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A decade from now, how will you remember the year 2020? The year a global pandemic brought the world to a screeching halt? The year face masks and elbow bumps became the new normal? Or, perhaps, you'll simply remember it as the year you realized hand sanitizer was liquid gold. For the community at Saint Mark's High School, 2020 will be forever remembered as the year of a full on renaissance, when big ideas inspired big changes (oh yeah, and also the year it was hard to buy toilet paper). An unprecedented 20 percent increase in total student enrollment over the past year has crowned Saint Mark’s High School as the growth leader of all Catholic schools in the state of Delaware. Even more impressive, this year's freshman class is enjoying a whopping 57 percent increase over last year's class. There are several factors that have contributed to this growth. New leadership, a renewed commitment to the original Mission and Vision set forth by the School's founders, a desire to make Catholic education affordable and a strong engagement with alumni and parents have all helped to boost enrollment numbers. Thanks to the new administration, there is a palpable excitement in the air at Saint Mark's. Principal Tom Fertal, hired a little over a year ago, has brought fresh ideas and new philosophies to the School that have created a buzz among students and staff alike. “It’s always about the culture,” said Fertal. “Saint Mark’s is alive with a renewed sense of identity. We’ve embraced the legacy of the past and have charted an audacious course for the future. People want to be part of something spectacular. That something is Saint Mark’s.” Assistant Principal of Student Affairs Diane Casey, also a recent addition to the Saint Mark's administrative team, credits the entire Saint Mark's community for the uptick in enrollment numbers. “When you arrive on campus you read the sign 'This is Home.' The student body is welcoming and kind. Once you experience the atmosphere and the students, you want to become a Spartan. It is a great academic program that is complemented by strong clubs and activities.” Director of Admissions Rob DeMasi feels that the enrollment increase is due to a dynamic team who genuinely believes in one another and in the school's renewed vision. “Working with colleagues who empower one another and who have discovered purpose within their call to serve is special. For one, it enhances passion and productivity, which is infectious. These feelings are ignited and naturally outpour when communicating our Mission and Vision to our constituents. In return, our constituents understand the signi_icance of Saint Mark's High School. They understand what truly makes Saint Mark's home". One of Fertal's _irst goals as principal was to refocus the School with a new Mission: to become the premier center of Catholic education and ministry in the Diocese of Wilmington. “Our Vision echoes the original Vision for the school which was to serve as a central hub for Catholic education and family life.” Fertal recognizes that, in order to accomplish that goal, tuition has to be affordable for everyone. In addition to the many academic scholarships that Saint Mark's was already offering, Fertal and his team added 11 merit-based scholarships, the Cpl. Stephen M. McGowan Fund and the Catholic Education and Ministry Grant. The merit-based scholarships include awards in the areas of math, science, English, history, religion, technology, art, instrumental music, performing arts, community service and leadership. The Cpl. Stephen M. McGowan Fund is a dedicated pool of _inancial aid dollars set aside to assist active duty military and veterans in making a Saint Mark's education possible for their children. The Catholic Education and Ministry Grant is awarded to any family that works for the Catholic Church in a full-time capacity. Fertal's overall philosophy on scholarships and grants is simple. “Anyone who wants a Saint Mark's education should be able to have one.” The School's 50 th anniversary brought new opportunities to engage with alumni, which has also helped to boost enrollment. A newly founded Athletic Hall of Fame brought over 600 alums out to celebrate their past sporting achievements. The Annual Saint Mark's Golf Outing sold out almost immediately. The 50th Anniversary Gala, which was unfortunately canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic, was on track to sell out, as well (it has been rescheduled for Spring 2021). Peter Curcio, Director of Advancement and Alumni, explained, “Spartan Alumni are proud of their past and looking forward to the future. The past year showed the Spartan spirit. This year the tradition continues as Alumni continue to connect to build the Spartan community through activities, events, programs and connections.” Parent engagement has also played a part in revving up enrollment. DeMasi established the Parent Admissions Committee to assist him in admissions planning and event execution. "It is vital to hear the testimonies of our Spartan parents and to learn why they feel Saint Mark's is special. Each parent brings their own individualized perspectives to our Admissions Team, which provides invaluable insight to our calling to serve. Our Parent Admissions Committee also carries individual strengths and expertise that help support our strategic plan.” Even with all of the School's recent success, Fertal is not sitting back and celebrating. There's still more work to be done. Earlier this year, he spearheaded the Saint Mark's Steering Committee, a group tasked with developing a strategic plan for the next 50 years. The group is a consortium of Spartan administrators, board members, parents and alumni. Improvements to the main building, the campus and the curriculum have all been outlined in a Master Plan. Francis Corrigan, Assistant Principal for Mission and Academics, is eager to get started. “The Master Plan has ignited a great deal of excitement and enthusiasm in the Saint Mark’s community. Implementation of this plan will certainly create new and unique opportunities for our students.” The future is bright at Saint Mark's. The School's motto, “All Things Possible,” has new meaning in an era of skyrocketing enrollment. "While we move forward in faith, we will continue to maximize our efforts to make a Saint Mark's Catholic education available to all who seek one,” said DeMasi. We will continue to trust God's plan and our community will begin to witness divine providence. That is what is happening here - that is why Saint Mark's is truly THE PLACE TO BE!” About Saint Mark's: Saint Mark's High School serves as the premier center for education and ministry within the Catholic Diocese of Wilmington. Saint Mark's inspires young men and women to create a better world, one more pleasing to God and more helpful to others.