Geibel named one of top Catholic schools in the nation
Don Favero, principal of Geibel Catholic Junior-Senior High School in Connellsville (left), and Greensburg Bishop Lawrence E. Brandt stand next to the certificate recognizing Geibel Catholic for being named to the Catholic Education Honor Roll’s 2014 Schools of Excellence list at a recent pep rally at the school.
Dr. Maureen Marsteller, superintendent of Catholic schools for the Diocese of Greensburg, congratulates the Geibel Catholic community for being named to the Catholic Education Honor Roll’s 2014 Schools of Excellence list.
Praises echoed throughout the gymnasium in Geibel Catholic Junior-Senior High School in Connellsville during a recent pep rally held to celebrate being named one of the top 50 Catholic high schools in the nation.
Geibel was recognized by the Catholic Education Honor Roll on its 2014 Schools of Excellence list, repeating the same honor it earned in 2012.
“The Catholic Education Honor Roll recognizes secondary schools throughout the United States, which are committed to strong Catholic identity and excellence in academics,” said the Most Reverend Lawrence E. Brandt, Bishop of the Diocese of Greensburg.
The list is released by the Cardinal Newman Society, which announced honorees Sept. 15.
“These schools agree to embrace and perform and to work toward meeting these so called indicators of excellence and Geibel has fulfilled these expectations,” said Brandt. “It’s teaching model is also holistic, not only through subject matter, but values.”
Geibel was one of 71 schools in the nation to receive the honor, while nine others received honorable mention.
This is less than five percent of the Catholic high schools in the United States, according to the society.
The 2014 Schools of Excellence are located in 26 states, with eight in Pennsylvania.
Donald Favero, Geibel principal, said educating youth is an important mission of the Catholic church.
“I am elated to have our school recognized for excellence on the national level as our teachers prepare our students for the challenges of life in the 21st century,” he said.
Favero was named principal in 2011 and was instrumental in increasing enrollment from 139 students in 2012-13 to 179 students this school year.
“Our classroom dynamics and educational philosophy are tied to the latest university methodologies, yet at the same time, our approaches are rooted in the gospel values of our Lord, Jesus Christ,” he said.
“This educational synergy is what makes Geibel Catholic one of the best high schools in the United States.”
Brandt noted that Geibel has 17 courses that are offered for college credits while 99 percent of graduates go on to college.
“Geibel is a great community asset,” said Brandt.
According to Patrick J. Reilly, president of the Cardinal Newman Society, the Honor Roll has been a helpful tool for administrators, families and benefactors in recognizing the quality of a Catholic high school education.
Favero said Geibel was represented at a school fair last year in Bejing, China that resulted in the enrollment of two international students from South Korea and China.
Harris Wright, student council president, said she was not surprised that Geibel was chosen again coming from a school where everyone cares.
Dr. Maureen Marsteller, superintendent of Catholic schools for the diocese, said the paperwork associated with proving how a school lives its Catholic identity is daunting, yet worthwhile.
“An independent organization has confirmed the gospel message is present in the daily lives of the school community and affirmed the work that is being done here,” said Marsteller.