St. Patrick School names Calametti as principal

CHARLOTTE — St. Patrick School and the Diocese of Charlotte announce the appointment of Nick Calametti, an experienced Catholic school administrator and teacher, as principal beginning July 1. Calametti succeeds Dr. Alicia Reid, who has served as interim principal since the 2021-22 school year. Calametti brings a hands-on perspective as an educator to his new role, having been a Catholic school student, teacher, and now an administrator in the Archdiocese of Mobile, Ala. His most recent position was vice principal at St. Ignatius Catholic School, where he was also head of the student success services and director of after school care.

A lifelong Catholic with a deep commitment to education, Calametti feels strongly that the purpose of Catholic schools is to educate and evangelize.

Holy Trinity students prep baby bottles for Birthright

SUEANN HOWELL sahowell@charlottediocese.org

CHARLOTTE — Dozens of Holy Trinity Middle School students in the Pro-Life Club stuffed 1,500 baby bottles with colorful inserts March 22 for Birthright Charlotte, in anticipation of its fundraiser to be held between Mother’s Day and Father’s Day weekends. The bottles will be sent out to donors to help raise funds.

Birthright Charlotte is a new pregnancy outreach center projected to open in the Queen City later this year. Part of Birthright International, the center will assist women who are experiencing an unplanned pregnancy and women who need material support for their infants with items such as diapers, wipes and baby items provided to them for free.

“All our students are required to do two-and-ahalf hours of service each quarter, and we’re always looking for good pro-life projects where students can serve others and fight for life at the same time, so this was a natural fit,” said Trent Lucas, theology teacher and head of the Pro-Life Club.

“The Pro-Life Club is a group designed to help kids learn about all facets of being pro-life, from conception to death,” Lucas explained. “We equip them with the facts so they can charitably help anyone struggling with an issue to see God’s truth and loving plan.”

Lucas noted, “We have about 30 kids attending regularly who are on fire for saving babies and mothers from this national scourge, and another 50 or so who can’t attend meetings due to scheduling conflicts but are active in the discussion boards and assignments on Google Classroom.”

Hank Chardos, executive director of Birthright Charlotte, attended the baby bottle service project at the school and is thankful for the students’ enthusiasm and their assistance.

He and his wife Sally started a Birthright center in Columbia, S.C., 43 years ago. They hope to open the Charlotte center this summer. To date, donors have contributed $75,000 toward the $118,000 goal to open a Charlotte outreach center. He is searching for a donor for a location in Charlotte, a place that will provide a home-like atmosphere for the women they serve.

“Assembling the baby bottles alerts the students of Birthright of Charlotte and the needs of those facing an unplanned or problem pregnancy while conveying thanks for their efforts,” he said. “What a blessing it is to have the spirit and energy of the students to help Birthright of Charlotte.”

Learn more

To find out how you can help Birthright Charlotte open its doors, go to www.birthrightcharlotte.com. Questions? Call Hank Chardos at 803-543-8144 or email hank@ birthrightofcharlotte.org.

“I am ecstatic to join the Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools system and the Diocese of Charlotte as the new principal of St. Patrick School,” Calametti said. “For the entirety of my life, I have been a part of the Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Mobile as a student, teacher, and administrator. I come from a family of educators – many of whom also teach in Catholic schools. I feel a calling to continue to serve the needs of our Catholic schools.”

Calametti’s previous experience includes two years as the elementary assistant principal at St. Mary Catholic School in Mobile as well as stints as director of student life/discipline/ technology, director of technology, technology teacher and Spanish teacher during his time at St. Mary.

He holds a Master of Education in educational leadership and Catholic school leadership from Marymount University. He also earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Mobile.

He was selected by a committee of parents, pastors and education leaders that was guided by a national search firm. Families, faculty, and staff provided input about what qualities they sought in a new leader.

“I am extremely grateful for the leadership of Dr. Reid over the past year. Under her care, the wonderful culture of St. Patrick’s has continued to flourish, we’ve seen great successes, and the school is well-poised to be handed to its next principal, Mr. Nick Calametti,” said Dr. Greg Monroe, diocesan superintendent of schools. “As we enter the next phase of leadership at the school, Mr. Calametti’s deep faith, firm understanding of Catholic education, and servant-leadership mindset will ensure that the school continues to advance in an intentional way. I look forward to working with and supporting Mr. Calametti.”

One of nine schools in the Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools system, St. Patrick School has 243 students in kindergarten through fifth grade.

— Catholic News Herald

Coach Brian Robinson instructs the Lady Villains during the 2023 1A state championship game in Raleigh. He had the help of assistant coaches Trish Grant, Laurie Mulqueeny and McKenzie Rochford. In elementary school, Rochford (pictured behind Robinson) was a ball girl for the team’s first two state championship games and later played for the team from 2010 to 2014, winning four state championships.