In April 2018, Mr. Biagio Arpino was presented with the 2018 Lead. Learn. Proclaim Award from the National Catholic Education Association for his dedication and commitment to excellence. This annual award honors those whose ministry is Catholic school education and who have demonstrated a strong Catholic educational philosophy, as well as exceptional ability, dedication, and results. Mr. Arpino was chosen from more than 150,000 teachers and administrators, as well as diocesan leaders and organizations dedicated to the nation's Catholic schools.
Having served as principal of St. Mary School in East Islip, N.Y. for 38 years, the NCEA said of Biagio, “The longevity of Biagio Arpino’s administration, the retention of students and faculty members, the relationships that he has built with parishioners, civic community members, politicians, and local businesses all point to the climate that Biagio has cultivated for more than forty years, as a teacher and a principal, at St. Mary School. His expertise in education, his ability to solve problems, his analytical skills, and the sheer knowledge that he possesses are the many characteristics that have allowed him to cultivate a positive climate in the building.”
Biagio Arpino speaks of being deeply influenced throughout his lifetime by the School Sisters of Notre Dame and their vision of education. Biagio was steeped in the mission and charism of the School Sisters of Notre Dame at an early age. He received his grade school education at St. Anthony of Padua in South Ozone Park, N.Y., an SSND school that strengthened and built on the deep-rooted faith of his parents, Mildred and Alphonse. After graduation in 1965, he attended Cathedral Prep in Elmhurst for high school, and later St. John's University in Jamaica, and C.W. Post College in Greenvale, completing masters’ degrees in Education and Administration.
Embarking on his teaching profession in 1973, Biagio was hired to teach sixth grade by Sister Julia Mary VanRossem, SSND, and principal at St. Mary School. St. Mary School, founded in 1914 by the School Sisters of Notre Dame, has held fast to the charism of unity and mission of transforming lives through education for more than 100 years. Biagio proved to have found his passion early on at the school and in 1979 was selected to serve as assistant principal of St. Mary’s. Seven years later he became principal, following Sister Marie Kathleen Dunham. Later this month, Mr. Biagio Arpino will be presented with the 2018 Peter Bulfin Award in recognition of his 45 years of excellence and distinguished service in Catholic education and commitment to St. Mary School and to the community.
Sister Mary McGrory, one of Biagio’s lifelong friends and mentor talked about their friendship. “I first met Mr. Arpino in 1959 at St. Anthony of Padua School. He was in the second grade and I was in charge of the second-grade lunch duty. He always had a big smile and would offer me some of his lunch - he was very generous! When my father died, he and a family member drove all the way from Long Island to the Bronx with food so that my family would not have to be concerned about meals. For my 25th Jubilee, he and his family planned a trip to Florida and invited me to join them - this was his Jubilee gift to me. He has always been dedicated and compassionate to the children, parents, and staff at St. Mary's School. I find him to be a faith-filled generous man and a true friend to me over these past 59 years. He is very respectful and appreciative of the School Sisters of Notre Dame’s role in developing him as a student and later in life as an educational colleague.”
Other sisters who played a major part in Biagio's education and journey of faith, and who gave him the vision of Catholic schools that he has lived and nurtured, are Sister Raphael (now Beatrice Pavlica). Richard Marie, (Frances Butler), Mary John (Ellen Fitzsimmons), Miriam Therese Roncinske, Mary Salvia, Mary Serafine Della Croce, and close friend, Margaret O'Brien.
At St.Mary's, Sisters Julia Mary Van Rossem, Carolyn Andrewes, Mary John Vianney Zullo, Ruth Stahl, Ernestine Marie Scheg, Valeria Belanger, Clarona, Marie Bernadette Alfieri, and Marie Kathleen Dunham have nurtured his ministry.
"I have been privileged to be called to minister in Catholic education. I have been blessed by so many others who have been God's face and gift to me," said Mr. Arpino. “I have a great love for the sisters’ compassion, ministry and for the wonderful people they are. It’s the little things and the kindness and compassion that stay with you throughout your lifetime.”
