John Carroll High School - Green Leaves Yearbook (Birmingham, AL)

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Mr. William LaPlante Builds a Better John Carroll Mr. William J. LaPlante has been principal of John Carroll High School for the past four years. During the last four years, Mr. LaPlante has handled various duties, conflicts, and circumstances well. This year has not been any different. Mr. LaPlante constantly helps both faculty and students with any problems or questions they may have along with performing his other duties as Chief Administrator. No matter how busy he may be, he always makes time to listen and help. This year the Southern Association came to John Carroll for a ten year evaluation. At the conclusion of their visit they said ‘‘John Carroll High School is near greatness . . .Its faculty and Administration do an outstanding job . . . The public should be made aware of its achievements.” Though the comments were made to both the faculty and all the Administrators, it would not have been said if the ”man-at-the-top” had not met all responsibilities smoothly and efficiently. Sister Augusta Hamel Leaves John Carroll Sister Augusta Hamel has done an outstanding job as Assistant Principal at John Carroll High School. The role of disciplinarian has never been a pleasant responsibility for anyone. Nevertheless, Sister Augusta has always handled disciplinary problems, no matter how great c how small, justly and fairly. At the end of the first semester this year Sister Augusta was transferred to The Federation of St. Scholastica, a religious Association of Benedictine Sisters, in Erie, Pennsylvania, where she is a member of a council. As a member, she and 6 other Sisters will compile data dealing with the history and present status of Benedictine Sisters in the United States. Sister Augusta is also a full time Social Studies Instructor and is the Assistant Director of he Social Studies Department at Saint Benedict Academy. We shall miss her and wish her the best of happiness in the future.

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Bishop Joseph C. Vath Bishop Joseph G. Vath has strong views on the importance of a Catholic education. To him it “ideally gives students a value system that cannot be duplicated outside a religious context.” That is, education is based on faith, the Word of God, and the Church. Bishop Vath has been the spiritual leader for the Diocese of Birmingham for nearly seven years. He is very optimistic about young people, in that they are searching for the truth on their own. A ionsignor William K. I louck The Superintendent of Catholic schools in the Birmingham Diocese is Monsignor William R. Houck. He is convinced of the value of Catholic school education. The religious values gained form a Catholic education; relate to the happenings of the community, and therefore contribute to all. Monsignor has these objectives regarding Catholic education: to promote professionalism, to reinforce and refine the Christian philosophy and to generate a genuine enthusiasm. 20

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Mr. lira KirCher Assumes New Position as Assistant Principal Mr. Jim Kircher has been the new Assistant Principal at John Carroll High School since December. Although he has taught in the Biology Department for years, he has stepped into Sister Augusta's shoes quite easily and is doing an outstanding job. Mr. Kircher taught at Bishop Barry High School and Saint Leo's Prep School in Florida before coming to John Carroll. While teaching at Bishop Barry he was named “Coach of the Year” in the state of Florida for his outstanding coaching job in field and track. Mr. Kircher has taken degrees from St. Bernard College, Birmingham Southern, and U.A.B. in math and biology. He has also earned his MA degree in biology and AA degree in biology and school administration from U.A.B. Mr. Kircher and his wife make their home in Birmingham with their four daughters. During his spare time Mr. Kircher enjoys handball and tennis. The third member of the Administrative team is Sister Virginia Rohling. It is this seemingly tireless woman that has the responsibilities of arranging a conflict- free schedule. The thing that is so incredible is . . .it works! Besides this strenuous and sometimes thankless job, Sister Virginia still manages to teach a math class and help moderate the Student Council. Without the energy and dedication of this woman, John Carroll would not be the great place it is. 22