Jesuit's New Principal

Jesuit High School president Fr. Richard C. Hermes, S.J. announced on Tuesday (February 16) that Mike Scicchitano '01 has been named Jesuit High School's new Principal. This summer, Scicchitano will replace Barry Neuburger, who has served Jesuit as Principal for 10 years. Neuburger announced at the start of the 2020-21 school year that it would be his last at Jesuit.

"My heart is full of gratitude for all those who have touched my life and contributed to my growth as an Ignatian educator," Scicchitano said. "Mr. Neuburger for his steady leadership, high standards, and caring mentorship; the legendary teachers who formed me during my years as a student and helped me fall in love with Jesuit; all of my history students and wrestlers, each of whom uniquely affirmed and deepened my vocation; my faculty colleagues and fellow coaches whom I have labored alongside for the past 16 years; my Jesuit brothers and best friends from the class of 2001; Father Hermes and the search committee, for the fidelity of the search process and for entrusting me with the principalship; and my parents, wife, and children, all of whom have loved me unconditionally and supported me each step of the way.

"I am humbled by this awesome responsibility and am excited to carry on the school’s mission of providing our students with a Catholic, Jesuit formation that brings them closer to God through their work in the classroom and in athletics and extracurricular activities."

Below is the email message sent February 16 by Father Hermes to Jesuit's alumni, parents, and supporters. 

Dear Parents, Alumni, and Friends of Jesuit,

I am writing with the great news that Michael Scicchitano '01, Assistant Principal for Discipline, has accepted the position of Principal of Jesuit High School. Mike will begin his duties as the 30th Principal in school history this summer, succeeding Barry Neuburger, who has led the school so steadily and well for the past 10 years.

Mike's deep understanding of the culture and mission of Jesuit High School and Jesuit education, and his many years of school leadership, have prepared him well to keep the school faithful to our mission and ready to face new educational challenges in the years ahead.

After graduating from Jesuit in 2001, Mike earned a B.A. in history from the University of Florida, with a minor in classics. He later attained the M.Ed. in Educational Leadership at Saint Leo University. He was hired at Jesuit in 2005 as a history teacher and head coach of JV wrestling. Through the years, Mike has developed a thorough knowledge of school life in his capacities as an administrator, teacher, and coach.

Before moving to the Discipline Office in 2019, Mike served as Director of Student Activities from 2012-19. He was department chair of social studies from 2013-17, during which time he served as coordinator of our Province Sponsorship Review and also served on the Sponsorship Review team for Cristo Rey Jesuit in Houston. He served as head coach of Varsity wrestling for nine years. Mike has also been deeply immersed in the religious formation of our students through his leadership on several student pilgrimages. He was the coordinator and leader for Jesuit's 2019 Magis Pilgrimage.

Along with his extensive experience in many aspects of the school, Mike brings a deep conviction about the important role Jesuit plays in the transformation of boys into young men of faith who are engaged as responsible leaders in the world around them.

I am grateful to the search committee for their assistance and counsel in the process. Let us continue to pray for the good of the school and especially for Michael Scicchitano as he prepares for this important responsibility.