FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Very Reverend Robert J. Fisher rfisher@shrinechurch.com 248.541.4122 ext. 415

Shrine Catholic Schools Welcome New Administrative Staff (ROYAL OAK), September 9, 2015: Fr. Robert Fisher, Rector of the National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica and President of Shrine Catholic Schools, announces several new administration appointments. He welcomes Thomas Oppat as the new Principal of Shrine High School and Academy. Oppat succeeds Bernadette Sugrue, whose retirement was announced last February. Said Fr. Fisher, “We are extremely pleased that Tom will be joining us at Shrine. He comes to us with a deep commitment to Catholic education, 20+ years of experience in the classroom and in administrative positions, as well as an outstanding reputation as teacher, coach, campus minister and principal. He brings the leadership skills to ensure that Shrine High School and Academy will remain the premier, parish-based, school in the Diocese.” As Principal, Oppat will head a leadership team that includes James Mio, Vice Principal of the High School and Mike Reece, Vice Principal of the Academy. Together, they will work to strengthen curricular and extra-curricular activities to meet the evolving needs of present and prospective students and their parents. This will include leveraging the gifts of Shrine’s alumni and benefactors, which will provide for improvement in facilities and financial aid, among other things. Oppat’s academic credentials include a B.A and an M.S. in mathematics from Wayne State University. He also holds an M.S. in Educational Leadership from Madonna University. In addition, James Mio moves into the role of Vice Principal of Shrine Catholic High School. Mio is a respected educator whose commitment to Shrine students in and out of the classroom serves as a testament to the effectiveness of a Catholic school education. He has taught students in the Academy and High School and has been involved in the ongoing development of the Performing Arts program at Shrine Academy and High School. A member of the faculty since 2001, Mio obtained a B.A. from University of Detroit Mercy, teaching certification from Eastern Michigan University and earned a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership from Madonna University. Fr. Fisher also announces the addition of Jennifer Bero to Shrine Catholic Grade School, who will be replacing Kelly Neighbors as Assistant Principal. Bero received her B.A. from Saint Mary's College, holds an M.A. from University of Nevada Las Vegas with a concentration on Curriculum and Instruction, and an M.A. from Michigan State University with the focus on Educational Administration. She has taught for the past 26 years in various environments; public, private, charter, Montessori and Catholic and taught every grade level from K-6th. Says Bero, “I'm thrilled to be at Shrine and begin the 2015-16 school year with such a faith-filled family. I came here when my dad started teaching and coaching football at the high school and I attended Shrine from the 4th - 12th grades, so this is a homecoming for me.”

High resolution photos available. Contact marketing@shrineschools.com. About Shrine Catholic Schools and National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica Shrine Catholic Schools are parish schools of the National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica in Royal Oak, Michigan. Founded in 1934, the schools provide a co-educational Christ-centered learning environment for Pre-K through 12th grade, with a focus on excellence in college preparatory education and extracurricular activities at Shrine High School. The National Shrine of the Little Flower, named a minor Basilica in 2015 by Pope Francis, was founded in 1926 and serves a parish of approximately 4,200 families in and throughout the Metro-Detroit area. For more information visit www.shrineschools.com.

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Thomas Oppat Principal Shrine High School & Academy

Jennifer Bero Assistant Principal Shrine Catholic Grade School

 

James Mio Assistant Principal Shrine High School & Academy