CHARLOTTE — Catholic school communities in Charlotte and Huntersville are welcoming new presidents and a principal this fall, while a veteran educator has transitioned into a position in the Catholic Schools Office.
Dr. Carl Semmler is moving from his leadership roles at Christ the King High School in Huntersville into a new administrative position designed to increase collaboration in the diocese’s growing school system. Meanwhile, three recent hires from across the country have been chosen to lead at Christ the King and at Charlotte Catholic High School and St. Matthew School in Charlotte.
Carl Semmler
Semmler, who served as Christ the King’s principal for six years and as president for the past three, will be the diocese’s new executive director of Catholic Identity, Operations and Capital Improvements for Catholic Schools.
He will work closely with leaders across all 20 Catholic schools to strengthen Catholic identity, support school operations, and oversee facilities planning and capital improvement initiatives.
During his tenure at Christ the King, Semmler oversaw the quadrupling of the school’s footprint and a 73% increase in enrollment. He brings 30 years of experience in Catholic education across three dioceses, including more than two decades in educational leadership.
“Dr. Semmler is a respected Catholic educator whose experience, leadership and commitment to our mission have already had a tremendous impact on our diocese,” said Dr. Greg Monroe, superintendent of schools. “Having served successfully as both a principal and president, he understands the opportunities and challenges our schools face each day. I am grateful for his willingness to serve in this new role and know he will be a tremendous resource for our principals and school leaders.”
“We are blessed with exceptional teachers and school leaders, and I look forward to partnering with them as we continue strengthening Catholic education across the Diocese of Charlotte,” Semmler said.
Shaileen Riginos
After a national search, Christ the King looked across the state line to name veteran South Carolina educator Shaileen Riginos as its new president.
Riginos, who is the first female high school president in the diocese, holds a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education and a Master of Arts in educational leadership from Stetson University in DeLand, Florida.
Most recently, she served as associate superintendent for the Diocese of Charleston, where she provided strategic leadership across 32 Catholic schools, supporting pastors, diocesan leaders and school administrators. She previously spent 10 years as principal at St. Anne Catholic School in Rock Hill.
“Christ the King has long been a model of what a thriving Catholic high school can be,” Riginos said. “While leading the expansion of St. Anne Catholic School into the first PK-3 through 12 school in the Diocese of Charleston, I often looked to CTK as an example of strong Catholic identity and student formation. To now have the privilege of serving as its president feels like it is coming full circle.”
“Mrs. Riginos brings broad experience at both the diocesan and school levels, along with strong expertise in strategic planning and relationship building, which will serve the Christ the King community well as the school continues to grow,” Monroe said.
Tonya Eaton
Veteran educator Tonya Eaton has been named principal at St. Matthew School in Charlotte. Eaton brings nearly three decades of experience in Catholic education, serving as a teacher, principal and diocesan leader.
She holds a master’s degree in school leadership from St. Louis University and a Bachelor of Arts in business education from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Eaton previously served as director of educational services for the Diocese of Des Moines, supporting schools in curriculum development, professional learning and student services. In 2014, she served as the first principal of St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic School in Ankeny, Iowa, guiding the school through its early development and growth.
“It was clear from our first conversations that Mrs. Eaton has a real love for her faith and a genuine joy in working with children,” Monroe said, “and she will be a great fit for our school system with her past experiences and skillset.”
“I am excited and blessed to serve as the next principal of St. Matthew Catholic School,” Eaton said. “Throughout my years in Catholic education, I have been grateful for the opportunity to help students grow academically and in their faith. I look forward to partnering with the faculty, staff and families of St. Matthew as we continue the tradition of educating saints and scholars.”
Michael Seeley
Charlotte Catholic High School has named Michael Seeley, a long-time education leader and administrator, as its president.
Most recently he was president of the Lafayette Catholic School System in Indiana, where he provided strategic and operational leadership across multiple campuses, overseeing enrollment, advancement, finances, governance and long-range planning.
Seeley has more than two decades of senior leadership experience in both Catholic and independent school settings, including the University of Notre Dame, Phillips Exeter Academy and Culver Academies. He has done extensive work in institutional advancement, admissions and enrollment management, and also worked closely with boards, donors and diocesan leaders.
