ARTICLE
It’s a repeat for the Spartans. Saint Mark’s High School was voted Best Private School… again! This is the second year in a row that the Spartan Community has been honored with this prestigious title. In 2020, Saint Mark’s was recognized as Best Private School by the Readers’ Choice Awards, which included a statewide competition. In 2021, the awards were rebranded as First State Favorites and broken into county competitions. The First State Favorites Awards celebrate and recognize the very best our community has to offer. In March, members of the community were asked to nominate their favorite private schools. The five schools earning the most nominations advanced to the final voting round, which took place in May, and Saint Mark’s came out on top. “We are grateful that the community is seeing all of the positive and encouraging events that are happening at Saint Mark’s,” said Principal Diane Casey. “It is a school that is following its mission of spreading the good news and making ‘all things possible’ for families looking for a Catholic education. We will continue to do our part in supporting our strong spiritual, academic, and co-curricular athletics and activities programs. It's a great time to be a Spartan!” The award is a fitting reflection of the explosive growth the school has experienced recently. Enrollment numbers are up a whopping 40% in the past two years due, in part, to a renewed vision coupled with bold initiatives brought about by new school leadership. “Two years ago we, as a community, celebrated our 50th anniversary and pledged to chart a bold vision for the future,” said school President Tom Fertal. “Our administration, board, faculty, staff, students, parents, benefactors and friends have rallied around this vision and have worked passionately to bring it to fruition. Still, despite our success, as we are just now emerging into a post-COVID period, we like to say that we are just getting started.” He continued, “We are grateful to all of our constituents and to all who helped us to retain this most fitting recognition. Go Spartans!”