Camden Catholic welcomes new principal
Camden Catholic recently named a new principal, who will help lead the way into the next generation of the school’s history, as the high school mark its 125th anniversary during the 2012–2013 school year.
Heather Crisci was named the leader of the school, effective July 1. But she is no stranger to the school or to teaching.
She has served as Vice Principal for Academic Affairs at South Jersey’s oldest Catholic co-educational school for the past seven years.
Crisci served as a professional development resource for a faculty of 58, maintained school curricula, headed the academic council and developed school scheduling.
Prior to her role as vice principal, Crisci served as the English Department Chairperson, teaching American Literature, as well as Literature and Composition. She also supervised eight teachers.
Crisci, a graduate of Boston College, has been at Camden Catholic for 12 years. She also received her Masters in Education: Leadership, Management and Policy from Seton Hall University.
Crisci said she is excited to continue moving the school forward. This fall, the school is introducing it’s arts academy, a combination of visual, performing and digital arts. Students, she said, will get hands-on experience in the classroom, and see the arts firsthand outside of the classroom.
“I’m looking to continue to move forward in education and academic excellence,” Crisci said.
The theme of the upcoming school year, Crisci said, is to look at the past while embracing the future.
Crisci will welcome the school year, and with it, a bevy of celebrations highlighting 125 years of tradition.
Anniversary weekend runs from Sept. 21 to Sept. 23, complete with a football alumni night and game against Moorestown on Friday night, the Fighting Irish 5K on Saturday, and the Alumni Anniversary Mass and Celebration on Sunday.
Sunday festivities include a 10 a.m. mass, followed by brunch and entertainment, a proclamation from Mayor Chuck Cahn honoring “Camden Catholic Day,” and the “Legacy of Camden Catholic” mural unveiling.
Earlier this year, administrators also announced plans for a Veterans Memorial on campus.
Walter Sandell, a member of the Class of 1956 and Vietnam War Veteran, is working with the school to confirm the list of alumni veterans killed in action or those who died as a result of their service.
“The Camden Catholic Veterans Memorial is a project that our alumni, Board of Trustees, administration, faculty and staff have been interested in undertaking for many years. As we approach the school’s 125th anniversary we feel this is an ideal time to make it happen,” said President Jeffrey Nick.
Denis and Kevin Reid, brothers of 1965 graduate John Reid, who was killed in Vietnam two years later, has offered to design and install the landscaping at the memorial. The brothers are owners of Magnolia Garden Village.
“This is a tribute that we have been eager to see happen for many years,” said Denis. “My family is pleased to contribute our time and resources to a memorial that will recognize the contributions and sacrifice that our brother John and his fellow Camden Catholic alumni veterans have made.”
Mike Hardy, the parent of a current student, has also volunteered his landscaping services.
To get involved or contribute to the project or any 125th anniversary event, contact Kate Madden Bieg at kbieg@camdencatholic.org or call 663–2247 ext. 40.
Donation checks can be made payable to Camden Catholic High School. You may mail them to Alumni Veterans Memorial c/o Camden Catholic High School; 300 Cuthbert Road, Cherry Hill, NJ 08002.
