Photo by James A. McBride
Gloucester Catholic High School seniors gathered with school administration from Gloucester Catholic and Rowan College at Gloucester County on May 9 to announce the partnership of the two institutions in aiding high schoolers’ path to higher education. Standing from left, Annie Pegues, Angela Saunders, Sal Scaffidi and Luke Driscoll. Sitting from left, Dr. Frederick Keating, president of Rowan College at Gloucester County; Judith Atkinson, vice president of student services at Rowan College; John Colman, head of school at Gloucester Catholic High School; and Ed Beckett, principal of Gloucester Catholic.
DEPTFORD TOWNSHIP – On May 8, Gloucester Catholic High School became the first private institution to partner with Rowan College at Gloucester County’s new Center for College and Career Readiness, offering free college-prep services to high school students and helping them better prepare for college.
The partnership was announced and sealed with the signing of their agreement in a ceremony here at the college, with faculty, administration, alumni and students of both schools. Present were John Colman, head of school at Gloucester Catholic, and Ed Beckett, principal, along with Rowan College at Gloucester County’s Dr. Frederick Keating, president, and Judith Atkinson, vice president of student services.
Gloucester Catholic students will be able to receive personalized career counseling, free financial aid and test preparation workshops and discounted college courses.
High school juniors and seniors can seek remediation prior to beginning their collegiate studies. More ambitious students can pursue credit courses while also exploring potential fields of interest.
“This partnership is a natural fit since we are now close neighbors with the development of our athletic fields,” said John Colman. “I cannot help but notice how friendly and helpful the college staff are, and I know our students are in good hands.”
Principal Beckett said the academic partnership strengthens ties between two prominent educational institutions and benefits local students.
“Gloucester Catholic is eager to forge a collaborative relationship with Rowan College at Gloucester County,” said Beckett.
“Our students will be offered numerous opportunities to customize their higher education goals that meet their individual needs in a way that is faithful to our mission,” he said. “On behalf of our future Catholic leaders, we are excited about this unique program that gives Gloucester Catholic students a solid start in their college studies.”
During the ceremony, four Gloucester Catholic seniors who will be attending Rowan at Gloucester County were honored. Three of the students – Sal Scaffidi, Angela Saunders and Luke Driscoll – were awarded President Start Smart Scholarships by Rowan of $1,000 each toward tuition expenses. Senior Annie Pegues will be attending the college on a full scholarship through the New Jersey Stars Program.
“I basically grew up at Gloucester County College, now Rowan College, because my mom teaches here,” Pegues said. “I know what the classes are like and what caliber students study here. I am excited and happy with my choice of college.”
On May 9, college officials broke ground for a two-story addition to the Student Services building, which will include six classrooms with smart technology and provide space for the Center for College and Career Readiness.
Other diocesan high schools in partnership with local colleges include Camden Catholic, Cherry Hill; Wildwood Catholic; St. Joseph, Hammonton; and Holy Spirit High School, Absecon.
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