As president of Charlotte Catholic, Seeley will focus on the school’s long-range planning, community relationships, financial and operational management and fundraising. He will partner in leading the school with longtime principal Kurt Telford.
“I am looking forward to this new chapter, which not only allows me to work with Michael but also to return to my true love of working closely with students and teachers as principal,” Telford said.
Seeley added, “I look forward to working alongside dedicated and passionate students, teachers, staff and families as we fulfill our shared mission to graduate not only scholars and athletes but disciples of Christ.”
— Catholic News Herald and Diocese of Charlotte Catholic Schools Office
CHARLOTTE — The Diocese of Charlotte Foundation manages 106 endowments with a total market value of more than $23 million that generate income to directly aid the diocese’s schools and their students:
- Ad Meliora Endowment Fund: Financial support for facility improvements and beautification initiatives at Christ the King Catholic High School.
- American Schlafhorst Scholarship Endowment Fund: Scholarship assistance for students at Charlotte Catholic High School
- Archibong Family Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School students who are African American, Indigenous or students of color.
- Asheville Catholic School Endowment Fund: Financial support to retain quality teachers, offer scholarship assistance, provide continuing education for teachers and enhance the school’s curriculum.
- Joseph and Margaret Baldi Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for children of parishioners at St. Leo the Great Catholic Church to attend St. Leo Catholic School in Winston-Salem.
- Heidi Hogan Bell Memorial Endowment Fund: Provides for the general needs of Charlotte Catholic High School.
- Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School Endowment Fund: Provides for the general needs of this school in Kernersville.
- Joan W. Books Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for children of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church to attend Immaculata Catholic School in Hendersonville.
- Don and Mary Gay Brady Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for students at Our Lady of Grace Catholic School in Greensboro.
- Elizabeth Allen Brown Endowment Fund: For the general needs of Catholic elementary and secondary schools and Catholic campus ministries in the Asheville area.
- Father Pat Cahill and Michael Miller Endowment Fund for Academic Support: Academic support at Asheville Catholic School.
- Carr and Jurczyk Family Endowment Fund: Faculty member awards at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic School.
- Molly Cassidy Scholarship Endowment Fund: Scholarship assistance to parishioners of St. Pius X Church to attend St. Pius X School, both in Greensboro.
- Catholic Education Endowment Fund: Scholarships for students attending Catholic elementary schools in the diocese.
- Charlotte Catholic High School Alumni Association Board Discretionary Endowment Fund: For the general needs of Charlotte Catholic High School at the board’s discretion.
- Charlotte Catholic High School Alumni Association Scholarship Endowment Fund: Scholarships for graduating seniors to attend a college of their choice.
- Charlotte Catholic High School Endowment Fund: Benefits Charlotte Catholic High School.
- Sister M. Joanice Cohen & Sister M. Elizabeth Fowkes, IHM Endowment Fund: Financial support to promote long-term recruitment, training and development of teachers at Immaculata Catholic School in Hendersonville.
- Cornelius Alexander Davis II Tuition Assistance Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for students at St. Leo the Great Catholic School in Winston-Salem.
- Digger Dawson Scholarship Endowment Fund: Scholarship assistance for students from Immaculate Conception Catholic Church attending Immaculata Catholic School in Hendersonville.
- Derhofer Family Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for students at Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School in Kernersville.
- Deussen Scholarship Endowment Fund: Scholarships for Catholic high school education in the greater Charlotte area.
- Stephen and Jessica Dey Options Endowment Fund: Benefits the “Options” programs at diocese schools.
- Diocesan Educational Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for students within the diocese attending a Catholic elementary or high school.
- Faucette Endowment Fund: Financial assistance for the educational ministry of the diocese’s schools.
- Barbara Fellerhoff and Jim Coddington Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for students at of Asheville Catholic School.
- FFHL Tuition Assistance Endowment Fund: Established through Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love Diocesan Campaign, this fund provides tuition assistance for Catholic schools in the Diocese of Charlotte.
- Gayden and Janell Gauthier Family Endowment Fund: Technology and infrastructure updates and tuition assistance for students of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church to attend Immaculata Catholic School, both in Hendersonville.
