Remarks by Rev. Kevin M. Hanbury
Vicar for Education and Superintendent of Schools
Archdiocese of Newark
At Hudson Catholic Regional High School, May 7, 2008

I feel very privileged to be with you tonight as you gather to celebrate the results of the combined and extensive efforts of alumni, community leaders, parents, students and faculty.  Hudson Catholic will be open in September.

Those of you who have met with us in the Schools Office in recent weeks know that we have supported your efforts to work toward a viable and vibrant future for Hudson Catholic, and we applaud your commitment to the school.

You have achieved something we do not often see when a school faces this kind of challenge.    It is my hope that your example will be a kind of wake-up call to parents and alumni of Catholic schools everywhere in the Archdiocese and throughout the state.  We need continued vigilance and long-term participation - financial and otherwise - of all stakeholders in Catholic schools in order to keep them affordable, vibrant and growing.   We cannot continue this mission without you.

In the animal kingdom, Hawks are known for their keen vision, speed, strength and determination.  Tonight, you have clearly demonstrated all of this to the world.

I am very pleased to let you know that, within weeks, Father Warren Hall, a priest of the Archdiocese and a Hudson Catholic alumnus - will be returning to Jersey City to assume the role as head of school for the new year.  Under his leadership, your new board, your parent organization, and your faculty has much work to do.  Together, you will begin the tasks of building stronger financial stability, recruitment programs, and long-range planning toward a growing school of the future filled with energetic students eager to learn in a faith-filled environment.

Again, tonight is a night for celebration.  Congratulations, and enjoy this most deserved of achievements.  Thank you.