Holy Cross Preparatory Academy Explained

Holy Cross Preparatory Academy
Former Names:Holy Cross High School
Holy Cross Academy
Streetaddress:5035 Route 130 South
County:Burlington County
City:Delran Township
State:New Jersey
Zipcode:08075
Country:United States
Coordinates:40.02°N -74.9531°W
Pushpin Map:USA New Jersey Burlington County#USA New Jersey#USA
Religion:Roman Catholic
President:Alex Pracher
Principal:David Moffa
Tuition:$11,700 (2024–25)[1]
Grades:9–12
Gender:Coeducational
Campus Size:94acres
Athletics:Football, Girls Soccer, Boys Soccer, Field Hockey, Girls Tennis, Cross Country, Girls Volleyball, Fall Cheerleading, Boys Basketball, Girls Basketball, Wrestling, Swimming, Winter Track, Dance Team, Winter Cheerleading, Baseball, Softball, Girls Lacrosse, Boys Lacrosse, Spring Track & Field, Golf[2]
Conference:Burlington County Scholastic League (general)
West Jersey Football League (football)
Motto:"Honoring our Traditions, Pursuing our Future"[3]
Accreditation:AdvancED
Mascot:Lancer z
Team Name:Lancers
Colors: Maroon
White
Yearbook:The Lance
Publication:Tumbler (literary magazine)
Newspaper:Crossroads
Established:1957
Enrollment:258 (as of 2021–22)
Faculty:17.1 FTEs
Ratio:15.1:1
Us Nces School Id:00867265

Holy Cross Preparatory Academy is a four-year Catholic high school serving students in ninth through twelfth grades, located in Delran Township in Burlington County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey. The school is the only Roman Catholic high school in the county. Holy Cross has been accredited by AdvancED since 2013.[4] The school was run under the supervision of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Trenton until 2018 when the school became independent.[5]

Occupying a 78acres campus, it has a variety of co-curricular activities, including about 40 sports teams in 23 athletic programs and 50 clubs, for students to participate in.[6] [7] Tuition for the 2022–23 school year was $10,900.[1]

As of the 2021–22 school year, the school had an enrollment of 258 students and 17.1 classroom teachers (on an FTE basis), for a student–teacher ratio of 15.1:1. The school's student body was 70.5% (182) White, 13.2% (34) Black, 6.6% (17) two or more races, 5.8% (15) Hispanic and 3.9% (10) Asian.[8] The student population is from a range of socioeconomic backgrounds. 99% of the school's graduates go onto two and four-year colleges and universities.[9]

History

Constructed on a 100acres site at a cost of $3 million (equivalent to $ million in), the school opened to an initial group of 400 students in September 1957 as the county's first Catholic high school.[10]

The school underwent a $3.5 million renovation in 2005. A renovated Gerald Finsen Media Center was built during the 2005–06 school year.

Former principal Joseph Lemme pleaded guilty in December 2007 to the theft of $400,000 from the school for his personal use and was sentenced to five years in prison as part of a plea bargain.[11]

In October 2017 the Diocese of Trenton informed the Holy Cross administration that the school's future was in jeopardy due to the schools enrollment and financial status. Throughout the final months of 2017 the alumni organized a Founding Board to determine if they could find a way to avoid the school’s closure and questioned the Diocese about becoming an independent school. In December 2017 Bishop David M. O'Connell met with school administration and informed them that the school would be closed at the conclusion of the 2017-18 school year. He then met with the Founding Board and informed them of the religious requirements for the school to become independent. The Diocese finally gave the board the permission to move forward and work to become an independent Catholic high school.[5] Prior to 2018 the diocese spent about $500,000 each year to cover the deficit to keep the school in operation; the school remained open since the alumni were able to raise that much in donations.[12] The school's name was changed to Holy Cross Preparatory Academy that year.[13]

Extracurricular activities

Holy Cross' student government format is a Student Council.

