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Fr. Adam Cesarek, pastor of Blessed Sacrament Parish in Morton, Illinois announced the appointment of Mr. Garry Finch as the school’s next principal beginning July 1, 2025. A longtime parishioner of Blessed Sacrament Parish, Garry and his wife, Joanna, sent their five children to Blessed Sacrament Catholic School. Garry has decades of experience in education as a teacher, school counselor, and most recently leading as the principal of St. Edward’s Catholic School in Chillicothe. Garry is looking forward to meeting and working with the students,
families and staff to support the beautiful mission of Blessed Sacrament Catholic School.
Blessed Sacrament Catholic School in Morton, Illinois, is a school rooted in Jesus and the teachings of the Catholic Church. The school fosters an environment of prayer, sacramental life, service, and academic excellence, with great collaboration between students, families, faculty, staff, and the parish. The school is deeply rooted in Catholic values, emphasizing faith formation, community involvement, and high academic standards to prepare students for their future high school and beyond.
The 202 students from PK 3 - 8th grade are supported and challenged by dedicated and talented faculty members and benefit from a state-of-the art campus. Blessed Sacrament Catholic School is deeply aligned with the parish, partnering in service to their greater community.
The Diocese of Venice approved the appointment of Wil Hampton as Director of Advancement for Rhodora J. Donahue Academy. Mr. Hampton is a seasoned communicator, leader, and relationship builder with extensive experience in athletics administration, media, and public service. He will lead fundraising and community engagement efforts to support the school’s mission. Prior to this role, he served as Associate Director of Athletics at Ave Maria University, overseeing marketing and communications for 27 varsity sports while enhancing game day experiences and sponsorship development. Wil’s diverse career includes executive roles at Marian University, content production for the Indianapolis Colts, and award-winning broadcast journalism at WISH TV. He also runs a consulting firm focused on sales, media, and fundraising strategy. Deeply committed to service, Wil has served on several boards and remains active within the Ave Maria community. He earned a journalism degree from the University of Mississippi and brings a lifelong passion for storytelling, faith, and building community.
“This is a great opportunity to make a difference in the lives of young people at Donahue Academy. Already one of the best Catholic schools in the nation, it’s an honor to step in and help shape the future.”
Donahue Academy is a premier classical pre-K to 12th grade school in Ave Maria, Florida. The town was established in 2005 under the leadership of Roman Catholic philanthropist Tom Monaghan, the founder of Domino’s Pizza. Monaghan envisioned the town as a hub for the renewal of Catholic life through dedicated Catholic institutions. In 2007, Ave Maria Grammar and Prep was established as an independent school to serve local Catholic families, and the school was renamed in 2009 to honor the generous donation of the Donahue family. The school continues to grow, more than doubling in size since becoming a diocesan school in 2017.
Donahue Academy is a Catholic, classical school where students encounter Christ and pursue excellence in all things. Students deepen their love of God and others through the pursuit of all that is true, good, and beautiful.
The Board of Trustees of St. Ursula Academy has appointed Lindsay (Launder) Jordan '02 as the school's next principal, effective July 1. SUA’s Director of Advancement for the past three years, Jordan also is an alumna and parent of two current students. She successfully led fundraising initiatives that strengthened the school's financial foundation, expanded scholarship opportunities, and enhanced campus facilities. Her collaborative leadership style and strategic vision have advanced SUA’s mission and will serve her well in her new role.
"St. Ursula Academy shaped me as a young woman, and now I have the privilege of watching it shape my own daughters," Jordan said. "My roots and heart have always been in education, and I look forward to working with our exceptional faculty and staff to ensure that SUA continues to provide an outstanding college preparatory education rooted in our Ursuline Core Values. I am deeply honored to serve the school that has meant so much to me and to generations of young women.”
Jordan graduated from St. Ursula Academy in 2002 and earned her bachelor's degree in education from the University of Toledo. Her experience includes seven years as an educator, where she was recognized for her student-centered and innovative teaching methods. She also spent seven years in leadership at a faith-based organization. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in educational leadership at Bowling Green State University.
St. Ursula Academy, founded in 1854, is Toledo’s oldest, fully accredited, all-female, Catholic college preparatory school serving grades six through twelve. Located in the heart of Ottawa Hills, the school’s enrollment is 679 students with a 12:1 student-teacher ratio. SUA offers a full complement of honors and Advanced Placement classes, 13 varsity sports, and outstanding fine and performing arts programs.
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Thevenet Montessori School has announced the appointment of Sherrie Clune as its next Executive Director. Sherrie is a collaborative school leader with 20+ years of experience in Montessori education, focused on developing strategic outcomes and building systems to ensure
school management, stability, and growth for generations. She is passionate about inspiring a community to achieve the bold vision of Montessori educational excellence, working with educators to ensure academic excellence and emotional growth. A true servant leader, she is excited to lead a community that places children at the center and heart of the school.
