October 20, 2010 // Local

Saint Joseph’s High School named a top 50 Catholic secondary school

Todays Catholic

SOUTH BEND — Saint Joseph’s High School has been named for the fourth consecutive time to the National Catholic High School Honor Roll. The school been recognized as one of the best 50 Catholic secondary schools in the United States.

The Honor Roll is an independent project of the Acton Institute, an international research and educational organization. The release of the list on Oct. 15, states, “The purpose of the Honor Roll is to recognize and encourage excellence in Catholic secondary education. It is a critical resource for parents and educators that distinguishes those schools that excel in three categories: Academic excellence, Catholic identity and civic education.”

The selection of the top 50 is determined by an advisory board comprised of Catholic college presidents and scholars. Included on the board is Professor Gerard Bradley, professor of law at the University of Notre Dame Law School. Another advisory board member, Bishop David M. O’Connell, coadjutor bishop of the Diocese of Trenton and former president of Catholic University of America, said the Honor Roll’s evaluation method is indispensable. “Catholic schools must examine themselves on a regular basis using a well-rounded approach that assesses adherence to the Church’s educational calling.”

Saint Joseph’s Principal Susan Richter states, “Being selected as a Top 50 Catholic high school recognizes the excellence for which Saint Joseph’s is known. I applaud the students, parents, teachers and staff for their hard work and commitment to Catholic education. This award reflects the goals which our students and staff strive to achieve on a daily basis and helps to define our success. The three categories judged by the Honor Roll — academic excellence, Catholic identity and civic education-parallel our mission as a Catholic high school. We are blessed to receive this elite honor for the fourth consecutive time. Indeed, the excellence continues for Saint Joseph’s High School.”

The notification received from the institute states, “The best schools demonstrate a balanced excellence, which includes an active Catholic culture, sound college preparation and integration of Church teachings in all departments. These schools also display sound moral, catechetical and civic formation that prepares students for vocations in the world as political, religious, scientific and business leaders.”
School Board President Matt Edmonds commented, “The Honor Roll is an exciting validation of the efforts of our faculty and staff to educate our students while developing their Catholic identity and sense of obligation to their community. Our students continue from Saint Joseph’s ready to excel in their personal development and more importantly be involved and give back to the communities they live in.
“On behalf of the Saint Joseph’s High School Board, congratulations and thank you to all who have earned this special recognition for our school family,” he noted.

In 2008, the Acton Institute changed the Honor Roll from a yearly to a biennial award. Saint Joseph’s High School is gratified that their commitment to Catholic education and the daily dedication to excellence by students, faculty, and staff have made it possible to be named to this highly selective Honor Roll in 2006, 2007, 2008-2009, and once again for 2010-2011.

In recognizing this honor, Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades wrote, “Congratulations to Saint Joseph’s High School on receiving this special recognition! I am indeed proud of this strong and excellent high school and its commitment to the noble and holy mission of Catholic education. I encourage all to support Saint Joe’s and its capital campaign. May the Lord bless the entire Saint Joseph’s High School community.”