MASSENA -- Trinity Catholic School of Massena recently honored three past principals for their service at an “April in Paris” gala.

The school honored Dan Case, Sister Mary Eamon Lyng and Sister Shirley Anne Brown for their efforts at “securing the future of Catholic education in Massena,” according to a press release from the school.

Dan Case began his teaching career at Sacred Heart in 1972, teaching seventh and eighth grade math. In 1978, Mr. Case was appointed the first lay principal of a Catholic school in Massena. Joan Rufa praised his efforts during the blending of Sacred Heart School and St. Joseph School when the decision was made to consolidate the two schools in 1983.

Rufa noted how fortunate the school was to have “a leader who worked diligently to assure this newly consolidated school would be a success and Catholic education in Massena would remain alive and well.”

Case lives in Massena with his wife, Linda, and is still helping Trinity Catholic when he can. Case is currently serving as a member of Trinity Catholic’s Strategic Planning Committee for Finance.

Sister Mary Eamon Lyng, a sister of St. Joseph for 51 years, was honored for her contributions to Catholic education over the last 46 years.

Lyng served as principal of St. Joseph’s School from 1977 to 1983 and principal of Trinity Catholic School from 1988 to 2000. She was greatly loved and respected by the parents, students and teachers during her time as principal, the release said.

Lyng also played a significant role in the consolidation of St. Joseph’s and Sacred Heart School. She guaranteed a solid enrollment for Trinity Catholic by visiting families, listening to their concerns and dispelling their fears about the consolidated school.

Lyng initiated several improvements and accomplishments at Trinity, including the “New Window Campaign,” the Trinity truck raffle and the Ellen McKenna Scholarship Fund. During her tenure Trinity Catholic was recognized as a National Drug Free School, and students and teachers were invited to the White House in 1989 to receive an award.

Sister Shirley Anne Brown was also honored for her service to Catholic education through the Diocese of Ogdensburg and the Diocese of Syracuse.

Brown was the first principle of Trinity Catholic when it opened in September 1983. “It was her daunting task to unite two school boards, two faculties and two school cultures into one,” according to the press release.

Under her leadership, Trinity Catholic began a pre-k program, a program for talented and gifted students, the “Great Books Program,” and was the first school in Massena to offer a full day kindergarten.

Brown’s administrative efforts and guidance were largely responsible for Trinity Catholic School being named a New York State School of Excellence, the release said.

“The three past principals were chosen to be honored at Trinity’s very first gala because they were the ‘trinity’ of leaders who selflessly put their egos aside and vigorously acted as stewards for the future,” the release said. “Their dedication, loyalty and sacrifice helped guarantee a choice in education for all families in Massena and its surrounding communities.”