Five new principals join the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City

Tim McFadden
Bishop John Carroll, Oklahoma City

What is your favorite way to spend time away from school?
I love spending time with my family. My wife Angela and I have three wonderful kids, and we really enjoy doing things together, whether outside on a hike, playing games, Legos or just horsing around.

Why do you think Catholic education is important?
In education, we talk about “standards” a lot. Catholic education calls our students to live up to the highest of standards, our faith. My experience with education in the military, at the collegiate level, high school and lower levels has taught me that academics can be overwhelming, but when we teach/mentor/exemplify and practice our Catholic faith, as educators we can demand the highest standards from our students while keeping the academics in perspective.

What are some of your goals as a new principal?
I am truly blessed to come into a wonderful school filled with fantastic students and teachers, with a rich, diverse history. It is the centennial for the cathedral and school and I hope I can help each person in our school understand how blessed we are to be part of this historic time.

What is your favorite part of being an educator?
I love seeing students take control of their education and learning. We give the students academic skills, but when they gain confidence, drive and determination to put them to use, it is a powerful time. I think that is the true reward of education.

Stan Melby
Saint Mary, Lawton

What is your favorite way to spend time away from school?
After school I like to relax with my new puppy (Ranger), a Beagle. We spend time going on walks and playing in the yard.

Why do you think Catholic education is important?
A Catholic school is an educational community where students from all backgrounds learn about the meaning and purpose of their lives and develop the tools needed for success both in this life and beyond.

What are some of your goals as a new principal?
My goal is to work in concert with parents to help form each student with an awareness of his or her life purpose.

What is your favorite part of being an educator?
My favorite part is watching kids succeed spiritually, intellectually, socially and becoming what God has designed for them to be.
 

Sarah Hunsaker
Saint Mary, Ponca City

What is your favorite way to spend time away from school?
Most of all, I enjoy spending my time away from school with my family. I also enjoy reading, traveling and drinking coffee.

Why do you think Catholic education is important?
I value Catholic education because it is Christ-centered, rich in tradition, and dedicated to forming the whole child through academics, service and incorporation of Catholic social teaching.

What are some of your goals as a new principal?
I hope to facilitate more professional development for our teachers to help them differentiate instruction in the classroom. Increasing the use of technology in our classrooms also is at the top of my list.

What is your favorite part of being an educator?
My favorite part of being an educator is that I have the opportunity to show God’s love to so many young people every day.

Molly Goldsworthy
Saint Eugene, Oklahoma City
 

What is your favorite way to spend time away from school?
I love to spend time with my boys, Samuel (5) and Henry (2). My husband Chris and I love to be outdoors with them digging in the dirt and building construction sites.

Why do you think Catholic education is important?
Our Catholic faith is the center of our growth academically, socially emotionally, physically and spiritually. As Catholics, knowing our principles guides our purpose.

What are some of your goals as a new principal?
As a new principal within the Catholic schools, my goal is to strengthen my spiritual leadership. I want to capitalize on the strengths of my staff and school community and target areas of growth. Saint Eugene is a wonderful community and I am enjoying getting to know each student and family.

What is your favorite part of being an educator?
I love being a part of each student’s (and teacher’s) life as each one reaches his/her potential and finds his/her passions and purpose in life.  

Makylah Tollefson
Saints Peter and Paul, Kingfisher

What is your favorite way to spend time away from school?
My favorite way to spend time away from school is spending time with my family, going on trips, golfing and anything else outdoors.

Why do you think Catholic education is important?
Catholic Education is important, because it is an opportunity to provide a quality faith-based education across all curriculum. A Catholic education is important, because it gives us as educators/administrators the ability to encourage students to succeed academically, in service, and as leaders, while instilling a passion for the teachings of the Gospel.

What are some of your goals as a new principal?
One of my goals as a new principal is to bring positive leadership, consistency and enthusiasm to our school. It also is my goal to motivate, encourage and inspire faculty and students both academically and spiritually.

What is your favorite part of being an educator?
My favorite part about being an educator is building positive relationships with families and their children as well as seeing all children learn and succeed.