New principals start

Several new principals are coming to Catholic schools this year:

* DEACON ROBERT HERZOG is the new principal of LaSalle Institute in Troy.

A retired U.S. Army officer who served more than 30 years, he received his bachelor of arts degree in English from St. John's University, his master's in English from Murray State University and his master's in education from Austin Peay State University.

"I am awestruck by LaSalle's history and tradition, and by its consistent, positive and productive service to the growth and development of young men," he said.

Mr. Herzog has experience in teaching and administration at the high school and college levels, and was a campus minister, retreat coordinator and community service director.

He comes to Troy from Maryland.

* RITA M. KUNKEL brings to St. Patrick's School in Catskill many years' experience in K-8 and special education in both Catholic and public schools, including various administrative positions.

Most recently, she was a K-5 principal with the Kingston City School District.

"It is great to be returning to Catholic education," she said. "I am looking forward to the infusion of faith throughout the school day. In our Catholic schools, the environment is Christ-like. If we are doing our jobs well, we are helping each other and our students to be Christ-like in their daily lives."

Sister Mary Jane Herb, IHM, superintendent of Catholic schools in the Albany Diocese, called Mrs. Kunkel "a dedicated and experienced professional whose commitment to educational excellence will be a great asset to St. Patrick's students."

Mrs. Kunkel lives in Kingston with her husband, Richard, and two children, John and Elizabeth.

* TERRI J. MCGRAW comes to St. Luke's School in Schenectady from St. Thomas the Apostle School in Delmar, where she was a science/religion teacher for grades 5-8 for six years.

She also served for four years as the Pastoral Associate in Pastoral Care for the parish, serving the sick and homebound.

Prior to St. Thomas, Mrs. McGraw was a financial advisor at Waddell & Reed in Albany.

"I am really excited and privileged to take on this new challenge," she said. "People have been so welcoming. I can't wait to meet the families and children of St. Luke's in the fall."

Sister Jane noted that "St. Luke's students will greatly benefit from Terri's devotion, professionalism and administrative gifts. We are delighted to have her continue to enrich our Diocese through her work at St. Luke's."

A parishioner at St. Thomas, Mrs. McGraw lives in Delmar with her husband, Packy, and three sons, Ryan, Riley and Casey.

* RALPH PROVENZA has been named new principal of St. Brigid's Regional Catholic School in Watervliet.

Most recently a science teacher at Notre Dame-Bishop Gibbons School in Schenectady, Mr. Provenza has also been director of development and alumni affairs at LaSalle Institute in Troy, and executive director of New York Special Olympics in Schenectady.

He has graduated from the Catholic Leadership Institute of the Diocese, a training and mentoring program for teachers interested in pursuing administrative positions.

"Education is important in providing the knowledge and skills we need to succeed in life," he said. "But Catholic education is so much more than that. It provides a moral basis and code by which we conduct ourselves. It is that strong faith foundation that makes an education complete."

Sister Jane said that "his experience, talent and professionalism will be a great asset to St. Brigid's students."

Rev. L. Edward Deimeke, pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, which encompasses the school, said of the new principal: "His experience, talent, enthusiasm and professionalism will be a great asset. He has already made a great impression on faculty members, parents and staff members."

A parishioner of Our Lady of Assumption parish, Mr. Provenza lives in Latham with his wife, Mary. They have three daughters and seven grandchildren.

* Another new principal, Christopher Signor, is beginning his tenure at Saratoga Central Catholic High School. Read about him in a separate article.

(8/25/05) [[In-content Ad]]