60th Jubilarian
Principal at Our Lady of Sorrows School (OLS) in White Plains for 41 years, Sister M. Cecile Larizza celebrates her 60th Jubilee as a Sister of the Divine Compassion this year.
A lifelong Westchester County resident, Sr. Cecile attended St. Thomas Elementary School in Pleasantville and St. Mary’s High School in Katonah. After high school she attended junior college at Elizabeth Seton in Yonkers, where she graduated with an Associate Degree in music. Sister later earned her Bachelor’s degree in music and elementary education from Good Counsel College and her Master’s Degree in reading and education from the College of New Rochelle. Additionally, Sr. Ceil holds certifications in school administration from Manhattan College and New York State.
Sr. Ceil’s ministry in education began at OLS in 1970. She was not only the first grade teacher, but taught music to all eight grades as well. A talented musician who plays several instruments, Sister also prepared students to sing at Mass, and accompanied them on guitar. Sister was moderator of the glee club and music director of the school plays.
After eight years at OLS, Sister also took on the responsibilities of Assistant Principal and served in that position for seven years before accepting the role of Principal at OLS in 1985. Now serving three generations of families, children currently attending OLS are the grandchildren of some of Sr. Ceil’s original first grade students. After four decades at the helm, Sr. Ceil is proud of the strong and innovative academic curriculum that continues at OLS, but equally prioritizes the development of each student’s character, educating and graduating students that are good people with a strong work ethic.
In addition to being a dedicated educator and school administrator, Sr. Ceil is a talented athlete. Sister played second base and centerfield for the Nun Better softball team for several years. An avid golfer, Sr. Ceil is a member of the Women’s Metropolitan Golf Association and the Women’s Tri-County Golf Association. Sister won the Club Championship at Westchester Hills Golf Club for several years. If that is not enough, Sr. Ceil is also a talented seamstress. Taught by Sr. Mary Marcella in the Convent, Sr. Ceil made all the habits for her group, eventually expanding her expertise to making all kinds of costumes for the school plays, as well as Halloween.
Sr. Ceil continues to enjoy golf and spending time with friends and family. Reflecting on the last six decades as a Religious of the Divine Compassion, Sr. Ceil shares, “The most rewarding thing in my 60 years as an R.D.C. has been the opportunity to bring God’s compassion to the numerous lives I’ve had the privilege to touch - families, friends and most especially the children.”
