The Catholic School Administrators Association of New York State (CSAANYS) has recognized Marc Silva, Principal of St. Francis of Assisi School and Corry Academy in the Bronx, as a recipient of the 2025 Lighting the Fire Award. Silva was one of five Catholic educators from across New York honored at a reception in Albany on November 12. Click here to view our Press Release.
During the ceremony, Linda Dougherty, Associate Superintendent for Catholic Identity and Secondary Schools and a 2024 Lighting the Fire for Catholic Education Award recipient, introduced Silva. Reflecting on her time as Regional Superintendent of the East/Northeast Bronx Region, Dougherty praised Silva’s academic, spiritual, and creative influence on his students, particularly through his commitment to the arts.
“He really does bring Broadway to the Bronx,” Dougherty said. “And what do these students learn? They learn to speak, they learn to memorize, they learn to sing, to dance” — “a way of them developing their full potential as children of God.”
In his remarks, Silva reflected on Proverbs 3:5-6, saying, “This has been a guiding light to me” and “God places people in our lives exactly when we need them, even if we might not understand why.” He underscored his belief that “Catholic education has never been just a job … for all of us it’s a vocation.” Acknowledging those who guided his vocational journey, he added, “In the words of St. Francis of Assisi, who reminds us, start by doing what is necessary, then what is possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible.”
As principal, Silva has cultivated a strong culture of academic excellence grounded in Catholic identity. He champions professional development, encourages innovative instructional practices, and ensures a supportive environment where all students are known and valued. Silva also extends his educational expertise by working with graduate students in the School of Education at Hunter College.
Silva is equally celebrated for his leadership of the St. Francis of Assisi Theatre Program, affectionately known for its motto “Bring Broadway 2 the Bronx.” His creativity, generosity, and dedication have made him a beloved leader, mentor, and advocate for the arts in Catholic education.
The Lighting the Fire Award honors individuals whose commitment to Catholic education inspires and strengthens entire school communities. Silva’s contributions reflect the mission of the award and the lasting impact of exceptional leadership in Catholic schools.
Photo Caption: Marc Silva stands with the Executive Board of the Catholic School Administrators Association of New York (CSAANYS) at the award reception. From left to right: Gerard Buckley, CSAANYS Secretary, Diocese of Rockville Centre; John Paul (JP) Barnaba, CSAANYS Vice President, Diocese of Rockville Centre; Linda Dougherty, Associate Superintendent for Catholic Identity and Secondary Schools, Archdiocese of New York; Marc Silva, Principal of St. Francis of Assisi School and Corry Academy, Archdiocese of New York; and Fatima DeCarvalho-Gianni, CSAANYS President, Archdiocese of New York.