MARTINSBURG, W.Va. – Orientation for the first freshman class at the new St. Joseph High School in Martinsburg was a time of reunion and homecoming for several of the 14 students.
John Farmer, 14, of Shepherdstown, jokingly referred to himself as a prodigal son when warmly greeted at the downtown Martinsburg school on Aug. 13 by former SJS classmate Oliver Heng, who will join him in the freshman class. Farmer attended Saint Joseph School from kindergarten to seventh grade, then transferred to St. Mary Catholic School in Hagerstown, Maryland, where his mother, Brandi Farmer, teaches STEM.
“I’m hoping it’s better than my eighth-grade experience, and that was a great experience,” Farmer said.
Farmer likened all the unknowns of the coming school year to going to a film with no background information.
“It’s kind of like seeing a movie without (reading) any reviews,” he said.
Madison Regalia and Elianna Kaudy are ready to continue their studies at SJHS after being together for the last two years. Regalia, 14, of Shenandoah Junction, joined the Crusader family in sixth grade and Kaudy, 14, of Ranson, enrolled in seventh grade.
“It’s just another year,” Regalia said. “I’m not worried about it. (I’m) excited.”
Kaudy admitted to feeling “a little nervous” about being part of the school’s first freshman class since the high school closed in 1970. The Daughters of Charity from Emmitsburg, Maryland, established Saint Joseph School in 1883. Since the high school’s doors were shuttered, the only Catholic school in the Eastern Panhandle has served children from infants through eighth grade, and this year is welcoming more than 480 children ranging from toddlers to teens.
Jeanene Acuna, 14, of Charles Town, is new to the school family.
“I’m excited for the cybersecurity and the uniforms,” said Acuna, who previously was home-schooled.
The cybersecurity she referred to is part of the school’s early college and career design, through which it plans to partner with Shepherd University and Blue Ridge Community and Technical College. Not only will those who complete their senior year at St. Joseph High School receive a diploma, but they will have opportunities to enter college as juniors, earn an associate degree in a career pathway or leave with a career credential.
Jeanene’s mother, Kemberly Acuna, said she was attracted to SJHS because of the curriculum, which is similar to the Catholic program her daughter was using as a home-schooler.
“I’m excited that you offer a two-year college program,” Kemberly Acuna added.
James White, 15, of Shepherdstown, said learning in a school setting appealed to him after being part of an online school with live instruction for half of seventh grade and all of eighth. He’s particularly enthused about the science and religion courses.
His father, Joseph White, was happy to bring James back for high school; his son attended Saint Joseph School in fifth and sixth grades and half of seventh.
“I just want him to grow here emotionally and spiritually,” Joseph White said. “We were happy you were having a high school again.”
Administrators at the local and state levels heard how parents were looking for educational alternatives and wanted to provide one.
“Parents and families have been praying for this opening for years,” said Principal Maria Byrd.
“With the unfortunate closing of St. Maria Goretti Catholic High School (in Hagerstown), the Rev. Thomas Gallagher and I, along with our administration, agreed that the time to reopen a Catholic high school in Martinsburg was now. Beyond the pillars of academics and service, we will provide the pillars of discipleship and faith – which a freshman cannot find elsewhere – within the Catholic framework of the fullness of the faith. I believe this is God’s will.”
Jennifer Hornyak, superintendent of Catholic schools for the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, added, “Many parents shared that they wanted a Catholic education option in the Martinsburg area that spanned pre-K to 12th grade. That dream was made a reality.”
A significant factor in creating that reality was the support of Bishop Mark Brennan, Hornyak said.
“I want to express my gratitude to Bishop Brennan for his support of the new high school,” she said. “We are so blessed with his prayerful support and encouragement, as well as his financial support, to expand Catholic education in the Eastern Panhandle.”
Byrd and Hornyak view the resurrection of the high school as a fitting way to mark the diocese’s 175th anniversary.
“I think it is significant that we are celebrating the Jubilee Year of Hope and the 175th anniversary of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston in the same year that we are opening the high school,” Hornyak said. “What a great way to celebrate hope!”
Looking into the future, Byrd expects that St. Joseph High School could make a significant impact in many ways.
“If we could restore the schools we had, like St. Joseph High School, and grow beyond that, we would positively impact the education and future of our state,” Byrd said. “These future graduates will go on to do great things for others and the glory of God.”
The role the high school is meant to play goes far beyond academic growth.
“My initial goal for the high school is to build a strong foundation by integrating our talented new faculty and support team; providing opportunities for growth for the whole person (spiritual, academic, humanities, etc.) for each of our pupils; and securing a path beyond high school graduation, including career and/or technical/workforce skills for those who seek it,” Byrd said.
“My goal is that we can provide a strong Catholic high school experience for our students that prepares them for all areas of life,” Hornyak added. “We need to help our students grow in mind, body and spirit in a Christ-centered learning environment. My hope is that as the high school evolves, we will find new ways to accompany families in challenging their children to recognize, develop and share their God-given gifts and talents. I look forward to the new traditions that will be built as part of the high school experience at St. Joseph.”
For more information about Saint Joseph High School, please contact Byrd at 304-267-6447 or mbyrd@sjswv.org; or go to sjhswv.org.
The first freshman class at the new St. Joseph High School stands on the steps of the school at 336 S. Queen St. in Martinsburg, W.Va., on Aug. 19. Front row, from left: Elianna Kaudy, Annabelle Ayers and Maya Byers. Second row, Addison Michael, Madison Regalia, Shayla Do, Mia MacDonald and Gabriela Galicia Ruiz. Back row, John Farmer, Matthew Billmyer, Oliver Heng, Jeanene Acuna, James White and Veronica Perkowski.
