The Charlton School renovation was already a unique and rewarding project, but after discovering a personal family connection, it became even more special for Project Manager Erica McCarthy.
Since its kickoff in April, the NY Capital Region team has been hard at work on the Charlton School – upgrading buildings, infrastructure and landscaping throughout the residential campus. The improvements aim to create a positive and lasting impact for the students who call the campus home.
“It was already a once-in-a-career type of project,” Erica shared. But the project took on an even greater meaning after an unexpected conversation during a casual family gathering. While catching up with her great-uncle, Erica mentioned her involvement with the Charlton School project. To her surprise, he revealed that his sister Dorothy – Erica’s great aunt – had worked at the school in the late 1950s and early 1960s.
Dorothy had worked as a “house parent” at the school, living in Hawley Cottage and supporting the students much like a modern-day resident assistant. Intrigued, Erica looked through the administrative building on-site and discovered old photos of the campus – including one of her great aunt during her time there.
“Having this information has brought new meaning to my role on the project,” added Erica. “To learn that her passion for education had its roots at the Charlton School, it feels too remarkable to be a coincidence that I find myself here now. It’s a powerful connection. I’m both humbled and grateful to contribute to this project, helping bring the school’s master plan to fruition for the next generation of students, all while honoring her legacy on the same campus where she started her career.”
Though she passed away in 2019, Dorothy’s life-long dedication to education left a lasting impression on Erica. Now, Erica carries her great aunt’s memory with her each day as she works on this meaningful renovation, proud to contribute to a project that will shape the lives of so many students.