Athletics

The Holy Cross Lancers[14] compete in the Burlington County Scholastic League (BCSL), which is comprised of public and private high schools in Burlington, Mercer and Ocean counties in Central Jersey, and operates under the supervision of the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA).[15] With 221 students in grades 10-12, the school was classified by the NJSIAA for the 2019–20 school year as Non-Public B for most athletic competition purposes, which included schools with an enrollment of 37 to 366 students in that grade range (equivalent to Group 1 for public schools).[16] The football team competes in the Classic Division of the 94-team West Jersey Football League superconference[17] [18] and was classified by the NJSIAA as Non-Public Group B (equivalent to Group I for public schools) for football for 2022–2024, which included schools with 64 to 223 students.[19]

The football team won the Non-Public A state championship in 1977, 1982, 1991 and 1992; won the Non-Public Group IV state sectional title in 2000 and won the Non-Public Group II championship in 2007 and 2008.[20] The team won the Parochial A South title in 1977 after a 14-6 win against Red Bank Catholic High School in the tournament final.[21] The 2000 team finished the season with a 10-2 record after coming back from a 41-20 deficit in the third quarter to win the Non-Public Group IV championship game by a score of 41-40 over Don Bosco Preparatory High School on a field goal kicked as time espired.[22] In 2007, the team won the Non-Public Group II state championship with a 17–0 win over Gloucester Catholic High School in the tournament final.[23] In 2008, the team repeated as Non-Public Group II state champion with a 7–0 win over Hudson Catholic High School.[24]

The softball team won the Non-Public A state championship in 1985 and 1989, defeating Paramus Catholic High School in the final game of the tournament in both seasons.[25] The 1989 team finished the season with a record of 14-8 after winning the Non-Public A state championship, defeating Paramus Catholic by a score of 3-0 in the tournament championship game played at Trenton State College.[26]

The boys soccer team won the Non-Public A state championship in 1989, as co-champion with Delbarton School.[27] The 2007 boys soccer team won the South B state sectional championship with a 1–0 win over Bishop Eustace Preparatory School in the tournament final.[28]

The girls spring track team won the Non-Public A state championship in 1991 and the Non-Public B title in 2008.[29] In 2008, the team won the Patriot Division championship, the South Jersey Non-Public B championship, and the Non-Public B state championship for their first state title since 1991.

The girls' soccer team won the Group IV state championship in 1993 (against runner-up Randolph High School in the tournament final) and in Group III in 1995 (vs. Ramapo High School).[30] The 1993 team defeated Randolph by a score of 2-0 in the championship game to win the Group IV title at Trenton State College.[31]

The wrestling team won the Non-Public A state sectional championship in 1993, and won the Non-Public B title in 2005 and 2015.[32]

The girls tennis team won the Non-Public A state championship in 1994, defeating runner-up Academy of the Holy Angels by a score of 3-2 in the final match of the tournament at Mercer County Park.[33] [34] The field hockey team won the Central Jersey Group I state sectional championship in 2007 and 2009.[35] In 2007, the field hockey team won the sectional title with a 2–1 win over Haddonfield Memorial High School in the tournament final.[36]

During the 2007-08 sports season, Holy Cross sports teams won a total of six state championships. The school was awarded the ShopRite Cup for Group B in 2007-08 in recognition of first place finishes in football, both boys and girls spring track and both boys and girls winter track individuals; second place in field hockey, boys soccer; third place in boys golf and girls soccer (tied), plus bonus points for having no disqualifications in any season.[37]

A team representing Holy Cross High School competes in the South Jersey High School Ice Hockey League. In 2007, the Lancers Ice Hockey team won the S.J.H.S.H.L. Championship defeating Cherry Hill High School West, the school's first ice hockey championship since 1993.

