St. Mary Magdalen School bids farewell to principal

Reflecting on her time at St. Mary Magdalen, Mary M. McKiernan said, “Teaching the faith is the primary purpose of Catholic education, but looking back, I think our academic performance is incredible.”

DEBRA TOMASELLI | FLORIDA CATHOLIC CORRESPONDENT

Posted: 06.12.09

CHARLES HODGES | FC
St. Mary Magdalen School students, (l-r) Katherine, Ben and Jack talk with retiring school principal Mary McKiernan May 22. McKiernan retired after 48 years in Catholic education.

ALTAMONTE SPRINGS | Mary M. McKiernan, who devoted 48 years to Catholic education and 17 of them as principal of St. Mary Magdalen Catholic School, was honored May 22 as she retired. The day began with Mass and ended with a special DVD presentation to commemorate her leadership.

McKiernan began her career at inner-city Catholic schools in and around New York City. In 1992, when she was ready for a change, she scanned the National Catholic Register and replied to St. Mary Magdalen’s advertisement seeking a principal.

From the minute she arrived at the airport in Orlando, McKiernan felt a warm welcome when a member of the parish search committee greeted her. She again felt welcomed when, on her first day as principal, a family she met at a photography session for the parish directory invited her to dinner. Throughout her tenure at the school, she felt the embrace of staff, faculty, parents and students.

“I’ve been blessed to be a member of a community with such a strong family focus,” said McKiernan. “Everybody is welcoming and hospitable – it’s a comfortable cup-of-tea environment.”

McKiernan is a dedicated supporter of Catholic education. “While all the ministries of the church are important, Catholic education is a primary ministry,” she said. “It prepares future leaders of the Church.”

Reflecting on her time at St. Mary Magdalen, she added, “Teaching the faith is the primary purpose of Catholic education, but looking back, I think our academic performance is incredible.”

Indeed, under her leadership, St. Mary Magdalen Catholic School added gifted and resource curriculums, foreign language studies and a National Junior Honor Society program. Faculty and students formed a middle school drama series, the Mustang Ensemble Show Choir and community outreach programs.

However, one of the most notable achievements during her tenure occurred in 2006, when St. Mary Magdalen Catholic School earned the designation of a “No Child Left Behind-Blue Ribbon School.” It is the highest award given to schools by the U.S. Department of Education.

“We worked hard and we got there,” she said.

Student academic achievement played a major role in earning the Blue Ribbon designation. According to Anne Lyden, a longtime faculty member of the school, McKiernan had a knack for bringing out the best in her faculty, which boosted student success.

“When she (McKiernan) hired teachers, she recognized their gifts and opened the door for them to create programs,” Lyden said. “She didn’t micromanage, but she allowed us to develop ideas and create a learning environment where all kids flourished.”

And the lessons extended beyond mere academics.

“I’m proud to say that our school’s Catholic identity is very strong,” McKiernan said. “In fact, I noticed that in the PowerPoint presentation (that students made to honor her retirement), many of the pictures took place in the church. I connected with that immediately.”

Lyden recalled a time when a handful of seventh-grade boys wanted to collect school supplies for needy students in a nearby elementary school. “We had to do it pretty quickly,” Lyden said. “Sometimes you have to meet the need at the time it comes up.”

They brought the idea to McKiernan, who encouraged them to make it happen. Fliers were developed and sent home with each student, and the following week two vanloads of school supplies were delivered to the neighboring institution.

“What we all need is to maintain that sense of compassion,” McKiernan said. “That’s what it’s all about.”

As part of the recognition ceremonies, students sang an Irish blessing for McKiernan. In closing, the DVD was presented. According to faculty members Deborah Adamson, Cindy Dowd and Pamela Randlov, there wasn’t a dry eye in the crowd.

“We weren’t celebrating 17 years, we were celebrating 48 years in Catholic education,” said Lyden. “When you give your life, someone has to recognize it.”

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