Hickel to leave after 9 years as principal
St. John Bosco Academy principal Mr. James Hickel announced at the end of May that he will not renew his contract for the 2022-23 school year.
Mr. Hickel stated, “I am leaving Saint John Bosco Academy in good hands in order to help new Catholic Classical High schools get started and share the virtues, best practices, and successes I have experienced at St. John Bosco Academy with other new schools.”
Mr. Hickel has been assigned as the first headmaster at Chesterton High School Academy in Orlando. While taking on a new leadership role at Chesterton he is simultaneously helping two networks of schools in an advisory position. One of the networks is the Chesterton Schools and the other is Pope John Paul II Institute for the foundation of new Catholic schools. He will also continue as an advisor to Coeur du Christ High School Academy in Coeur d'Alene Idaho as well.
“Mr. Hickel came to SJBA in 2013, and promised to help our school succeed. He is a man of his words. Our school increased in both measurable and immeasurable ways under his leadership. He can continue to help Catholic Classical Education and will touch many more lives and souls if he leaves here. We would be selfish to hold him back,” comments Mrs. Amy Gorges, admin assistant for the school.
Mr. Hickel stated, “I hope to visit SJBA often as well. The Bosco Method of education that I studied and learned at SJBA is, in my view, the best model for Catholic education in the future. I am excited to share this method with other groups throughout the country.Until now, SJBA is the best school I have ever been associated with. SJBA is truly a jewel in the midst of a fantastic community.”
The St. John Bosco Board of Directors are currently seeking a qualified applicant to fill the position.