In 2008, the boys' spring / outdoor track team won the Patriot Division championship, the South Jersey Non-Public B championship, and the Non-Public B state championship for the first time in program history.[38] [39]

The baseball team won the Non-Public B state championship in 2016, defeating runner-up St. Mary High School in the finals and finishing the season with a record of 25-7-1.[40] [41] [42]

Administration

Core members of the school's administration include:[43]

Notable alumni

Notable faculty

External links

Notes and References

  1. https://www.hcprep.org/tuition Tuition, Scholarships and Financial Assistance
  2. http://hcprep.org/athletics/auto-draft/ Teams at HCPA
  3. https://www.hcprep.org/about About
  4. http://www.advanc-ed.org/oasis2/u/par/accreditation/summary?institutionId=56385 Holy Cross Academy
  5. https://www.hcprep.org/fifth-anniversary Fifth Anniversary
  6. http://www.holycrosshighschool.org/student-life/athletics/ Athletics
  7. http://www.holycrosshighschool.org/student-life/activities/getting-involved-at-holy-cross/ Getting Involved at Holy Cross
  8. https://nces.ed.gov/surveys/pss/privateschoolsearch/school_detail.asp?Search=1&ID=00867265 School data for Holy Cross Preparatory Academy
  9. http://www.holycrosshighschool.org/about/ About
  10. Savin, William A. "New Catholic High School to Open Sept. 4 at Riverside for 400 Pupils", Courier-Post, August 13, 1957. Accessed May 3, 2022, via Newspapers.com. "Burlington County's first Catholic high school will open Sept. 4 with an enrollment of approximately 400 pupils. The new Holy Cross High School, rapidly nearing completion on Rt. 130 in Delran Township, will cost more than $3 million and rank as one of the largest high schools in South Jersey.... The two buildings occupy some three acres of the 100-acre tract. A two-story building, the school has 39 classrooms, with an expansion area on the second floor for 29 more."
  11. Spoto, MaryAnn. "Ex-principal admits taking $400K from high school", NJ Advance Media for NJ.com, December 3, 2007. Accessed May 1, 2015. "In Superior Court in Freehold, Joseph Lemme, past principal of Holy Cross High School in Delran, pleaded guilty to theft by failure to make required disposition of funds and misapplication of entrusted property, said Monmouth County Prosecutor Luis Valentin. Lemme, principal of the Catholic high school from September 2002 to November 2006, stole $415,849 over three years by putting money for school functions in his personal account and using it to finance a lavish lifestyle, Valentin said."
  12. https://www.nj.com/burlington/2018/05/holy_cross_20_set_to_open_thanks_to_alumni_efforts.html "N.J. Catholic school saved from closure after alumni takeover"
  13. Whittaker, Celeste E. Holy Cross will reopen on July 1 with new name, new leadership, Courier-Post, May 3, 2018. Accessed April 12, 2021.
  14. https://www.njsiaa.org/schools/holy-cross-academy Holy Cross Academy
  15. https://www.njsiaa.org/sites/default/files/documents/2020-10/2020-2021-lc-officers-schools.pdf League & Conference Officers/Affiliated Schools 2020-2021
  16. https://www.njsiaa.org/sites/default/files/documents/2020-11/general-classifications-2018-2020.pdf NJSIAA General Public School Classifications 2019–2020
  17. https://www.gridironnewjersey.com/schoolDetail.aspx?schoolid=117 Holy Cross Lancers
  18. https://www.westjerseyfootball.com Home Page
  19. https://www.njsiaa.org/sites/default/files/documents/2022-08/Football%20%2722%20%26%20%2723.pdf NJSIAA Football Public School Classifications 2022–2024
  20. https://www.njsiaa.org/sites/default/files/documents/2021-12/21-football.pdf NJSIAA Football History
