BEDFORD, N.Y. - Students at The Hawthorn School in Bedford received a memorable surprise last month when His Eminence, Timothy Cardinal Dolan, visited the school following a Mass he celebrated at St. Patrick’s Church.
The day began with the 9 a.m. Mass at St. Patrick’s, where Cardinal Dolan joined pastor Rev. Brian Graebe, parishioners, and school families. During his homily, he praised the strong relationship between the parish and the growing independent Catholic school.
“You can feel the vitality here,” Cardinal Dolan said. “I have been watching the growth of The Hawthorn School from afar for many years, and it brings me great joy to finally be here with you today.”
Following Mass, the Cardinal visited the school, greeting students and faculty throughout the campus. He also met with school leaders, who discussed the school's rapid growth.
“With so many Catholic schools closing down, it is remarkable to find a new independent Catholic school opening,” Cardinal Dolan remarked. “And here you are growing and thriving!”
Kelly Andino, joint head of school and dean of girls, attributed the school's success to its rigorous liberal arts curriculum and low-tech learning environment that emphasizes movement and time in nature.
“With this demand, it is truly remarkable — we have quadrupled the school’s enrollment in four years,” Andino said.
The Cardinal spent much of the morning visiting classrooms, where he listened to students recite poetry, viewed their schoolwork, and asked questions about their studies. He was especially impressed by the students’ memorization skills and cursive penmanship.
In one memorable exchange, Cardinal Dolan asked kindergarteners how they had memorized all 50 states in alphabetical order. Student William Stack jokingly credited the school’s pizza bagels.
“It felt like meeting a grandfather and a celebrity at the same time,” said sixth grader Reagan Choi. “He made everybody feel special.”
Tim McGovern, joint head of school and dean of boys, said the visit left a lasting impression on students and staff.
“The Cardinal has an extraordinary gift for making the faith feel alive and personal,” McGovern said. “He gave the students his full attention.”
As the visit concluded, students gathered outside to wave goodbye as Cardinal Dolan departed. Before leaving, he offered one final surprise, quietly telling administrators that homework should be canceled for the day.
The announcement was met with excitement from students, capping off a visit many said they will never forget.
Information courtesy of The Hawthorne School.
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