2020-2021 – A Challenge Accepted and Conquered
Everyone is aware of the difficulties the world has faced over the last two years, and Bishop Carroll is not exception to that. Since the doors were opened on Husky Hill in 1959, Newtons Third Law of Motion states that for “Every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.” Nowhere is that truer than at Bishop Carroll. For every challenge that has arisen, a conquest of that challenge has occurred.
On January 10, 1969, Father James Schuster, Superintendent of Schools for the Altoona-Johnstown Diocese sent a letter to the local public school districts stating that due to a tuition increase and a decline in enrollment, Bishop Carroll would not open for the 1969-1970 school year. 52 years later, Bishop Carroll Catholic High School not only still exists but thrives.
Over the last few years, major improvements have been made to the campus, with many more on the way. Aquinas Hall has been completely upgraded to allow for the boarding program to take root on Husky Hill. In 2015, for the first time ever, Bishop Carroll hosted a regular season home football game on campus. In 2016, lights were added to the stadium to truly create a Friday Night Lights environment. In the summer and fall of 2018, all of the west facing windows of the 200 wing were replaced. Utility upgrades were completed in 2020, as was the installation of the regions first state-of-the-art Esports arena.
We are not done yet.
With the potential assistance of many generous donors, several capital projects are in line for completion over this summer, including the creation of a full STREAM lab and the installation of a new secure front entrance. Other projects in line over the next few years include front façade work, the transformation of the Ursula Pawlowski Media Center (formerly the library), and the continued replacement of all building windows. None of these projects would be possible without the forward vision of all stakeholders for the long-term stability of Bishop Carroll Catholic High School.
Our students have also met challenges and have excelled in the face of difficulty. Academically, when the pandemic hit, the education of our students experienced very little disruption. Bishop Carroll began a one-to-one device initiative in 2016 and had been using online educational platforms for several years before the students were provided their own laptops. With every student having their own computer, learning continued in the spring of 2020. Even on the few days that the school had to shut down in the 2020-2021 school year, teaching still continued synchronously, and students who had to quarantine at different times of the year were able to join their classes remotely and follow their schedule. Additionally, an after-school tutoring program began this year, with teachers of every subject area available to assist students struggling in their classes. The number of students struggling in classes was greatly reduced because of this beneficial program.
With an ever-changing and complicated world that we find ourselves in, faith is increasingly becoming more and more important. While the school has always maintained a strong Catholic identity, a focus in recent years has been placed on individual faith development for our students. Every student has completed the Alpha Program, and small group discussions occur weekly. More opportunities for retreats have arisen, and we have not one, not two, but three priests on staff. While there exists a priest shortage nationwide, we are proud to have these three educating and guiding our students. With this staffing blessing, we will be able to add religion electives to the curriculum.
Our athletic teams have accomplished great success in the midst of many changes to sports locally and statewide. Several district championships have been won over the last few years, including Boy’s Soccer, Boy’s and Girl’s Basketball, and Girl’s Track and Field. Additionally, as many schools see the number of participants in athletics shrink, Bishop Carroll has not only maintained the number of sports sponsored but is expanding the Junior High offerings to our students in the Prince Gallitzin Quadrant.
The teaching staff at Bishop Carroll demonstrates long-term commitment to the school. Two-thirds of the teachers have at least one advanced degree, and the staff has, on average, 15 years of experience teaching at Bishop Carroll, with over half having 10 years under their belt. The teachers continue to innovate and create new classes, activities, and programs. Catholic schoolteachers teach because of the desire to see positive outcomes in the students.
Bishop Carroll and the elementary schools of the Prince Gallitzin Quadrant are also further strengthening ties, with additional educational, athletic, and social programs. A joint effort is underway to develop a long-term plan for the sustainability of each school. BC and the six elementary schools have all seen increased interest over the last year, which is continuing into this summer and next school year.
While the board, administration, and staff have the school on a track to be successful over the next few decades, we also welcome the input of various stakeholders, including families, alumni, and donors. Donations towards the capital campaign will help with building improvements. Contributions to the annual drive and tax diverted contributions to the EITC program help provide financial assistance to families. The goal of Bishop Carroll Catholic High School is, was, and always will be to provide an affordable, well-rounded, education to all who desire one. The more the community supports these efforts, the more successful we will be in molding students to be the best possible members of their families, communities, church, and world.
To find out how you can contribute your time, talent, and treasure to BCCHS, please contact Head of School, Mr. Stephen Cotchen, at (814) 472-7500, extension 106, or email [email protected]. Come grow with us!