Thevenet Montessori School, in Highland Mills, New York is situated on 77 acres of lovely forest and meadows, with hiking trails and a vernal pond. The campus, steeped in history, first opened in September 1914 as a boarding school for girls, operated by the Religious of Jesus and Mary - an international congregation of Catholic Sisters, who have shared the Church’s mission for over 200 years. Today, the school enrolls 100+ students in Pre-K through Grade 6. The school has 10 full time teachers, some of whom also serve in the before and after school program. Thevenet Montessori School has served the community with excellence and its Montessori educational philosophy since 1971.
Loyola College Prep recently announced Dr. Laurie Salvail as the next Principal. “We welcome Dr. Salvail to the Loyola College Prep family,” said Bishop Francis Malone of the Diocese of Shreveport. “She is a devoted Catholic whose faith guides both her leadership and her educational philosophy. She understands the sacred responsibility of forming students not just academically, but spiritually and morally in accordance with our shared Catholic values.”
Dr. Salvail will officially assume her new role this summer as Loyola prepares for the 2025–2026 academic year.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of this incredible community,” she said. “And I look forward to honoring Loyola’s rich 125-year tradition while helping shape its future. I’m excited to begin this journey—Go Flyers!”
Loyola College Prep is a Catholic, co-ed college preparatory high school whose mission is to create men and women of conscience, character and compassion, continuing the Jesuit Catholic tradition of discipline, academic excellence, student involvement, and faith in action for "The Greater Glory of God."
Loyola College Prep offers a faith-based high school experience grounded in Catholicism and growing students in conscience, character and compassion.
Loyola College Prep is located in an urban setting, surrounded by hospitals, churches, and a cathedral. There are nearby Catholic middle and elementary schools. Its nearly 380 students, both Catholic and non-Catholic, come together from many different middle schools in the Shreveport-Bossier City metropolitan area.
St. John Paul II Classical School announced Eric Schreiber as the their next Headmaster. Mr. Schreiber brings a wealth of experience in Catholic classical education, most recently serving as Headmaster at Divine Mercy Academy in Belgrade, Montana. He is currently completing his Ph.D. in Theology and Leadership from St. Thomas University in Miami, where his research focuses on building Catholic classical schools. With a strong foundation in theology, school leadership, and student formation, Mr. Schreiber has served in numerous impactful roles including Dean of Upper School, theology teacher, and athletic director. His leadership is grounded in the Catholic faith and a commitment to excellence in education.
St. John Paul II Catholic School is a Catholic, classical school within the Green Bay Area Catholic Education (GRACE) School System. The school began serving children in Preschool through 4th grade in 2016 while adding a grade each subsequent year. In 2021, the school expanded to include Chesterton Academy of St. John Paul II Classical School with its first class of 9th graders, who will graduate in the spring of 2025.
The school’s motto is Cultura Vitae, the culture of life. In this way, the faculty, staff and students heed Christ’s call to have the fullest life in Him and strive to become great Saints.
Dianne Metz has accepted the position of Principal of Edgewood Campus School. Mrs. Metz has spent 25 of her 37 year educational career in Catholic schools. She currently serves as the Assistant Principal at Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary School in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin. She holds a Master's of Arts Degree in Teaching from Aurora University in Aurora, Illinois, and is a licensed reading teacher earning this education from Viterbo University in LaCrosse, Wisconsin.
Edgewood Campus School, a community sponsored by Dominican Veritas Ministries and rooted in the Dominican Sinsinawa tradition, seeks a dynamic, mission-driven leader to serve as principal starting in July 2025.
With over 143 years of commitment to faith, truth, compassion, and academic excellence, ECS is dedicated to educating students from 4K through 8th grade to become faith-filled global citizens. Located on a beautiful 55-acre campus on Lake Wingra in Madison, Wisconsin, Edgewood Campus School shares a beautiful campus with Edgewood High School and Edgewood College, separate corporate entities from ECS. Edgewood Campus School features strong enrollment, a passionate, nurturing faculty and staff, and dedicated students and families within a caring, inclusive community.
Purcell Marian High School announced Theodore Whapham, Ph.D. as President. Dr. Whapham brings with him over two decades of exceptional leadership and executive management experience within the Catholic educational community. A passionate educator and scholar, Dr. Whapham holds a Ph.D. in Historical and Systematic Theology and a Master of Arts in Theology/Theological Studies from The Catholic University of America, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies from the University of Dayton. His academic background and leadership reflect a deep commitment to faith-based education, aligning perfectly with the Marianist tradition that has shaped Purcell Marian for nearly a century.
For almost 100 years, The Castle on Hackberry Street in the Cincinnati city neighborhood of East Walnut Hills has been a keeper of Purcell Marian milestones and memories. Founded on the faithful charisms of The Marianists, the Purcell Marian family of schools includes St. Mary, Regina, Purcell, Marian, and Purcell Marian High School. Together, they comprise one of the largest Catholic families (15,000+ strong) in Greater Cincinnati, serving a diverse population of students since 1928.
Tri-Cities Prep announced Scott McNamee as President. McNamee is a seasoned leader in ministry and operations, currently serving as Executive Director of University Ministry at Marian University. With extensive experience in faith-based education, he has led strategic initiatives in spiritual development, student engagement, and institutional planning.
