(Editor's Note: Bill Bennett is a parishioner at the Holy Family Church in Hicksville)

A Mass was held on Sunday, June 30 in honor of Sister Eileen McMahon, who is retiring after serving as principal of the Holy Family School for 32 years. The celebrant of the Mass was Rev. Msgr. Edward Donnelly, pastor of Holy Family Parish, and concelebrated with associate Pastors Rev. Varghese Kocherry and Rev. Vincent Schifano.

Sister McMahon, a former teacher and guidance counselor, is a member of the Dominican Sisters of Sparkhill. A model principal with a beautiful nature of giving and caring for those under her care, Sister McMahon has inspired her fellow sisters and lay teachers of Holy Family. Together, their dedication to the education of students earned Holy Family the honor of being named a School of Excellence by the United States Department of Education. In May 1990, Sister McMahon traveled to Washington, D.C . to receive an award from President George Bush in recognition of Holy Family being a School of Excellence. She was also honored by the New York State Education Department's School Recognition Program.

Holy Family School was constructed in August 1959 and staffed by Dominican Sisters of Sparkhill. Sister McMahon was assisted by Sister Maureen Archdeacon, Sister Joan O'Connor, Sister Jeanne Deas and Sister Joanne Arcouet. Over the past 43 years, some 62 Sisters of St. Dominic of Sparkhill and numerous lay teachers have taught the children of Holy Family School.

At Holy Family's 50th Anniversary Celebration last November, Bishop William F. Murphy of the Diocese of Rockville Centre paid tribute to Sister McMahon for her professionalism and devotion to the staff, children and parents of the Holy Family School. At this time, she received a thunderous ovation of approval from the parishioners for her contribution to the education of their children over the past three decades.

Sister McMahon garnered the same recognition during last month's Solemn Mass in her honor. The parishioners stood and applauded, displaying their love and affection to such a great educator and friend. The children and parents of Holy Family will miss their educational leader and friend.