Now, in her third year as principal of Marian High School in Framingham, Sister Cathy is quick to say that her first love is being a high school principal.

She said she sees high school as the last opportunity for teachers to "strongly
influence the students before they go off to college." It’s a time, she said, to help build their self-esteem and self-confidence.

Sister Cathy, who was principal of Arlington Catholic High School for
nineteen years before joining the Marian staff, said high school should be a warm and welcoming place that also, of course, provides academic challenges for its students. In fact, she always keeps her office door open, and is happy to welcome students who stop by to visit or wave as they go to class.

Her work at Marian has been challenging. The school, which enrolls 272 students, had been facing declining enrollments and an aging physical plant before she arrived on the scene.

But, according to Sister Cathy, enrollment is steadily growing now; the school is gaining credibility; and the student population is becoming more diverse.

A total of 32 countries is now represented by Marian students, and it’s been a good experience for everyone. "The new students and their families feel welcome here. We’re what the world could be --- growing together," she said.

Sister Cathy grew up in Allston and attended St. Anthony School, Allston and St. Mary High School in Brookline. She was a guidance counselor at both St. Columbkille School and Mt. St. Joseph Academy, Brighton.

She holds a bachelor of arts degree from Regis College, a master’s degree in guidance from the former Boston State College, and a master’s
degree from Northeastern University in criminal justice.

Why the interest in criminal justice? Her volunteer work at the women’s reformatory and in probation counseling led her to get her degree.

It took four years of night classes, but she believes it was well worth it. She credits the Sisters of St. Joseph for her interest in counseling and education. "They were good role models and gave a lot of themselves," she said.

Summing up her view of education today, Sister Cathy said she knows the world is changing, and it’s more and more challenging for families and their children, but she believes "the basic kid hasn’t changed. Kids still need the same things: understanding and acceptance, challenge and compassion, opportunities to serve and make a difference, to grow and be known. And, they’re still great. I like them just as much as I did 20 years ago!"
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