Fr. Edmund Castronovo blesses the Holy Cross Academy soccer team at a recent game. HCA was named a 2014 School of Excellence on Sept. 15 for its Catholic identity and high academic performance.
(Oneida Castle, NY – Sept. 2014) The Cardinal Newman Society recognized Holy Cross Academy with its 2014 Schools of Excellence award on Sept. 15. Since 2004 the Catholic Education Honor Roll has celebrated quality Catholic education throughout the United States, and Holy Cross has been recognized each time it has been offered.
Honor Roll schools receive this designation for their integration of Catholic identity throughout all aspects of their programs and for excellence in academics. This year 71 schools were named as a School of Excellence, with only three New York State schools named this year. An additional nine in the U.S. received the distinction of Honorable Mention. The total is less than five percent of the Catholic high schools in the United States.
Holy Cross Academy’s principal Teri Maciag said, “We appreciate this honor from the Cardinal Newman Society, especially because of our small size. Holy Cross has always been focused on Catholic identity and strong academic goals. We recognize the commitment of our staff, parents and families which were vital to our receiving this national award.”
“Since competition began in 2004, the Honor Roll has been a helpful tool for administrators, families, and benefactors in recognizing the quality of a Catholic high school education,” said Patrick J. Reilly, President of The Cardinal Newman Society. “The Honor Roll schools are a reminder that Catholic education is getting better every day—not only academically, but in the renewal of Catholic identity—and we are delighted to see the increased level of competition among the schools that participated in the program this year.”
This year’s Honor Roll schools are diverse: large and small, new and long-established, highly selective and those with open enrollment admissions policies, as well as a variety of tuition rates. The common trait is an institutional commitment to providing a truly integrated and faithful Catholic education across all disciplines and in all areas of student activities.
The 2014 Schools of Excellence are located in 26 states, with the largest number (eight) located in Pennsylvania, followed by Texas and Michigan, each with six, and Virginia with five.
The Acton Institute founded the Catholic High School Honor Roll in 2004. The Cardinal Newman Society assumed the program in 2012, consistent with its mission of helping Catholic families and promoting faithful Catholic education.
Holy Cross Academy serves grades seven through twelve and is located at 4020 Barrington Road in Oneida Castle. More information can be found at holycrossacademy.com.