The Diocese of Wilmington has found its next principal for Saint Mark’s High School, according to a letter from the Office for Catholic Schools.
Bishop Koenig has appointed John Camponelli, an assistant principal at the high school campus of MOT Charter School in Middletown. He replaces Stephen DiGennaro, who is finishing as principal at his alma mater this year. DiGennaro is staying on as interim president at the diocesan high school, filling in for Tom Fertal, who earlier this month announced his departure as president.
Camponelli takes over at Saint Mark’s effective July 1.
Lou De Angelo, superintendent of schools for the diocese, said Camponelli was selected from among a pool of 12 applicants for the job and the search committee expressed great confidence in his leadership skills. He made the announcement March 27 in a letter to members of the Saint Mark’s school community.
Camponelli has both the education and experience necessary to lead Saint Mark’s High School into a successful future, building on its solid spiritual foundation, recent academic initiatives, and strong culture of community, De Angelo said in the letter.
Camponelli earned a bachelor of science in education from the University of Delaware and a master in education in applied technology in education/leadership certificate from Wilmington University. He also completed the Governor’s Institute for School Leadership in December. He has served as a middle school science teacher, technology integration STEM teacher and assistant principal in three different schools. De Angelo said his responsibilities as assistant principal have covered a number of areas including curriculum supervision, curriculum development, special education services, school operations, student discipline, social emotional learning and student leadership. He also has a continuing license from Delaware and certifications as an assistant principal/principal, school leader, teacher of exceptional children and middle school science teacher.
Camponelli and his wife, Jenna, have three children and are active members of Saint Joseph Parish, Middletown, where he serves as a catechist in the religious education program and a Senior Knight in the Knights of Columbus. He has been an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion and an usher for his parish.
He also spent three years as an umpire for Minor League Baseball for the Professional Baseball Umpire Corporation. His baseball career currently consists of coaching MOT Little League Baseball.
Camponelli said he looks forward to joining the community of Saint Mark’s High School.
“The motto ‘All Things Possible’ resonates with me, and I mirror this attitude while working with high school students, their families and staff members,” Camponelli said in a statement. “I lead and empower the school community with my Catholic faith at the forefront. I do the same in my home, and indirectly in the public high school where I currently work.”
