Staten Island, NY: St. Joseph Hill Academy High School Principal Maria Molluzzo announced she will retire from her position as principal at the end of August 2023. Sister Mary Coffelt, F.D.C., President of the St. Joseph Hill Academy School Board and Provincial Superior of the Daughters of Divine Charity, accepted her retirement on behalf of the St. Joseph Academy Board of Trustees.
Mrs. Molluzzo shared her gratitude toward God and the Daughters of Divine Charity for giving her, “the honor and privilege of working in every capacity in this amazingly special high school, from my beginnings as a mathematics teacher and Chair, to Dean of Students to Academic Dean to Assistant Principal to Acting Principal and to Principal over the last 34 years… the people I have met and worked with will forever be a part of me.”
Sister Mary Coffelt, F.D.C., noted that, “words cannot fully express our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to Mrs. Molluzzo for her commitment and service to Catholic Education and the impact she has had on faculty, students, parents and the various stakeholders of the Staten Island community during her 34 years at Hill. We have been blessed with her dedication in all her various roles here at Hill and especially in her culminating position as principal these last five years. The challenges of education during the pandemic were numerous, but she was determined to provide Hilltoppers with a quality education in a safe environment - ensuring they were engaged in continuous academic learning.”
“In my years of working closely with Mrs. Molluzzo, she often reflected on how there is something unique about a Hilltopper. Thanks to her leadership, this uniqueness continues. Mrs. Molluzzo was able to uphold and continue the school’s rich history and academic excellence. She understands the importance of Hill as a school that develops our students’ faith, empowers them with an outstanding education, and enriches them with life-long friendships. Mrs. Molluzzo deeply values that St. Joseph Hill Academy is a place students and alumni can always call HOME,” said Sister Mary Coffelt, F.D.C.
St. Joseph Hill Academy Elementary School Principal Lawrence Hansen also remarked, “I have had the honor of working with Mrs. Molluzzo these last six years and serving alongside her during her tenure as high school principal. Her unwavering commitment, dedication and love for her students, faculty, staff and school community will be her legacy.”
In the announcement Mrs. Molluzzo shared with students, faculty, and families, she noted, “St. Joseph Hill Academy is strong and will continue to educate young women academically, socially and spiritually for years to come. As I leave, I will take with me wonderful memories of faculty, staff, parents and all the ‘daughters’ I have had the privilege of teaching, working with and knowing throughout my time here. Wherever life may take me, my heart will always be at St. Joseph Hill Academy.”
Sister Mary Coffelt, F.D.C., emphasized that, “a search committee will now move forward in seeking a High School Principal who will carry the vision and legacy of St. Joseph Hill Academy and the Daughters of Divine Charity well into the future. St. Joseph Hill Academy will continue to educate and empower young women to be confident, independent thinkers with strong character and leadership qualities, ready to meet society’s challenges benefitting the Staten Island community and beyond.”
Contact: Sister Mary Coffelt, F.D.C. at [email protected]