I am so proud to introduce myself to you as the Principal of St. James the Apostle School.  I have been a student and/or educator in the Catholic school system for the past 45 years.  I attended St. Gabriel School in Riverdale, NY from Kindergarten to 8^th Grade.  I graduated from Sacred Heart High School in Yonkers, NY and received my Masters from the College of New Rochelle.  Upon graduation from college, I returned to St. Gabriel to teach.  Teaching in the elementary school where I myself had been taught was somewhat awkward at first, as many of my teachers were still there, and I may have spent some time in detention. Their love and support, in those early stages of my career, helped to make me the educator I am today.  

In my twenty-year tenure at St. James, I have taught every grade level (K-8) in some capacity.  I have also supervised and interacted with students outside of the classroom as the Director of the Children’s Liturgy, Co-Director of Student Council, and as Co-Moderator of St. James News and Views Team. I am so very proud of my students and how they prove, year after year, to show love for others, as God intends. I have also served my school and community by being a member of the St. James Education Council and the St. James Pastoral Council.  However, nothing makes me more proud than to serve my parish as an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist.

I would like to think my leadership style is, and will be, quite simple.  I try to lead by example, as the great leaders of our church have always done.  I believe only true and authentic Christians can affect change and inspire others to the faith.  Throughout my 45 years in the Archdiocese, I have been blessed to have been taught by and have worked with many such people.  I also rely on the example and teachings of great saints and the evangelists to guide my actions and lead me in the way of truth.

I believe I am ready to transition from the classroom and complete my Catholic school career as your next principal. I will work tirelessly to inspire students, faculty, parents, and parishioners, to work for academic excellence and for the continued mission of Catholic Education.  Thank you, in advance, for your prayers for me and for the future of our beautiful school. 

Maura Crawford, Proud Principal
[email protected]