June 19, 2005 — Bishop George V. Murry and the Sts. Peter & Paul School board have announced the appointment of Rev. Dr. George Franklin to serve as the school's new principal.
Franklin is a native of the Virgin Islands who has served the Catholic diocese in a number of capacities, most recently as pastor of Holy Family Church on St. Thomas.
During the summer months, since 2002, Franklin teaches preaching at Xavier University in New Orleans and conducts numerous retreats across the nation and throughout the Caribbean.
In announcing the appointment, Murry said, "I am profoundly grateful to Rev. Dr. Franklin for enthusiastically accepting this new assignment. He is immensely qualified, and from his background, brings a unique perspective to our school and its students. I believe everyone will be pleased with the leadership, energy and vision he will offer the school community."
Murry added that "Franklin has a distinguished record in pastoral ministry, youth ministry and fundraising that will be beneficial in building a strong future for Sts. Peter & Paul School."
Franklin will begin his post immediately, heading a new administrative team, which will include Dr. Gwen-Marie Moolenaar as vice principal for academics. Moolenaar will retire in September from the University of the Virgin Islands, where she served for four years as vice president for advancement before being appointed provost in 2002.
Barbara Kenny, who has been with the school as a teacher and an administrator for over 30 years, will become vice principal for student and support services.
In anticipation of his new assignment, Franklin said, "I see this as an opportunity to do something I am passionate about, which is to make Catholic education the best it can be. I am a product of Catholic schools myself and have taught at both St. Joseph’s High School on St. Croix and Sts. Peter & Paul. I deeply believe in the mission of Catholic schools to educate the whole person, spiritually and academically."
Sts. Peter & Paul School was founded in 1924 and is located on its original site next to Sts. Peter & Paul Cathedral in downtown Charlotte Amalie. The school provides education for students in grades Pre-K through 12 and is fully accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
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