  21. Schoening, Gary. "Fumble Proves Costly in RBC Loss", Asbury Park Press, December 4, 1977. Accessed February 16, 2021, via Newspapers.com. "While bulldozing through the season, Red Bank Catholic High School came up with the big plays it needed to gain a shot at its second consecutive state South Jersey Parochial A title. But the Caseys' game breaker bag was empty yesterday and it was Holy Cross that came up with big plays in a 14-6 victory over RBC to give the Lancers the SJ Parochial A crown."
  22. https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/499866305/ "A perfect ending; Hackensack justifies No. 1 ranking"
  23. http://www.bracketmaker.com/tmenu.cfm?tid=246272&tclass=Non%2DPublic%2C%20Group%20II 2007 Football - Non-Public, Group II
  24. Minnick, Kevin. "Holy Cross a champ again", Courier-Post, December 8, 2008. Accessed July 26, 2011. "Aaron Fant, Elijah Phillips and Joe Wohceichowski combined for 36 tackles, and the Lancers put together a tremendous goal-line stand late in the third quarter en route to a 7-0 victory over Hudson Catholic for their second straight Non-Public Group 2 state title."
  25. https://www.njsiaa.org/sites/default/files/documents/2024-02/Softball%2023.pdf Softball Championship History 1972–2023
  26. Mattura, Greg. "Paramus Catholic loses final; Paladins' offense vanishes", The Record, May 29, 1989. Accessed December 7, 2020, via Newspapers.com. "Holy Cross senior Karen Kriza limited Paramus Catholic to five hits and led the Lancers to a 3-0 victory in the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association game at Trenton State College.... Holy Cross (14-8) had better success against Paramus Catholic senior righthander Janine LiButti."
  27. https://www.njsiaa.org/sites/default/files/documents/2021-12/21-boys-soccer-history.pdf NJSIAA History of Boys Soccer
  28. http://www.bracketmaker.com/tmenu.cfm?tid=243094&tclass=South%20B 2007 Boys Soccer - South B
  29. https://www.njsiaa.org/sites/default/files/documents/2021-08/21-spring-track-group-history.pdf NJSIAA Girls Spring Track Summary of Group Titles
  30. https://www.njsiaa.org/sites/default/files/documents/2021-12/21-girls-soccer.pdf NJSIAA History of Girls Soccer
  31. Shwalb, Bob. "Holy Cross conquers Randolph", Daily Record, November 21, 1993. Accessed December 7, 2020, via Newspapers.com. "Randolph girls soccer coach Ann Clifton had a positive view of things after yesterday's 2-0 loss to Holy Cross in the Group IV final at Trenton State College."
  32. https://www.njsiaa.org/sites/default/files/documents/2020-11/2020-wrestling-history.pdf NJSIAA Wrestling Team Championship History
  33. https://www.njsiaa.org/sites/default/files/documents/2021-10/21-girls-team-tennis-history.pdf History of NJSIAA Girls Team Tennis Championships
  34. Maciejewski, Chris. "Consistent Holy Cross wins state Group A crown", Courier-Post, October 25, 1994. Accessed December 7, 2020, via Newspapers.com. "Playing remarkably consistent, the Holy Cross High School girls' tennis team captured the school's first Parochial A state championship Monday with a 3-2 win over Holy Angels at Mercer County Park."
  35. https://www.njsiaa.org/sites/default/files/documents/2021-12/21-girls-field-hockey_0.pdf History of NJSIAA Field Hockey Championships
  36. http://www.bracketmaker.com/tmenu.cfm?tid=243004&tclass=Central%2C%20Group%20I 2007 Field Hockey - Central, Group I
  37. https://www.njsiaa.org/sites/default/files/document/08%20Fifth%20Annual%20ShopRite%20Cup%20Final%20Standings.pdf Fifth Annual ShopRite Cup 2007-2008 Final Standings
  38. https://www.njsiaa.org/sites/default/files/documents/2021-08/21-history.pdf NJSIAA Boys Spring Track Summary of Group Titles
  39. Lewis, John A. "Holy Cross has historic day on track", Burlington County Times, June 1, 2008. Accessed July 26, 2011. "The sight of the Holy Cross High School boys and girls track teams celebrating together, near the close of yesterday's Non-Public B state championship meet yesterday demonstrated what it really was; two great efforts. The Lancers brought home both team trophies. Harper, who coaches the boys team, saw his squad capture the first state championship in school history. The Holy Cross girls captured their first state crown since 1991 when the Lancers won the Non-Public A title".
