Holy Cross High School Names Mr. Frank Samuelson '73 New President
Waterbury – The Board of Directors of Holy Cross High School is pleased to announce that Frank H. Samuelson, Jr. has been named the new President of Holy Cross High School. Mr. Samuelson assumed his responsibilities on July 9, 2015.
Mr. Samuelson will serve as the fourth president of Holy Cross, succeeding Mr. Timothy McDonald, who served the Holy Cross community in many capacities for more than 44 years.
The Board of Directors recommended that Frank Samuelson be appointed as the next President to the Brothers of Holy Cross Corporate Members from among a pool of qualified candidates interviewed by a Presidential Search Committee, and was unanimously appointed to the position. Brother William Zaydak, C.S.C., Provincial and Corporate Member, stated in a letter regarding the appointment, “We are fortunate that Mr. Samuelson has a background in Holy Cross education which will make the transition smoother.”
Frank, a Holy Cross graduate of the Class of 1973, most recently comes to Holy Cross from Regional School District #7 in Winsted, CT, where he was serving as the Interim Special Education Director. In addition to his position in Regional 7, Frank previously served as the Interim Principal at Hartford Public High Schools Law and Government Academy. Frank spent many years in the Oxford, CT school district as a teacher, coach and in recent years as Principal of Great Oak Middle School and Principal of Oxford High School during the time of its development and opening.
“It is an honor and privilege to return to Holy Cross to serve the students, their parents and the Brothers of Holy Cross at this very special high school. I hope to continue the exemplary work of past presidents, Brother Harold Hathaway, Brother Jerome Donnelly and, most recently, Tim McDonald,” Samuelson said.
Holy Cross Board of Directors Chairperson, Mr. Jeff Fryer ‘87 stated, “Frank comes to us not only with a wealth of knowledge in educational leadership, but also a deep understanding of the Holy Cross community and our mission. The Board of Directors welcomes Frank and we look forward to working with him in the upcoming school year.”
Frank has a passion for the Holy Cross tradition and seeks to build on that foundation to move Holy Cross forward in the coming years. After graduating from Holy Cross High School, he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Special Education from Southern Connecticut State University, a Master of Arts degree in School Administration from Fairfield University, his 6th Year Diploma in Administration and Supervision from Southern Connecticut State University and completed the Superintendent’s Preparation Program at SCSU as well. Frank served on the Holy Cross Board of Directors for seven years, serving as Chairperson of the Strategic Planning Committee, Chairperson of the Physical Plant Committee and member of the Finance sub-committee. Frank is a member of several professional associations and has served on numerous professional boards and committees throughout the region.
Mrs. Margaret Leger, Principal of Holy Cross, stated, “I welcome the opportunity to work with Frank as we begin this new chapter in the life of Holy Cross. He has been a great friend and supporter of Holy Cross over the years and I am confident that under his leadership we will continue to provide an outstanding Catholic education for our students, maintain a safe and nurturing atmosphere for our families, and grow our lifelong connection with the alumni community.”
Samuelson is excited for the upcoming school year to begin, “I look forward to working closely with the administration teachers and Board of Directors to continue the fine work underway and to make Holy Cross a very viable college preparatory option for young adults, their parents and families in the Greater Waterbury area.”
Holy Cross High School, a Catholic co-educational college-preparatory high school, was founded in 1968 and is sponsored by the Brothers of Holy Cross. Holy Cross High School is located at 587 Oronoke Road in Waterbury, CT.