submitted by Senator Kathy Marchione’s Office and Erin Clary, BCSD
On Wednesday, September 24, Senator Kathy Marchione (R,C,I-Halfmoon) hosted her 2014 Women of Distinction ceremony at the historic Canfield Casino in Saratoga Springs to honor the accomplishments of 15 local Women of Distinction from across Saratoga, Rensselaer, Washington and Columbia Counties.
[private]Approximately 150 people attended the Women of Distinction ceremony including Mary Jo Gibson, wife of, and representing, United States Congressman Chris Gibson.
The 2014 Women of Distinction Honorees recognized and celebrated included a number of local women. They are:
Catherine A. Allain, Ph.D. Edu., Grafton, Berlin High School Principal;
Deborah A. Baker of Hoosick Falls;
Gabriele M. Hamm, Johnsonville;
Michelle Duell, Mechanicville;
Margaret Kirkpatrick, Schuylerville;
Windy Lewitinn, Schuylerville;
Grace Petronis, Mechanicville;
Tracy Racicot, Johnsonville, and
Julia Veronzi of Chatham.
Allain was recognized for her life, work, accomplishments and commitment to her community. This includes her more than 18 years with the Berlin Central School District.
“During tonight’s ceremony, we recognized, celebrated and honored the contributions and positive difference that our 15 Women of Distinction Honorees have made. The honorees are women who dared to dream and had the courage to help build a better world. They truly are women of distinction, and I was proud and humbled to be in their presence tonight,” Senator Marchione said.
“I am so honored to receive this award and am even more grateful I have the opportunity to work in such a wonderful community with such caring students and families,” said Allain. “Every day is a win for me, and I am so grateful to have a wonderful administrative team and Board of Education to support me so that I can be the best principal I can be.”
Allain was nominated by her uncle, Thomas Hulihan, and received an additional endorsement from Rensselaer County Executive Kathleen Jimino with whom she has worked to help keep young people healthy and safe by keeping them away from drugs and alcohol.
“Cathie’s dedication to young people is legendary and makes her stand out as a Woman of Distinction here in Rensselaer County,” wrote Jimino in her endorsement letter. “In her role as Principal of the Berlin High School, Cathie demonstrates on a daily basis her concern for each and every student and shares her encouragement for their success.”
Active in her community, Allain regularly volunteers at her church and is a Board member of the Rensselaer County Sexual Assault and Crime Victims Program.
Allain grew up in the housing projects of Troy. The oldest of seven children, Allain took on additional responsibilities to help her single mother and take care of her younger siblings. Through hard work and dedication, Allain worked her way through college and received a Doctorate in Education in Educational Leadership from the Sage Colleges in Albany.
“I am so grateful for my experiences in life because they have served as lessons and have helped me to be more empathetic when working with students and their families,” said Allain. “We all have struggles from time to time, but what makes Berlin CSD so unique is that everyone here is willing to work together to solve those problems for the people in the community we serve.”[/private]