NEW ORLEANS— Holy Cross School has announced its 2018-2019 educational leadership team, which will oversee the school’s curriculum, teaching, and disciplinary functions. Under the leadership of Chief School Officer Eric DesOrmeaux, a team of deans has been named to enhance communication throughout the school and support consistency in the implementation of the mission to educate “the whole man – mind and heart, body and soul.”
Mrs. Patricia Hrapmann will serve as Dean of Teaching, Learning and Innovation. Hrapmann has served as Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Professional Development at Holy Cross School for ten years. In her new role, she will oversee implementation of an innovative, college-preparatory curriculum that ensures vertical articulation through all grade levels from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. She also will be responsible for ensuring high quality teaching practices and professional development opportunities for faculty.
Hrapmann is a graduate of Northwestern State University, where she received a master’s degree as a Reading Specialist in 1978. She taught for 32 years in Natchitoches, Terrebonne and St. Charles Parishes, achieved National Board Certification in 2000, and was named to the Northwestern State University Hall of Distinguished Educators.
"It has been an honor and a pleasure to work with the excellent faculty, staff, students and parents at Holy Cross, and I look forward to continue working to ensure our students’ success,” Hrapmann said.
Mr. Brian Kitchen will serve as Dean of pre-kindergarten through 4th grade. In this role, Kitchen will be responsible for the daily operations of the school within these grade levels, including academics, communication and student discipline.
Kitchen has worked at Holy Cross School for the past 18 years. He was hired in 2000 as an English teacher and soccer coach, moving up to Director of Student Activities shortly after. In 2005, he accepted the role of Director of Admissions, overseeing a growing enrollment through the rebuilding of the new campus on Paris Avenue. In 2012, he was named Director of Student Services and Admissions, working closely with the Headmaster in implementation of school policies, practices and mission at all levels of the school’s operations. In 2015, he was instrumental in the successful opening of Holy Cross Primary. Kitchen is a 1996 graduate of the University of New Orleans.
“My first Holy Cross experience was a job interview in 2000 and I was immediately impressed with the students, faculty and administration. There’s a shared vision of hope and respect among our families that supports almost 170 years of history and legacy. But the promising future is what I’m most excited about. I believe our best work is ahead of us,” said Kitchen.
Mr. Ronnie Kornick will serve as Dean of 5th-7th grade. For the past nine years, Kornick has served as Dean of Boys for middle school students, which was established primarily as a disciplinarian role. His new position expands to include oversight of academics, communications and daily operations for these grade levels.
Kornick has served at Holy Cross School for 11 years and has worked in education for 16 years. He is a graduate of Southeastern Louisiana University, where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications and played baseball and was a two-year letterman and captain. Kornick has also served as varsity assistant baseball coach for 11 seasons at Holy Cross.
“Being a part of the Holy Cross family for the past 11 years has been a blessing for me. I cannot begin to describe how excited I am about the future of our school. To have the opportunity to continue to work with the best students around each day is truly an honor and a privilege,” said Kornick.
Mr. Phil White ’06 will become Dean of 8th-12th grade and will be responsible for the daily operations of the school within these grade levels, including academics, communication and student discipline. White is a graduate of Holy Cross School and is in his eighth year working at Holy Cross, where he has served as a science and sports medicine teacher, sports medicine director, assistant baseball coach and assistant summer camp director.
White is a graduate of Southeastern Louisiana University, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in athletic training and was a member of Phi Kappa Phi honor society. He will continue to coordinate the school’s athletic trainer program through Ochsner Sports Medicine and will also continue in his role as assistant director of the Holy Cross Summer Camp program.
“As a product of this beloved institution, it is with great excitement that I am anticipating the upcoming school year. It is a tremendous honor to help continue the mission and purpose set forth by Blessed Basil Moreau in 1849,” said White.
A new organizational structure and leadership team was announced last month for the 2018-2019 school year. This new structure, consisting of a Chief School Officer, Chief Mission Officer, Chief Financial/Operating Officer, and Chief Advancement Officer, will allow the school to align its academic programs and student services to assure continuity and academic progression throughout each young man’s journey at Holy Cross School.
“I am very enthusiastic about our new educational leadership team and the gifts, talents and unique experiences they bring to their roles. As one school serving students from early childhood through high school, we will be able to truly focus on our mission and bring about a new level of consistency in our academics and discipline, so we can form a new generation of Holy Cross Men,” said DesOrmeaux.
About Holy Cross School
Holy Cross School is an independent, Catholic, college preparatory school founded in 1849 by the Congregation of Holy Cross School to educate young men from metropolitan New Orleans. Serving students in grades Pre-Kindergarten through 12, Holy Cross School is fully accredited by the Louisiana State Department of Education and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and holds memberships in the National Catholic Educational Association, the National Middle School Association and the National High School Association. A Holy Cross School education engages the whole man – mind and heart, body and soul – and is rooted in the teachings of Blessed Basil Moreau, founder of the Congregation of Holy Cross. For more information about Holy Cross School visit www.holycrosstigers.com or call 504.942.3100.