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HAMMONTON — The Gazette sat down for an interview with new St . Joseph High School ( SJHS ) Principal the Rev . Allain Caparas and Assistant Principal for Student Affairs / Athletic Director Anne Marie Mercado at the school offices on August 17 . The two administrators are enthusiastic about all aspects of leading SJHS into a new era , from academics to buildings and grounds to athletics and extracurricular activities .
“ People here have been wonderful . They ’ ve been cooperative and welcoming — I ’ ve had nothing but positive experiences with the students , staff and parents . They want what ’ s best for the school , and that ’ s what I want ... The energy was so positive . We are bringing in some new ideas . As in anything new , you ’ re trying to get to know people and what ’ s the process like ... For me , the learning curve was not significant . I like to get to know people ,” Caparas said .
Last year , SJHS received a $ 1 million donation from Jeff Umosella , vice president of the board of trustees and COO of US LBM Holdings LLC and President of Universal Supply Co . Last week , 1985 SJHS graduate Kellyanne Conway , who is also a member of the SJHS board of trustees , made international news when she was named the first female campaign manager of a Republican presidential campaign by candidate Donald J . Trump . Plans are in motion to raise the academic profile , particularly with stronger connections to area colleges and universities . Meanwhile , the Wildcat athletic teams — including the perennial champion football team and a resurgent boys basketball team — are doing well .
While there is a good deal of positive news surrounding the Catholic high school , low enrollment continues to be a challenge . Caparas said the school
Wednesday , August 24 , 2016 • The Hammonton Gazette • Page 3
Caparas , Mercado leading new era at St . Joe High School
by Gabe Donio
GAZETTE STAFF WRITER
is exceeding expectations regarding enrollment .
“ We are at about 279-280 for total enrollment . That ’ s higher than anticipated ... We have more kids enrolled for the next academic year — our freshman class is higher than anticipated . We had 21 new enrollees in the last month alone ,” Caparas said .
Caparas is the first priest in a decade to be appointed to the principal position at a Catholic high school in the Diocese of Camden .
“ My appointment is a symbol of the bishop ’ s commitment to St . Joe in Hammonton and Catholic education . For the bishop to send me , one of his priests , to St . Joe shows his commitment to Catholic schools and specifically , St . Joe . I bring great enthusiasm and ideas from my 15 years [ in education ] — I ’ m really optimistic and excited about the coming year ,” Caparas said .
Mercado said she joined Caparas in his enthusiasm for leading SJHS during the upcoming school year .
“ We have a lot of energy between Father and me ,” she said , as the two shared a laugh . They both said they enjoy their work and laugh a lot during the workday .
“ He creates an environment where you work ‘ with ’ him , not
‘ for ’ him ,” Mercado said .
“ The people are here for St . Joe . They want to see it succeed ... It ’ s a team . It ’ s a family . St . Joe is about being a family ,” Caparas said .
In addition to her duties as an assistant principal , Mercado is also the athletic director at the high school . She said she saw a large amount of crossover between the two roles .
“ Our slogan here is ‘ Be a Champion , Be a Wildcat .’ It ’ s not just about sports ,” Mercado said .
“ It starts from the top . It starts with us . Anne Marie and I believe the enthusiasm we have will be contagious ,” Caparas said .
Apparently it already has been , as Caparas said the staff is “ excited to come back to school .”
The administration is looking at the curriculum and its academic program , with a goal of continued improvement to benefit all students , Caparas said .
“ We are going to be fleshing the way to make our academics more challenging but also more accessible ... some schools say they are a college prep school , but for us , college begins now ,” Caparas said . SJHS is working with colleges through the “ Pathway to College Partnership ”, and in addition to offering college-level courses
See SJHS , Page 4
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