He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Business Management from Marian University, where he has most recently served as the Executive Director of University Ministry. He obtained his MBA from Anderson University.
Tri-Cities Prep, locally known as Prep, stands as the only Catholic college-preparatory high school in southeastern Washington. Incorporated in 1994 as “A Catholic High School Under the Patronage of St. Thomas Aquinas,” Prep received the approval of the bishops of both the Spokane and Yakima Dioceses. With the guidance of Jesuits throughout the state of Washington, along with the tireless efforts of many in the local community, Tri-Cities Prep was able to welcome its first class of twenty students in August of 1998. The Ignatian roots of the school are reflected in the mission and guiding documents. Tri-Cities Prep operates as an independent school owned and governed by a board of directors.
Xavier High School Board of Directors announces the appointment of Mr. Nicholas Cerreta '01 as the next President of Xavier High School. Mr. Cerreta brings over 20 years of dedicated service and experience, most recently serving as interim Head of School.
Mr. Cerreta holds a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Central Connecticut State University, and a Bachelor of Arts in English Secondary Education from Providence College.
Xavier High School in Middletown, Connecticut, is a private, all-boys Catholic school dedicated to academic excellence, faith formation, and service since 1963. Sponsored by the Xaverian Brothers and the Diocese of Norwich, Xavier offers a rigorous education with small class sizes and a 12:1 student-to-teacher ratio, preparing nearly 100% of graduates for higher education at top universities. The school provides a strong STEM and liberal arts curriculum, over 40 extracurricular activities, and a competitive athletics program, with the Xavier Falcons excelling in sports like football, cross country, and wrestling. Emphasizing leadership and service, students actively participate in community outreach.
St. John Paul II School announced William Latimer, Ph.D. as their next Head of School. Dr. Latimer's professional journey exemplifies dedication to Catholic education. Over the course of his career, he has served in significant executive leadership roles at prominent Catholic institutions, including Chestnut Hill College (President), The College of New Rochelle (President), and Mercy College (EVP). His leadership at these institutions has been characterized by academic excellence, strategic enrollment growth, innovative partnerships, and a strong commitment to advancing the mission of Catholic education.
Located in the historic coastal town of Hyannis, MA, St. John Paul II School (JPII) is a Cape Cod Catholic school that welcomes students and families from diverse faiths and backgrounds who desire a college preparatory, Catholic education. The school’s academic, artistic, athletic, and co-curricular programs cultivate strong relationships and empower students to recognize their gifts, develop their potential, and communicate Christ in word and deed. Emulating their patron St. John Paul II, students pursue truth through faith and reason, preparing them to lead lives of continuous learning, respect, and community leadership.
Brendan McCauley joins the Belen Jesuit community as the next Dean of Mission & Formation. An experienced public speaker dedicated to fostering spiritual growth, McCauley graduated from Washington State University in 2018 with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration. He has a Master of Theological Studies from the Pontifical John Paul II Institute at Catholic University of America (2020). Additionally, he worked as a missionary in India, Costa Rica, and Mexico from 2017-2018.
Belen Jesuit Preparatory School was founded in 1854 in Havana, Cuba by Queen Isabel II of Spain. The task of educating students was assigned to the priests and brothers of the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits), whose teaching tradition is synonymous with academic excellence and spiritual discipline. In 1961, the new political regime of Cuba confiscated the school property and expelled the Jesuit faculty. The school was re-established in Miami the same year, and over the next decade, continued to grow.
Saint Bede Abbey and Academy announces the appointment of Michel Massamba, Class of 2011, as Director of Mission Advancement and Major Gifts. Michel is thrilled to return and contribute to the mission of the beloved Abbey and Academy.
After graduating from Saint Bede, Michel earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Biopsychology from Monmouth College and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Aurora University. Following his graduate studies, he served as a Grants Manager at the Salvation Army North Central Divisional Headquarters, where he secured over $2 million to support a variety of impactful initiatives.
Founded in 1890, Saint Bede Academy is a proud institution with a long-standing reputation for academic and spiritual excellence and growth. The curriculum is built on a foundation of Catholic tradition in the Order of Saint Benedict, which emphasizes stability, prayer, service, community, and humility, among other hallmarks of Benedictines.
Katherine Hicks has been appointed as the new principal of Schlarman Academy. Katherine Hicks currently serves as a middle school teacher at Holy Cross School in Champaign. Her previous roles include Education Coordinator at the Orpheum Museum, program manager with the Champaign Park District, STEAM education instructor at Parkland College, and special education aide at Ludlow Grade School.
She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in history and geography from Illinois State University and a Master of Arts degree from the University of West Georgia.
Schlarman Academy, a PK-12 Catholic school, has been a staple of the Danville area for eighty years. Sponsored by the Catholic Diocese of Peoria, the school provides a holistic Catholic education centered upon the pillars of Family, Academics, Involvement, Tradition, and Honor (F.A.I.T.H.). Schlarman Academy is fully accredited by the AdvancEd Association and is a member of the National Catholic Education Association, Illinois Elementary School Association, and Illinois High School Association.
