas Chadzutko, diocesan Superintendent of School Services, right, congratulates two local educators who were honored at the annual NCEA National Convention in Indianapolis. Center is Linda Freebes, principal of SS. Joachim and Anne School, Queens Village, Regional Principal of the Year; and Msgr. Raymond Chappetto, pastor of Our Lady of the Snows, North Floral Park, Regional Pastor of the Year.

Linda Freebes, principal of SS. Joachim and Anne School, Queens Village, was selected for the New York State Distinguished Principal of the Year/Dr. Robert J. Kealy Award. Eleven principals from the country were selected from their respective regions.

Sister Roberta Oberle, CSJ, principal of Our Lady of the Snows, cited Msgr. Chappetto’s concern for family as vital to his interest in the parish school.

Catholic Identity

“Msgr. Ray is very supportive of the school by being involved in the religious development of students and making them aware of our Catholic identity,” she explained. “Second-graders meet with him weekly as they prepare for their First Holy Communion and Reconciliation. He also teaches the seventh and eighth grades twice a month.

“As a principal without an assistant, I finds Msgr. Ray to be a good listener when difficult situations arise. I can confer with him when needed and know that my decisions are supported and respected. He has very good people skills and a keen interest in helping to resolve conflicts.”

Freebes calls attention to the immigrant enrollment at her school.

“It is my belief that there is a need for understanding and support of their efforts to achieve a status, not to blend in or fade, but to have a unique role while becoming a vital part of our society. I encourage my students and parents to come out and display their creative talents and gifts for all to deliberate upon; to inspire them to take the ordinary things they do and make them extraordinary by invoking the name of Jesus.

“The administration strongly believes in meeting the individual needs of our students — not just those who are average, or those who are experiencing learning difficulties, but those who need a more challenging curriculum. Through the creation of the Mary Germano Program and the St. Julie Billiart Society, many students have been given the opportunity to interact with peers of like ability and talents, to have an avenue to become active participants in a more challenging curriculum,” Freebes said.

About 20 people from the Brooklyn Diocese attended the convention.

Local Presenters

Two members of the Brooklyn Diocesan Superintendent’s Office made presentations at the convention. Associate Superintendent Alberto Vasquez spoke on “Urban Principalship and the Hispanic Population.”

Brother Bill Clifford, CSC, also an associate superintendent, delivered a workshop titled “Technology Integration: What Works?”