Archbishop Timothy Cardinal Dolan | Archdiocese of New York

Excitement was palpable at Our Lady of Good Counsel School as students and staff witnessed the historic election of Pope Leo XIV, an American and member of the Augustinian order. The announcement was met with celebrations throughout the Staten Island Catholic school, which shares a deep connection with the new pontiff.

“Our students had been asking all week if the next pope might be an American,” said Ms. Tara Hynes, principal of Our Lady of Good Counsel School. “When we saw him on the balcony and heard his name, the building erupted in cheers—not just because he’s American, but because he’s Augustinian. That connection runs deep here.”

Although the Augustinian Academy that once shared its campus closed in the late 1960s, its influence remains strong. The former minor seminary produced nearly 250 friars, and its legacy is preserved in the Augustinian Hall of Fame located on the school's second floor.

The school continues to operate under Augustinian principles: Truth, Unity, and Love. These values are integrated into both academic and spiritual life at Our Lady of Good Counsel School.

“These values are woven into everything we do,” Ms. Hynes explained. “From academic excellence to acts of service like our math fundraiser for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, and food and coat drives for our in-house pantry, we teach our students to lead with heart and purpose.”

Ms. Jann Amato, Regional Superintendent for the Staten Island Catholic School Region, emphasized the significance of this connection to Augustinian tradition: “It’s deeply moving to see one of our schools so rooted in the same Augustinian tradition as our new Holy Father,” she said. “It reaffirms our mission to nurture students not only in academic excellence but in faith, unity, and service.”

Leadership at Our Lady of Good Counsel is inspired by this community-driven spirit. The current pastor, Fr. Louis Jerome—a former student—recalls how Augustinian priests shaped his faith and vocation.

“The friars understood that community is everything," Ms. Hynes added. "That’s true of our school too.” She noted Pope Leo XIV's message about building bridges aligns with their efforts to bridge faith and academics.

To commemorate Pope Leo XIV's election, special recognitions will be held during June's Student Awards Ceremony where Judge Daniel Leddy will present two seventh-grade students with the Augustinian Award.

Additionally, alumni will be invited back to share stories with current students who will revisit historical artifacts from their rich heritage.“ Last year as part of our Centennial Anniversary," Ms. Hynes said,"students uncovered photos about our roots; this year they’ll go deeper—to learn from a pope who once walked paths similar those who helped build both school parish."