Marist High School Announces New Principal beginning 2010-2011 School Year

Br. Ben Consigli, Provincial of the Marist Brothers of the United States, has appointed Br. Donnell Neary, 63, to be the next Principal of Marist High School.  Br. Donnell brings a wealth of academic and leadership experience that makes him uniquely qualified for the role.  He holds a Master’s degree in Modern Languages from the University of Scranton and a Master of Education degree in Administration and Supervision from Northeastern University.

Br. Don has taught at Marist-owned schools in Illinois, Massachusetts, and New York.  He was Assistant Principal at St. Agnes Boys High School in Manhattan and President of Our Lady of Lourdes High School in Poughkeepsie, NY.  He served as vocation director for the Marist Brothers, and was elected Provincial of the Marist Brothers Poughkeepsie Province, serving in that role from 2000 to 2003.  For the past seven years, Br. Don has served as assistant to the Superior General of the Marist Brothers worldwide at their international headquarters in Rome, Italy.

Br. Neary will assume the position of Principal effective July 1, 2010.  At that time, Br. Stephen Schlitte, current Principal of Marist High School, will transition to his new role as Principal at Mount St. Michael Academy, a Marist-owned school in the Bronx, NY.

The Marist community is grateful to Br. Steve for his dedicated service over the past 11 years.  During his tenure, Marist High School expanded its curriculum to accommodate students of all learning abilities.  Br. Steve was instrumental in establishing Marist’s Focus Education Program for students of average to above-average intelligence who have documented learning disabilities.  Among other accomplishments, Br. Schlitte oversaw the development of the Champagnat Scholars Program for gifted & talented students as well as Marist’s MedQuest Program, which prepares students for further study in the healthcare industry.

Above all, Br. Steve established a nurturing and supportive learning environment that has allowed students from a variety of backgrounds to reach their potential in their high school years, in preparation for further education at colleges and universities throughout the country.

Beginning with the 2010-2011 academic year, Br. Don Neary will continue to build on this solid foundation at Marist High School.  Drawing upon his significant talents and experiences, Br. Don will lead Marist’s next generation of students, and assure Marist remains the premier co-ed Catholic high school serving Hudson County & surrounding areas.