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 that would meet the academic and spiritual needs of students in Western Pennsylvania and Northeast Ohio. This vision materialized when, on September 3, 1957, a vigorous capital campaign began to fund the acquisition of land 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 realizing this vision. On May 14, 1963, Bishop Gannon appointed the Most Reverend Edward McManaman, Auxiliary Bishop of Erie, as the chairman, tasking him with overseeing the construction. Four days later, the board met and appointed Monsignor Edward Latimer as 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 education at St. Bartholomew Church in Sharpsville. By 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:
- 1972: Booster Club and PTO funded the Butala Memorial Football Stadium and installed a wooden gym floor.
- 1979: Yobe Memorial Tennis Courts were dedicated.
- 1983: Guidance Office was renovated.
- 1984-85: Football fieldhouse was renovated, and a weight room was added.
- 1984: A computer department was established.
- 1999-2000: Renovations included a new roof, classroom carpeting, new computers, and enhanced internet access.
- 2015: An engineering wing was added with CNC machines, 3D printers, and CAD software.
- 2019: The gymnasium floor and football stands were renovated, and a jump stretch program was added.
- 2020: Classroom electronic upgrades included Chromebooks, iPads, and 55” TVs.
- 2022: New carpet was installed at SJPII.
- 2023: A new scoreboard and baseball field upgrades were completed.
Name Changes 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, decreed by Bishop Donald Trautman, aimed to distinguish the school from others using “Christian” in their titles while maintaining a philosophy of inclusivity for students and parents of all faiths.
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.
Past 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
Kennedy Catholic Family of Schools is a prestigious college preparatory Roman Catholic school system serving the Diocese of Erie from Preschool through Grade 12. We are dedicated to fostering spiritual growth, academic excellence, and enriching extracurricular activities, embodying our mission "to serve Christ" (Christo Servire).
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