WEIRTON - Steven Grasser has been named the new principal of Weirton Madonna High School.
A teacher and administrator from St. Louis, Mo., Grasser takes over at Madonna after four years of service by John Mihalyo, who took a principal position at St. Raphael's Catholic School in Raleigh, N.C., at the end of this academic year.
Grasser has been a science teacher for 26 years and department chair of the science department at John F. Kennedy Catholic School in St. Louis for 23 years. Grasser has been a member of the school's administrative team for the past 10 years. He also has a fellowship from the National Society of Biochemist and Molecular Biologist as well as currently being a fellow with the Science and Literacy Program at the University of Missouri.
In addition to his administrative and teaching career, Grasser continued to serve as coach of both varsity and junior varsity soccer and basketball.
"To have been chosen to lead Madonna Catholic High School with its reputation of tremendously strong Catholic values, academic excellence and wide range of extracurricular activities for our students is a tremendous honor and privilege," Grasser stated. "My wife and I look forward to calling Weirton, W.Va., home for many years."
John F. Kennedy is one of the largest of the diocesan high schools in the Archdiocese of St. Louis and a pilot school for the "One-to-One Computing Initiative" for the archdiocese. This program works to not only bring technology into the classroom but embed technology into the curriculum in all subject areas. Grasser has been a leader in the introduction of this program to Kennedy Catholic High School.
"Our Catholic high school principals play a prominent role in the formation of our youth, making a principal one of the most important leadership positions in the church," stated Most Rev. Michael J. Bransfield, bishop of Wheeling-Charleston. "That is why I am so pleased that Steve Grasser will be joining us as principal of Madonna Catholic High School.
"His impressive record as an educator and leader is exactly what will continue and enhance Madonna's tradition as a leading school in this region, and I am confident that Grasser will serve Madonna, our diocese and our community well," he said.
Grasser will be joining an academic team that includes Kelly Sinsigalli, dean of students; Rick Barnabei, educational consultant; and the Rev. Manny Gelido, designated pastor.
