Assistant Superintendent Linda Dougherty will be honored with the 2024 Lighting the Fire for Catholic Education Award

The Catholic School Administrators Association of New York State (CSAANYS) has honored Linda Dougherty, assistant superintendent of Catholic identity and secondary schools for the Archdiocese of New York, with the prestigious 2024 Lighting the Fire for Catholic Education Award. The award was presented on October 18, 2024 at St. John’s University and recognized Dougherty’s exemplary commitment, leadership and service to Catholic education. Click here to view the full press release.

The Lighting the Fire for Catholic Education Award is one of the highest honors given to Catholic school leaders in New York State. It recognizes individuals who ignite a passion for and promote Catholic education through exceptional leadership qualities. Honorees are celebrated for their tireless commitment to fostering students’ spiritual, academic and social-emotional development while advancing Catholic schools’ mission to educate students in both faith and knowledge. This award highlights the recipient’s lasting impact on the Catholic education community and their ability to inspire others to continue the mission of Catholic education.

About Linda Dougherty
With over 40 years of experience in education – in elementary schools, secondary schools, community colleges and universities – Linda Dougherty has made a significant and lasting impact on Catholic education. Prior to her current position in the Archdiocese of New York, Dougherty served as principal of four schools in the Diocese of Brooklyn for more than 25 years and taught in both public and Catholic elementary schools. She holds degrees from Fordham University, Boston College, Manhattan College and Seton Hall University, providing her with a solid academic foundation for her leadership in Catholic education.

Dougherty’s unwavering commitment to fostering students’ spiritual and academic development has earned her great respect and admiration in the Catholic educational community.

A leader who inspires
Sister Mary Grace Walsh, superintendent of schools for the Archdiocese of New York, praised Dougherty’s exceptional service: “Linda is a legend. She is passionate about educating young people and evangelization. If you ask anyone who works with her, they will tell you how generous and full of faith she is. Linda keeps the fire of Christ’s love burning in our office, in the schools she visits, and in those she mentors. She truly deserves this honor and we are all so proud to celebrate her.”

In her acceptance speech, Dougherty reflected on the importance of Catholic education and the responsibility that comes with it: “What touched me most today was that one of my favorites was the Gospel: ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.’

She continued, “I have this index card that I kept for many years as a school principal.” It reads, “Teaching and proclaiming the message of the gospel…Building a community rooted in the Holy Spirit and with fellowship and humanity “I couldn’t do this alone, and I receive it on behalf of everyone.”

The Lighting the Fire for Catholic Education Award symbolizes more than just individual achievements – it represents a deep commitment to the mission of Catholic education that impacts entire communities. Leaders like Dougherty set high standards for excellence in faith formation, academic achievement and community engagement. Their contributions extend beyond the classroom to impact the well-being of students, staff, and the entire Catholic education community.

Photo:
DOE-ADNY-LD1: Linda Dougherty, assistant superintendent of Catholic identity and secondary schools for the Archdiocese of New York, joins Sr. Mary Grace Walsh, ASCJ, Ph.D., superintendent of schools for the Archdiocese of New York, in “Lighting the Fire for Catholic Education Award at St. John’s University on October 18, 2024. (Office of the Superintendent, Archdiocese of New York)