- Mary Gay and Don Brady Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for faculty members’ children in the Piedmont-Triad area Catholic schools to attend Bishop McGuiness Catholic High School in Kernersville.
- O’Brien and William Edward Gibbs Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for students at Asheville Catholic School.
- Gismondi Family Scholarship Endowment Fund: Scholarship assistance for children of St. Mark Catholic Church parishioners to attend Christ the King Catholic High School in Huntersville.
- Bobby Grant Memorial Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for students attending Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School in Kernersville.
- Megan Healy Scholarship Endowment Fund: Scholarship assistance for students at St. Patrick Catholic School in Charlotte.
- Edith and George Hilbert Endowment Fund: Financial support for the education of students at Asheville Catholic School.
- Holy Family Catholic Church Scholarship Endowment Fund: Catholic school tuition assistance (K-12) for members of Holy Family Catholic Church in Clemmons.
- Holy Trinity Catholic Middle School Endowment Fund: Supports the general needs of Holy Trinity Catholic Middle School.
- Immaculata Catholic School Scholarship Endowment Fund: Scholarship assistance for students at this school in Hendersonville.
- Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic School Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for students at this school in High Point.
- Roger Kavanagh Tuition Assistance Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for students at St. Pius X Catholic School in Greensboro.
- Knights of Columbus 11911 of St. Eugene for Asheville Catholic School Endowment Fund: For the general needs of this school.
- Isaac A. Kohl Scholarship Endowment Fund: Scholarship for students matriculating from St. Pius X Catholic School to Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School.
- Leeolou Family Scholarship Endowment Fund: Scholarship assistance for Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools families.
- LeFeber Endowment: General needs of Immaculata Catholic School in Hendersonville.
- LoBianco Family Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for students attending diocesan Catholic schools.
- Alexander and Brenda Lyerly Endowment Fund: Scholarship assistance for children with financial need to attend Catholic schools in the Diocese of Charlotte.
- Lorraine J. Malphurs Endowment Fund: Student testing fees at St. Pius X Catholic School in Greensboro.
- Manley Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for students of families at St. Eugene Catholic Church to attend Asheville Catholic School.
- Catherine McAuley Scholarship Endowment Fund: Scholarships to Catholic students attending Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools.
- Bryant McDermott Endowment Fund: Scholarship assistance to students of Charlotte Catholic High School and Holy Trinity Middle School in Charlotte.
- Francis J. McGrail Scholarship Endowment Fund: Scholarship assistance to students of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic School in High Point.
- Leonard F. McGinley Family Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for children of Holy Family Catholic Church in Clemmons.
- Lee McGuiness Endowment Fund: Benefits the Charlotte Catholic High School Alumni Association.
- Sandy McMonagle Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for students at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic School in Winston-Salem.
- Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools (MACS) Education Endowment Fund: Assistance to the nine MACS schools in the Charlotte area.
- Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools (MACS) Special Needs Endowment Fund: For MACS’ students with special needs.
- Dr. Stanley Michalski Jr. Endowment Fund: Assistance for the MACS band programs.
- Katelyn Mitchell Student Athlete Scholarship Endowment Fund: For the benefit of a student-athlete in sixth, seventh or eighth grade at St. Pius X Catholic School in Greensboro.
- Eleanor C. Murphy Educational Trust Scholarship Endowment Fund: Provides scholarships for students from Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Salisbury.
- Monsignor Lawrence C. Newman Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for students at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic School in Winston-Salem.
- Victor M. Nussbaum Jr. Educational Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for students at St. Pius X Catholic School in Greensboro.
- Chris and Margaret Onulak Endowment Fund: General needs of Asheville Catholic School.
- Our Lady of Grace School Endowment Fund: General needs of this school in Greensboro.
- Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic School Fund: General needs of this school in Charlotte.
- Poutré Family Endowment Fund: General needs of Immaculata Catholic School in Hendersonville.
- Quinn Family Endowment Fund: General needs of Immaculata Catholic School in Hendersonville.
- George L. Repass Memorial Tuition Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for students at Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School in Kernersville.
- Sister Geri Rogers Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for students of Our Lady of Mercy Catholic School in Winston-Salem.
