History
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The Vision and Beginnings
Kennedy Catholic Family of Schools traces its origins back to the mid-1950s, when the Most Reverend John Mark Gannon, Bishop of the Diocese of Erie, envisioned a school satisfying the academic and spiritual needs of students in Western Pennsylvania and Northeast Ohio. This vision materialized when, on September 3, 1957, a campaign was launched for the funding of land acquisition and construction of the school. By November 5, 1962, the campaign had successfully concluded with the Diocese purchasing 81.7 acres in Hermitage.
The formation of the school board was a critical step in making this vision a reality. On May 14, 1963, Bishop Gannon appointed the Most Reverend Edward McManaman, Auxiliary Bishop of Erie, as a chairman to oversee the construction of the academy. Soon after, the board named Monsignor Edward Latimer the first Headmaster of what was then named Shenango Valley Regional High School.
Building the School
Architect Arthur P. D’Orazio was hired to design the facility, with construction contracts awarded to B&B Construction, Sterfanek and Sons, and Pic Electric on March 18, 1964. As construction progressed in Hermitage, the first class of 125 freshmen began their high school journey at St. Bartholomew Church in Sharpsville, Pennsylvania. Starting in the fall of 1965, the new building was completed and opened to students in all four grades. The school received secondary school certification from the Pennsylvania Department of Education in 1966 and was accredited by the Commission of Secondary Schools of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools in 1970.
Growth and Development
Over the years, Kennedy Catholic Family of Schools has undergone numerous upgrades and additions:
Renaming and Consolidation
Initially named Shenango Valley Regional High School, the institution was renamed Kennedy Christian High School and later, on July 1, 2001, became Kennedy Catholic High School. This change, mandated by Bishop Donald Trautman, aimed to distinguish the school from others by using “Catholic” in its title, emphasizing their dedication to the faith. In 2011, Kennedy Catholic High School, along with Kennedy Catholic Middle School and Blessed John Paul II Elementary School, united under the Shenango Valley Catholic School System, forming the comprehensive Kennedy Catholic Family of Schools.
Previous Leadership
Kennedy Catholic has been guided by a series of dedicated administrators over the years:
- 1964-1973: Monsignor Edward Latimer
- 1973-1980: Father Andrew Karg
- 1980-1982: Father Henry Krebs
- 1982-1984: Father Eugene Kole
- 1984-2011: Peter Iacino
- 2011-2013: Father Marc Stockton
- 2013-2016: Father Michael P. Allison
- 2016-2019: Father Jason A. Glover
- 2019-2020: Vincent A. Cardamon
- 2020-2021: Mark Ferrara
- 2021-2022: Melissa Joseph
- 2022-2023 (Interim): Peter Iacino
- 2023-2024: Karen Ionta
- 2024- Current: Joseph Kenneally
