The Hampton Bays Hibernians have chosen Sister Kathryn Schlueter, CSJ, the principal of Our Lady of the Hamptons Regional Catholic School in Southampton, to lead the 2013 Hampton Bays St. Patrick’s Day parade, set for March 23 at 11 a.m.
While she doesn't have "an ounce if Irish Blood," the Hibernians said Sister Kathy is Catholic through and through and has a record worthy of a grand marshal.
"Sister Kathy is rightfully proud of the achievements that her school has made and the Hampton Bays Hibernians are proud to name her the Grand Marshal," read a statement by the Hybernians.
Sister Kathy, according to the Hibernians, began her education in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, attending St. Ephrem’s Elementary School. Later, her family moved to Merrick where Sister Kathy attended Sacred Heart Academy. She went on to earn her bachelor’s degree at Marywood College in Scranton, Penn.
In 1963, Sister Kathy joined the Sisters of St. Joseph — she will be celebrating her golden jubilee in September of this year. She later obtained her master’s degree in school administration from Hofstra University.
She began her teaching career as a first and fourth grade teacher at St. Patrick’s Elementary School in Smithtown, where she taught from 1967 until 1971, then leaving to take a job as the dean of students at Sacred Heart Academy, where she also taught music and drama.
Sister Kathy then moved on to become the principal of Our Lady of the Hamptons in 1987. She marked her 25th anniversary as principal in 2012.
In that time, the Hybernians said enrollment has gone from 129 to 340 students.
Sister Kathy said she is honored to be chosen as this year's grand marshal and said, "I am really excited about having been asked to lead the parade as my way of thanking our community for all the support and friendship they have given me during the 25 years of my being in the Hamptons. Hopefully, I can show them my gratitude and spirit for this special day."