- Clark G. Ross Scholarship Endowment Fund: Scholarship assistance for Catholic high school students from Catholic parishes in Mecklenburg, Iredell, Cabarrus and Rowan counties.
- Clark G. Ross St. Therese Catholic Church Scholarship Endowment Fund: Assistance for college age parishioners at St. Therese Catholic Church in Mooresville.
- Ruggieri Family Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance at Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School.
- Sacred Heart School Catholic Endowment Fund: General needs of this school in Salisbury.
- Sheridan-Mangan Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for students at Asheville Catholic School.
- Monsignor Joseph S. Showfety Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for students enrolled in Catholic grade school or high school and reside in Guilford or Forsyth County.
- Monsignor Joseph S. Showfety Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for students of this school.
- Sisters of Mercy Scholarship Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for students at St. Michael Catholic School in Gastonia.
- Sisters of St. Joseph Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for Bishop McGuinness students.
- Victoria Sleeman Scholarship Endowment Fund: Scholarships for students of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church to attend Immaculata Catholic School in Hendersonville.
- Frank Spinks Endowment Fund: Professional development activities for the staff at Immaculata Catholic School in Hendersonville.
- Mary Spinks Endowment Fund: Scholarship assistance to minority students at Immaculata Catholic School in Hendersonville.
- Michelle Stanley Scholarship Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance at St. Mark Catholic School in Huntersville.
- St. Ann Catholic School Endowment Fund: General needs of this school in Charlotte.
- St. Frances Cabrini Scholarship Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for St. Pius X Catholic School students from first-generation families.
- St. Gabriel Catholic School Endowment Fund: General needs of this school in Charlotte.
- St. Joseph Scholarship Endowment Fund: Scholarship assistance for students at Asheville Catholic School.
- St. Lawrence Council (1695) Student Scholarship Endowment Fund: Financial assistance for the educational needs of council members’ and deceased members’ children.
- St. Leo Catholic School Endowment Fund: General needs of this school in Winston-Salem.
- St. Mark Catholic School Endowment Fund: General needs of this school in Huntersville.
- St. Mary’s Catholic Church Scholarship Endowment Fund: Tuition aid for the children of parishioners from St. Mary’s Catholic Church who attend Our Lady of Grace Catholic School or St. Pius X Catholic School, both in Greensboro, or Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School in Kernersville.
- St. Matthew School Endowment Fund: General needs of this school in Charlotte.
- St. Michael School Endowment Fund: General needs of this school in Gastonia.
- St. Patrick Catholic School Endowment Fund: General needs of this school in Charlotte.
- St. Pius X School Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for students at this school in Greensboro.
- Michael Sullivan Endowment Fund: For general fine arts department needs at Charlotte Catholic High School or non-profit support compatible with known interest of Michael Sullivan.
- Theresa Lasecki Talbert Scholarship Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for students at Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School in Kernersville.
- Remo and Carolyn Termini Endowment Fund: Scholarships for students attending Asheville Catholic School.
- John Michael Thompson Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for students at Sacred Heart Catholic School in Salisbury.
- F. Joseph Treacy Endowment Fund: Scholarship assistance for students in all nine MACS schools.
- Villalon Family Endowment Fund: General needs of Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School.
- Sabrina Watt Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for students attending MACS schools.
- Florence B. Werden Memorial Endowment Fund: General needs of Immaculata Catholic School in Hendersonville.
- Kurtis D. Williams Flight Scholarship Endowment Fund: Flight-related assistance for aviation students at Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School in Kernersville.
- Sister Paulette Williams Scholarship Endowment Fund: Scholarships for graduating Charlotte Catholic High School seniors to attend a college of their choice.
- Mary Jane Winfrey Endowment Fund: General needs of Asheville Catholic School.
- Woelfel Family Endowment Fund: Students’ educational purposes at Our Lady of Grace Catholic School in Greensboro.
- Wos-Dejoy Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for students at St. Pius X Catholic School in Greensboro.
- Sister Emma Yondura Endowment Fund: Tuition assistance for students at St. Leo Catholic School in Winston-Salem.
Endowments aid students, schools
Over $9.0 million has been distributed from 106 endowments to directly benefit students and schools.