New leaders named for 2024-25 school year for Archdiocese of Baltimore August 22, 2024By Mitzy Deras Catholic Review Filed Under: Feature, Local News, News, Schools The following educators have been named to new leadership positions for the 2024-25 academic year in the Archdiocese of Baltimore. They shared some thoughts with the Catholic Review about their inaugural year. PRINCIPALS Dr. Glenna Blessing St. John the Evangelist School, Severna Park “This year I am looking forward to keeping the traditions that our St. John students, families, and staff look forward to each year but also creating new traditions that will also become positive school memories that will be cherished by everyone. “The position of leadership, such as the principal, is only able to do great things for a school because of the all the members of a school team are unified around the single mission and vision – the growth and success of our students. I hope to deepen the sense of importance and impact that each teacher, staff member, and parent play in the lives of our students to see them grow as young individuals academically and spiritually during their time at St. John the Evangelist.” Dr. Jeanne Dolamore Cardinal Shehan School, Baltimore “The Cardinal Shehan School administrative team – which includes Allen Vessels, the new assistant principal – welcomes an inspiring group of returning and new teachers and staff for the 2024-25 school year, and we are most excited about building a vibrant, faith-filled educational environment for the students who grace our hallways. In our new positions, the Cardinal Shehan School administrative team hopes to elevate academic standards and extracurricular offerings while focusing on our Catholic identity, community service, and collaborating with the wider Catholic school network and community partners.” Arlisa Ledbetter St. Francis of Assisi School, Baltimore “I am most excited about working with the faculty, staff, students, and parents at St. Francis of Assisi School. I believe forming strong relationships with the school community is paramount to the school’s overall success. “I hope to build positive and impactful relationships with the school community, to continue fostering the Catholic identity, and to work with the school team to continue enhancing our instructional program for our students.” Dr. Andrew Moore Calvert Hall College High School, Towson “The people in this community – the Christian Brothers, the faculty and staff, and the students and parents – have enriched my life, both personally and professionally, in so many meaningful ways, and I am eager to work hard for them and to put all my heart into the Hall. “I am hoping to build on our traditions and our strengths while innovating in ways that will serve our students and faculty. There is such rapid change in the world and in education, and we need to maintain a firm hold on our values, our vision and our mission, while preparing our students for the lives and careers that are ahead of them in creative and innovative ways. The Lasallian spirit is timeless, and I want to use that to inspire our students and invigorate our faculty, our staff and our entire community.” Jonathan Pressimone Our Lady of Perpetual Help School, Ellicott City “I am most excited to be a part of the incredible community at OLPH. Everyone I have had a chance to talk to from students, to parents, to teachers have all been so warm and supportive. I’m excited to find my own place in this community and share all I can to support them as well. “I want everyone involved with OLPH to know they are loved. For the students, that means we are pouring ourselves out so they can reach their highest potential both in and out of the classroom. For teachers, that they know of my full support to help them be the best teachers they can be. And for parents that they are valued and valuable partners to the formation of their children. And we’re going to have fun along the way.” Kaitlyn Ramos (co-principal) Archbishop Borders School, Highlandtown “I’m looking forward to returning to ABS for the seventh year, serving the families, students and faculty in my new role as co-principal. I’m most excited about supporting new teachers and fostering teacher collaboration and professional growth. I hope to work with our leadership team to support students’ academic growth and teachers’ planning.” Sue Surine Immaculate Heart of Mary School, Baynesville “I am most excited to spend time learning and growing with the students. I am grateful and honored for the opportunity to serve the Immaculate Heart of Mary school community in this position, and look forward to collaborating with our amazing faculty and strong school community. “My hope is to help enrich the Catholic Identity of the school, build strong relationships between the parish and school, foster an environment of academic excellence where all students can succeed, and cultivate a school climate of service towards others.” Megan Winter St. Agnes Catholic School, Catonsville “I look forward to working together to build a supportive learning environment where our students can thrive academically, spiritually and socially. Our dedicated faculty and staff work everyday to implement innovative teaching strategies and programs that enhance student learning and engagement and I am honored to be a part of that work. “We have a strong parent community and I am enthusiastic about further strengthening our community bonds and involving parents and guardians more actively in our school life. Building strong partnerships between home and school is crucial for the success of our students, and I am committed to fostering open communication and collaboration. “Additionally, I am excited to see the St. Agnes Community grow. Whether it’s expanding our extracurricular offerings, enhancing our technology resources, or deepening our commitment to service and social justice, there are many opportunities for us to enrich the educational experience we provide at St. Agnes School.” PRESIDENTS Jesuit Father Dennis Baker Loyola Blakefield, Towson “I’m new to the Baltimore region and Loyola, so the most important thing has been taking time to get to know people – our students, families, and faculty and staff. It has been inspiring to learn more about what brought people to Loyola and why they love this place so much. I’ve been meeting with alumni and benefactors locally and across the country, so I anticipate spending more time engaging with those who proudly invest in our mission so that we can continue to focus on access and affordability as well as long-term strategic priorities. As much as Loyola has earned its standing as a leading educational institution in the region, there is still so much more we can do to enhance the experience of our students and our impact on the community. Loyola felt like home to me the first time I stepped onto campus, and I want it to feel that way for everyone. “ Mindi Imes Our Lady of Mount Carmel School, Essex “I am particularly enthusiastic to work with the dynamic team at Our Lady of Mount Carmel School in delivering faith-filled Catholic education enriched with cherished traditions to our students. I am honored to be a part of this Catholic school community that supports and cares for each other. I can already tell that the vocation of the faculty and staff at Our Lady of Mount Carmel School is guided by Christ’s example. “As we approach Our Lady of Mount Carmel School’s 100th year anniversary, I hope to unite all members, from students to community supporters, in building upon our rich legacy set before us, including most recently by President Emeritus Larry Callahan. “ Alex Zequeira St. Ignatius Loyola Academy, Baltimore “I am excited to join the Academy’s community and to support its very important mission of educating boys and transforming lives animated by our Catholic faith and Ignatian tradition. My hope is to continue to build upon the solid foundation and the success of the Academy. For 31 years, St. Ignatius Loyola Academy has been a place of hope and opportunity for boys and young men in the city of Baltimore by providing a high-quality, tuition-free Jesuit education to boys from under-resourced communities. I hope to strengthen our ties in the community to support our work and expand the reach and visibility of our great school.” Read More Schools In age of individualism, young people need holistic education, pope says Senior QB guides Loyola Blakefield past Calvert Hall in the 104th Turkey Bowl Pope: Schools should be centers of formation, not ‘achievement factories’ 5 Things to Know about Turkey Bowl NDP student tackles expansive role as manager for Loyola Blakefield football team Calvert Hall Marching Band wins fifth national championship Copyright © 2024 Catholic Review Media Print