The St. Agnes Fathers’ Club

Proudly recognizes

Michael D. Smyth

2025 Recipient of the William J. Cronin Award

The William J. Cronin Award, established in 2006, honors individuals who selflessly dedicate their time and efforts to the children and community of St. Agnes Cathedral School. This year, we proudly present the award to Michael D. Smyth.

A lifelong resident of Rockville Centre and a devoted parishioner, Michael and his family have been part of St. Agnes Cathedral Parish for 52 years. His connection to St. Agnes Cathedral School began in 1980 when he entered kindergarten. After graduating, he continued his Catholic education at Regis High School and later attended The College of William and Mary. With over 25 years of experience in education, Michael currently serves as a math coach in the Baldwin School District, helping teachers refine their instructional methods.

Catholic education has always been a priority for Michael and his wife of 22 years, Lorraine, who is a St. John’s University alumna. Their twins, Emma and Michael, both graduated from St. Agnes in 2018. Emma is now a junior studying biomedical engineering at Wake Forest University, while Michael Gregory is pursuing finance at Boston College. Their success is a testament to the strong foundation they received at St. Agnes. Despite their children being off at college, Michael and Lorraine remain actively involved in the school, parish, CYO program, and the broader Rockville Centre community.

Michael's commitment to service began as an Eagle Scout and deepened during his time at Regis, whose mission is to transform young Catholic men through an academically exceptional Jesuit education in a caring community that inspires leadership, generosity and a lifelong passion for service as Men for Others. Following the tragic loss of his dear friend and high school/college classmate Gregory James Trost on September 11, 2001, Michael and his classmates founded the ForeTrost Golf Outing to support Catholic education at Regis. They have raised more than $600,000, with their 25th anniversary event planned for September 2026. The loss of Greg from his life has underscored the importance of friendship and living life to its fullest.  

Since 2009, Michael has been a dedicated member of the Fathers’ Club, chairing numerous golf outings and the annual March Madness Pool. Michael has captained the SAFC RVC Winter Olympics team in a fundraising effort for the RVC St. Patrick’s Parade, proudly leading them to a 1^st Place finish in 2025. Additionally, he served two terms on the St. Agnes School Board, including as President in 2013-14, and coordinated the Gala/Dinner Dance twice. Michael and Lorraine ran the 8^th Grade graduation dance, and they have served on the committee for several Parish Celebrations, chairing the 2020 Celebration during the COVID pandemic. Michael was a long serving member of the Parish Pastoral Council before its dissolution. Over the last three years, Michael has helped organize and run the Parish Bazaar, bringing back the exciting three-day event and fundraiser to the St. Agnes community.

Michael has also played a vital role in St. Agnes CYO, since his twins’ enrollment in 4^th grade, coaching basketball and volleyball and organizing a highly successful 6^th Grade Christmas Tournament in 2015. For the past eight years Michael’s been a member of the CYO Board, serving as the Program Coordinator with Patrick O’Brien. Under their leadership, St. Agnes CYO remains one of Long Island’s premier programs, emphasizing faith, sportsmanship, and community service. Athletes and coaches not only excel in their respective sports but also consistently earn sportsmanship awards while demonstrating their faith. The recitation and memorization of the Athlete’s Prayer has become a tradition before each event at the St. Agnes gym. With Michael’s guidance, teams have embraced service projects within the parish and local community, fostering empathy and understanding. His philosophy promotes teamwork and sportsmanship, instilling a deep appreciation and passion for sports while strengthening the athletes’ Catholic faith. Michael’s dedication to youth sports extends beyond CYO—he has spent years coaching in the RVC Soccer Club, Little League, and BBL/GBL leagues, and he had a leadership role in Cub and Boy Scout Pack/Troop 163.

Michael’s dedication to youth extends beyond the parish. In honor of his late nephew, Michael joined with his family to establish the Ryan Patrick O’Shea (RPO) Foundation, with a mission to increase mental health awareness and educate the community to help prevent suicide. The foundation has introduced educational programs across more than 15 Long Island schools and emergency service departments, and its 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament has become a major summer event for players, coaches and volunteers.

Michael sincerely thanks you for your support of St. Agnes and the ideals of Catholic Education. His commitment to Catholic education and community service remains steadfast. Though his children have long since graduated, he continues to support St. Agnes and its mission. As a long time, and still very active member of the St. Agnes Fathers’ Club, he is honored to receive the William J. Cronin Award.