Six of the Archdiocese of Denver’s Catholic schools are being led by new principals this academic year.
Name: Tracy Alarcon
School: All Souls, Englewood
Education: master’s in educational administration from the University of Phoenix, bachelor’s in liberal studies and English from California State University in Sacramento
Service: 16 years in education; previously principal of St. Rose of Lima School, teacher at St. Thomas More School in Centennial and St. Mary School in Littleton, teacher at the Little Flower School in Reno, Nev.
What led you to being principal?
“It’s just an opportunity that opened up that was a little closer to home. I felt it was time to pass the torch.”
Name: Donna Bornhoft
School: St. Mary, Greeley
Education: master’s in educational leadership from Regis University, bachelor’s in elementary education from the University of Northern Colorado, Greeley
Service: 23 years in education; previously a second-grade teacher at St. Mary School in Greeley and St. Joseph School in Fort Collins
What are your goals this year?
“My biggest goals are building our staff culture and making sure Jesus is the center of all we do here, not just among staff but among families sand students. If we build our inner core community, I’m hoping that will in turn build the outer community culture. I have such a love for this school. I have a vision that I would like to see happen that includes my strong faith. I want to bring that to my community.”
Name: Carla Capstick
School: Blessed Sacrament
Education: doctorate of philosophy in educational leadership from the University of Denver, master’s in education from the University of Phoenix, bachelor’s in history from the University of Denver
Service: 39 years in education; affiliate faculty at Regis University; previously principal of Rite of Passage schools for incarcerated juveniles, consultant for the National Center for School Engagement, assistant principal of Westminster High School, dean department coordinator and interim assistant principal and dean of students at Eaglecrest High School in Aurora, social studies teacher coordinator at Grandview High School in Aurora, teacher at Laredo Middle School in Aurora, also teacher at Cherry Creek schools and Bear Creek High School in Lakewood
What are your goals this year?
“I hope to take our academics to the next level. I want to make sure we deepen our love for Jesus and work on our faith formation and service.”
Name: Kemmery Hill
School: St. John the Baptist, Longmont
Education: master’s in literacy coaching and education and bachelor’s in history, both from the University of Northern Colorado
Service: 10 years in education; previously teacher at St. John the Baptist in Longmont
What are your goals this year?
“We have a big goal of really trying to integrate our technology into our education. We just purchased an iPad and we’re really looking at developing that in our school.”
Name: Elias Moo
School: St. Rose of Lima
Education: master’s in education, bachelor’s in sociology and theology, both from University of Notre Dame in Indiana
Service: seven years in education; previously assistant principal and middle school teacher at St. Rose of Lima
What are you looking forward to this year?
“I’m looking forward to continuing our expeditionary learning (a partnership with a network of schools across the country). We started that partnership four years ago. It’s helped me take my professional career to the next level.”
Name: Marc Nestorick
School: Bishop Machebeuf High School
Education: master’s in educational leadership from Western New Mexico University, bachelor’s in history and secondary education from Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.
Service: principal for 17 years; previously principal of Kendallvue Elementary and O’Connell Middle School in Golden, principal of Mark Hopkins Elementary in Littleton, principal of Gallup-McKinley County Schools in New Mexico, teacher at Gallup, N.M. schools, teacher at St. Bonaventure Mission School in New Mexico
What are your goals this year?
“The areas we’re focusing on are 1) To continue building a strong Catholic identify and faith formation at the school 2) To strengthen the academics and bring an instructional background. 3) To work on building a strong community at the school through the athletic program.”
