By Jessica Easthope
It takes a confident teacher to admit she doesn’t have all the answers.
Mary O’Donoghue, or Ms. O as she’s known to her students at Immaculate Conception Catholic Academy in Astoria, has done it countless times over her 25-year career.
“If I don’t know the answer, I will tell them; you can’t pretend to know it all because they will see through that in a second,” O’Donoghue said.
Being approachable is one of the many reasons Will Royer said O’Donoghue has changed his life.
“She’s just a great person in general to talk to, to be around,” Royer said. “She has great energy, great vibes. She teaches us in a very unique way, like, it’s very hands-on and, like, personal.”
Mary is being honored by Futures in Education on Tuesday, April 30. The organization provides tuition assistance to families like Will’s who want their children to have a Catholic education.
“The core of what our Catholic schools are are the teachers,” said John Notaro, the Executive Director of Futures in Education.
Notaro said teachers like O’Donoghue are the reason why Diocese of Brooklyn schools are so desirable.
“It’s heroic,” Notaro said. “And I know it will inspire our donors to do more because we know it’s going to make a difference in the lives of the kids that she is teaching in our classroom every day.”
In O’Donoghue’s 8th-grade math class, her passion for numbers has rubbed off on her students. But for Emma Marina, the ways O’Donoghue has left a mark on her can’t be measured.
“Ms. O is the most wonderful teacher you could ever meet,” Marina said. She’s someone you could go up to and talk to about anything, and she helped me really achieve my dreams academically.”
Immaculate Conception’s Principal Brother Joe Rocco said O’Donoghue’s impact reflects her faith.
“She lives the gospel message of Jesus,” Brother Rocco said. “She is the model of a Catholic educator. She has a vocation, not just a job. It’s a ministry for her.”
O’Donoghue rejoices in her students’ successes and knows there’s only one answer when they’re challenged.
“They have so much doubt and uncertainty in this world,” O’Donoghue said. “And to try and see that Jesus is their friend and to pray and Catholic identity is very important.”
She’s in front of the classroom, but Mary learns from her students daily.