This year, Catholic Schools Week launched the celebration of Sister M. Joanne Deegan's 25 years as principal of the Our Lady of Mercy (OLM) School in Hicksville. Just this past October, Sister Joanne completed 50 years as a Sister of Mercy.

Sister Joanne received her bachelor's degree from St. Francis College and her master's degree in administration and supervision from St. John's University. She spent many years as a missionary in Panama where one of her first assignments was teaching among the Indians in the interior at the Colegio San Vicente in David, R.P. There she used her proficiency in Spanish to educate the indigenous people in literacy, practical skills for coping on their own, and appreciating and respecting their own culture in a modern society. Most importantly, Sister Joanne taught and witnessed her Catholic faith. Later she was a teacher and principal at St. Mary's School in Balboa. Her last assignment in the missions was at San Antonion in Puerto Armuelles where she served as pastoral minister until her return to the United States.

Sister Joanne was sent to OLM at Monsignor Boesel's request to the Sister of Mercy for the "best person to fill the shows of her predecessor, Sister Kathleen Hennessey." She arrived at OLM in June 1978 to shadow Sister Hennessey in the complex task of administering a school with high standards but dwindling enrollment and limited support. In September 1978, Sister Joanne was ready to assume the role of turning the school around. With the encouragement of Monsignor Boesel, she initiated new programs and a sense of enthusiasm that permeated the parish.

This enthusiasm was highlighted in 1987 when New York State designated Our Lady of Mercy School as a "School of Excellence." On the heels of this distinction came the selection of Our Lady of Mercy School as a "Blue Ribbon School" by the Department of Education in Washington. Like the previous one, this honor came after rigorous self-study, detailed questionnaires, and a visit and evaluation from an independent staff of education from throughout the country.

As a result, enrollments at OLM increased dramatically and soon there were waiting lists in every grade. Even today, buses arrive at OLM each day bringing students from dozens of parishes throughout Long Island.

Sister Joanne credits her success as principal to the hard work and good foundation laid down by her predecessors Sister Thecla, Sister Margaret O'Connor, Sister Hennessey - all Sisters of Mercy, and Monsignor Boesel and now Father Blyman, as well as to the continuous support of the school's parents, faculty and staff and school board.

As the school moves into its 41st year, much of the credit for its success belongs to Sister Joanne for moving the school and its programs through educational and economical changes and new emphasis on religious study with charm and efficiency. She has always kept the welfare of the students her number one priority. The solid educational foundation Sister Joanne has developed shows itself in the countless graduates who have gone on to academic success, professional careers, joined a cadre of volunteers working tirelessly for their churches and communities and living as dedicated family men and women.

On her 25th anniversary as principal, the Our Lady of Mercy School community salutes Sister Joanne.