For the first time in more than a decade, Academy of the Holy Names has a new Administrative Assistant to the Principal.
A liaison between the principal and students, staff, and various other stakeholders, this vital role also oversees the front office and efficient operation of the academic side of our school.
A product of life-long Catholic education (Saint Mary’s Institute in Amsterdam and Notre Dame-Bishop Gibbons High School in Schenectady), with previous administrative experience in the Catholic Diocese of Albany, Reagan Schwartz knew she was up to the task.
“The education I received from both schools on academic, personal, and spiritual levels shaped me into the person I am today,” Schwartz says. “There is just no recreating that kind of environment in public schools: that nurturing yet challenging, undiscerningly inclusive, community feeling that you experience in small Catholic schools. This is especially true for the Catholic schools I attended, but also in the Catholic schools I’ve worked at in the Albany Diocese. From what I can see so far, Holy Names is no different, and I’m excited to be a part of it. To help facilitate the type of education I received is a privilege that I relish in.”
The Union College graduate succeeds Norma Martino, who retired at the end of summer. Schwartz says taking on her role was at once daunting and exciting.
“I hope to act as that new set of eyes here in the front office, and work with Ms. (Sonya) Barker to create an effective and communicative team. In terms of my footprint on the broader school campus, I’ve already tossed my hat in for a number of activities (the fall drama production, the spring musical, and running The Spectrum literacy magazine) and hope to engage with the school community as much as possible.”
Schwartz also wants students and parents to know she’s available as a resource.
“Whether they want to come in and hang out after school, or stop by during a free period to talk, I hope to be someone they can come to trust and relate to. My favorite part of working in schools is getting to know the kids, and I can’t wait to get to know the Holy Names girls!”