Holyoke Catholic continues its path of growth in student achievement, school pride and celebration of our Tradition of Excellence. The past school year began early as nine HCHS students embarked on an exciting 3-week African Mission Trip to Tanzania. As they later shared with the student body, the opportunity to experience a different culture, seeing first-hand other traditions and lifestyles while also teaching young Tanzanians to speak the English language, made a profound impact on each of their lives.

Other signs of student leadership and achievement were also evident through the year. Eight students, the highest in Holyoke Catholic history, were named Advanced Placement Scholars. Nearly 100 students produced an outstanding performance of The Pajama Game in Veritas Auditorium at Elms College, and Catholic's athletic teams continued to make us proud by their demonstrations of sportsmanship and achievement, including league championships in boys basketball, girls basketball and girls cross-country.

Holyoke Catholic's daily focus on a strong college prep curriculum, combined with spirited pep rallies, dances, spirit days, and support of our teams have created a sense of pride and purpose that carries through our days together, whether in the classroom, at Mass, on the stage or on the field. It extends to our alumni whose activities included a recent gathering of 500 alumni and friends of HCHS at a gala affair to induct the first 33 members of the Alumni Athletic Hall of Fame. It extends to our parents whose active presence and support continue to be a hallmark of our school, and is also reflected in our growing student population.

As we look to the new year ahead in the fall of 2010, we are reminded of our tradition at the heart of the dynamic life and spirit of our school - a tradition of hard work, pride, community, academic excellence, faith and values. It is a tradition that has guided our journey through the years and one which we invite you to actively join as we move forward in realizing the opportunities before us on behalf of Holyoke Catholic's students of today and tomorrow. The Holyoke Catholic Tradition continues...Come be a part of it!

Michael S. Griffin, Ph.D.
Principal