Principally Speaking...
Summer 2008 offers
the opportunity for the GCHS Family to reflect on the accomplishments of the
past year, as well as to prepare for the challenges and excitement of the
future.
The Class of 2008 made us proud, not just on Graduation Day, but throughout the
last four years. With an impressive list of college acceptances and more than 11
million dollars in college awards, we know that these students have been well
prepared. More importantly, the Gloucester Catholic culture has educated these
students in faith and challenged them to bring Christ to the world. I am
confident these young leaders will bring their Catholic identity to the world.
One example of our school’s commitment to service is the recent trip to New
Orleans. Twenty-eight GCHS students, plus nine chaperones, traveled for a second
time to the hurricane ravaged city at the end of the school year. These students
worked hard to raise more than $20,000 to finance the trip. I salute
Joe McKenna for his leadership in this
endeavor. Joe is also responsible for the notable success of our Forensics Team.
Senior Alyse Scaffidi ranked in the top ten percent at the National
Catholic Forensics Tournament. Sophomore Alexis Scaffidi competed in
declamation and finished in the top twenty percent in the nation, while Rose
Marinari ranked in the top thirty per cent nationally in drama.
Congratulations to these students on their outstanding accomplishments!
The spring months provide the highlights of the school year. Our prom, under the
able direction of Joan Chalmers, was an
elegant and successful affair. Faculty members
Susan Schramm and Marge Stafford should
take a bow for their able direction of “Music Man”. Special thanks to Mary
Ann Nunes, Maureen Crocker and Denise Reed on their efforts to
make our fourth annual fashion show, “Jewels of the South Seas,” a sensational
event.
I want to personally thank my colleague and friend,
Tony Powers, for his efforts this year as
Interim Athletic Director. I was pleased to present “Putt” the Principal’s Award
on Graduation Day. This special honor recognizes his tremendous efforts in both
the Guidance Office and the Athletic Office. Tony Powers defines the special
dedication and commitment of the GCHS Family. I salute him.
Tony Sidoti continues his recuperation and I have appointed veteran coach
Pat Murphy as the new GCHS Athletic
Director. Pat brings outstanding credentials, not just as a teacher and coach,
but as a mentor to hundreds of Ram athletes. He is one of Gloucester Catholic’s
most able ambassadors and I know he will do a great job.
The Ram athletic program bids farewell to softball coach
Julie McHenry who has retired after
twelve years at the helm of our softball team. Julie guided our girls to two
state championships, four South Jersey championships, six conference titles and
amassed a record of 218-86-1. Julie’s talents and commitment will be missed.
The Gloucester County Times recognized
Beth Quinn, as “Golf Coach of the Year” and also honored our baseball
team as “Team of the Year”. We are proud of both of these commendations.
I anticipate an exciting year for Gloucester Catholic and I send you my best
regards for a relaxing and safe summer.
God Bless,
John T. Colman
Middle
States
