Blauvelt Dominican  Receives Archdiocesan Award

LEFT: Sr. Loyola Bartnett, OP (Blauvelt), Sr. Pat Howell, OP (Blauvelt), Sr. Gertrude Simpson, OP (Blauvelt), Sr. Mary Ann D'Antonio, SC

NEW YORK, NY (October 21, 2008) – At the Catholic Schools Archdiocese of New York Teachers Institute, Sister Gertrude Simpson, OP (Blauvelt) received the Elizabeth Ann Seton Compassionate Educator Award 2008-2009 on September 9, 2008.

Sr. Gertrude was one of  only five recipients of the Elizabeth Ann Seton Compassionate Educator Award for 2008-2009.  Award recipients were nominated by their peers and selected by the Archdiocese of New York Superintendent of Schools.  The Compassionate Educator Award is given to those, “Catholic educators who most emulate the spirit, love of teaching, and positive impact on students manifested by St. Elizabeth Ann Seton.”

Cardinal Egan presented the award to Sr. Gertrude during the annual Catholic Schools Archdiocese of New York Teachers Institute.  Sr. Gertrude received a standing ovation for her fifty plus years of service as a teacher in the Archdiocese of New York.  “More than half-a-century as a Catholic educator is a stunning achievement.  Sister Gertrude Simpson’s passionate love of teaching and ministering to the faith of her students raises that accomplishment to an incomparable level.  Described as quiet, unassuming, reflective and thoughtful, Sister Gertrude brings the strength of a quiet and tested faith to her role as both Chairperson of the Religion Department at St. Raymond’s and religion teacher for the upper grades.  […] Simply, Sister Gertrude does what Mother Seton did:  teach students to love God, act morally and make a difference in the world.”