LANCASTER, Pa. – On Thursday, September 28, Lancaster Catholic High School President, Tim Hamer, and Principal, Terry Klugh, announced their plans to retire at the end of the 2023-2024 academic year. Hamer has served as president for nine years. Klugh has been principal for 10 years, serving 14 years prior as the Athletic Director and one year as Vice Principal for Lancaster Catholic High School (LCHS).
“In retiring from Lancaster Catholic after nine years of service as President, I am filled with gratitude for the support of thousands of alumni, parents and benefactors whose unprecedented generosity made decades-long aspirations for a new stadium, state-of-the-art STEM classrooms and soon to be completed Catholic Student Commons a reality,” said Hamer.
“Throughout the past forty-five years, I have been honored to serve the Harrisburg Diocese under and with many affirming bishops, clergy, Sisters, and lay colleagues. My roles as educator, Diocesan religious education director, athletic director, and principal have brought me joy and fulfillment. I will retire as principal of Lancaster Catholic High School filled with a strong sense of honor and gratitude. I know I will always feel a part of this Crusader community,” added Klugh.
“Tim and Terry are two great examples of stewards of Catholic education who have given generously of their time and talents to Catholic High. I have much gratitude and appreciation for their hard work and dedication to providing our students with a great place to learn, grow, and become the best-version-of themselves,” said Sean Killen, chair of the LCHS Board.
“Lancaster Catholic High School has built its foundation on Jesus Christ; Mr. Hammer and Mr. Klugh have strengthened and built upon that firm foundation. Their zeal for the Gospel has made them true Lancaster Catholic Crusaders. We are excited to carry their legacy of faith into the future,” said Fr. Matthew Morelli, vice chair for LCHS Board.
Over the summer, Hamer and Klugh, separately and unbeknownst to each other, approached Killen with their retirement intentions. Both will continue in their positions through June 30, 2024.
During his time as president, Hamer noted some of his greatest accomplishments have been:
- Leading the design and construction of school’s $5 million Capital Campaign for the new Athletic Stadium, which opened September 29, 2017
- Initiating and leading the Comprehensive 5-year Strategic Planning process in 2017, resulting in Future Vision, Unity and Excellence in 2022
- Developing and securing Diocesan approval in 2017 for a Campus Facilities Master Plan, designing the total renovation of the campus in pay-as-you-go phases
- Leading design for Campus Master Plan Phase 1 elements ($12 million projected total cost) including STEM Innovation Center, Catholic Student Life Center and Auditorium
- Worked with Terry to equip the school to provide remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown and re-open of the school in September 2020
- Securing over $32 million in total gift revenue for Lancaster Catholic from 2015 – 2022, including the two Capital Campaigns
During his tenure as principal, Klugh also has a number of notable accomplishments, including:
- Implementing the One-to-One student technology plan in Fall 2014, where each student has a Chromebook
- Transitioning to a Collegiate-Style schedule in the 2017 – 2018 school year
- Assisted in secure Dual Enrollment with Millersville, Alvernia, Pitt, and Immaculata universities
- Leading Lancaster Catholic to be one of only three high schools in Pennsylvania to earn Cardinal Newman Society Status in 2019
- Worked with Tim through the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown and successfully and safely re-opening the school in September 2020 for in person learning
The Board is grateful for the many years of leadership both Hamer and Klugh have devoted to LCHS and wish them the very best during this next chapter.
A search committee is being formed to secure the next president and principal for Lancaster Catholic. This committee will work with Partners In Mission, a consulting firm focused exclusively on developing excellence in school leadership who has a strong 11 year history with the school, and the Diocese of Harrisburg in conducting a national search and vetting candidates.