Holy Cross High School in Waterbury Announces New Principal

WATERBURY, CT - The Congregation of Holy Cross, Moreau Province, the Board of Directors and President Dr. Thomas Pellegrino proudly announce the appointment of Thomas J. Pompei as Principal of Holy Cross High School commencing July 1, 2019.

Mr. Pompei's two decade career in education began at Holy Cross High School in 1999 as a substitute teacher. From there, he worked at Naugatuck High School for eighteen years as an English Teacher, the Director of Athletics and Activities, and most recently, as the Associate Principal/Dean of Students. He has extensive experience in curriculum design, administration leadership, student counsel and crisis management.

"One of the great strengths of Holy Cross is the value system and sense of tradition and Catholic community that has long existed and served as the backbone of our school's pride and commitment to excellence," said Mr. Pompei. "The Brothers have provided these values that have been nurtured and strengthened throughout the years while being woven into the fabric of our educational practices and business structures. The next step for us is to continue this progression as we, as a school community, develop the clearest and most intentional and purposeful vision and identity."

A graduate of the Taft School, Mr. Pompei earned his undergraduate degree in English/Secondary Education from Boston College and his graduate degree in Secondary Education and 092 Administration Certificate from the University of Bridgeport. From 2001-2006, he was an English Teacher with the Adult and Continuing Education, Borough of Naugatuck/City of Waterbury. He also served as the President of the Naugatuck League, the Director of Adult and Continuing Education for the Naugatuck School District, the Treasurer of the Naugatuck Administrators Negotiating Association, and the Co-President of the Naugatuck Administrators Negotiating Association.

"I can say with confidence that in the world of 2019, it is more important than ever before for our institutions of learning to educate and foster the development of the whole child," said Mr. Pompei. "Our responsibilities as educators go far beyond the stand and deliver classrooms of old where we were the gatekeepers of knowledge there to impart that wisdom on the eager minds of our students. Rather, we must set the stage and provide the tools and a blank canvas of diverse and creative opportunities for our students to seek ownership and a voice and choice in their own learning rooted in the framework of our value and belief systems."

As a long-time teacher in Naugatuck, I served on some NPS committees with Mr. Pompei and will miss working with him. I wish him every success in his new position; the students of Holy Cross will flourish under his care.

Click to read my review of JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT at Holy Cross, which landed on my Top Ten List of Productions by Young Performers in 2017. I also reviewed THE MIKADO, and WEST SIDE STORY. - Nancy Sasso Janis

Nancy Sasso Janis, writing theatre reviews since 2012 as a way to support local venues, posts well over 100 reviews each year. In 2016, her membership in the Connecticut Critics Circle began and her contributions of theatrical reviews, previews, and audition notices are posted not only in the Naugatuck Patch but also on the Patch sites closest to the venue. Follow the reviewer on her Facebook pages Nancy Sasso Janis: Theatre Reviewer and Connecticut Theatre Previews and on Twitter @nancysjanis417 Check out the NEW CCC Facebook page.

Click here to read about Naugatuck Patch Mayor Nancy Sasso Janis.