  40. https://www.njsiaa.org/sites/default/files/documents/2020-11/20-baseball-history.pdf NJSIAA Baseball Championship History
  41. Aitken, Robert. "H.S. baseball: St. Mary falls to Holy Cross, 2-0, in Non-Public B final", The Record, June 12, 2016. Accessed December 7, 2020. "Dennis Hulse came to Toms River in search of a state title in 1998 as a player for St. Mary. He came to Toms River South for the first time as a coach Saturday, trying to guide the Gaels to their first state championship since that day 18 years ago. Hulse and his team couldn’t win it this time, falling to Holy Cross, 2-0, in the Non-Public B final at Ken Frank Baseball Stadium."
  42. https://www.trentonian.com/sports/holy-cross-crowned-champions-with-win-over-st-mary/article_4e630f07-932d-53fd-a77a-7a8641035d54.html "Holy Cross crowned champions with win over St. Mary"
  43. http://hcprep.org/faculty Faculty
  44. Staff. "Composer Mark Adamo, a Willingboro native, is the man behind `Little Women'", Courier-Post, August 26, 2001. Accessed February 14, 2011. "At the time Adamo wanted to become a playwright After graduating from Holy Cross High School in Riverside he entered the playwriting program at New York University but also took every music course his schedule allowed."
  45. Staff. Alumni News, Holy Cross Lancer News, Spring 2011. Accessed May 9, 2011. "Class of 1990: Lance Bangs directed The Lazarus Effect which premiered on May 4, 2010 on HBO."
  46. Staff. "Lundy Wins Matchup of Holy Cross High Alums", The Roanoke Times, December 29, 2002. Accessed February 14, 2011. "A postgame conversation between Wali Lundy and fellow Holy Cross High School alumnus Avon Cobourne was cordial but brief Saturday."
  47. http://www.umterps.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/costa_phil00.html Phil Costa
  48. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/C/CostBr20.htm Brad Costello
  49. https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/garagke01.shtml Keith Garagozzo
  50. Coppock, Kristen. "Filmmaker brings 'The Camden 28' to the nation's attention on PBS", Burlington County Times, September 11, 2007. Accessed May 19, 2008. "A graduate of Holy Cross High School in Delran, the self-professed history buff, who lives in Astoria, N.Y., said he was especially curious why such an important event had happened so close to his hometown, and no one he had grown up with knew about it. He wanted to change that."
  51. Gaul, Lou. "His early interest in film scores pays off with a dream job", The Intelligencer (Doylestown, Pennsylvania), November 2, 2004.
  52. http://www.holycrosshighschool.org/guidance/new_page_8.htm "Lancers working in radio, television and the movies"
  53. Longsdorf, Amy. "Success sounds great for Giacchino", Courier-Post, February 24, 2008. Accessed February 3, 2013. "Giacchino, a graduate of Holy Cross High School (Class of '86), was scoring video games when Abrams gave him his first big break writing the music for TV's Alias and Lost."
  54. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HickKe00.htm Kevin Hickman
  55. https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hudsojo02.shtml Joe Hudson
  56. https://web.archive.org/web/20151229043042/http://www.teamusa.org/us-rowing/athletes/Steve-Kasprzyk Steve Kasprzyk
  57. O'Gorman, George. "Undrafted Dennis Landolt looking to make his mark with Giants", The Trentonian, August 25, 2010. Accessed February 14, 2011. "Landolt is the undrafted offensive lineman from Holy Cross High who is hoping to make the G-Men after being a starter for three years at Penn State yet not being picked in the April draft. So far the 6-foot-4, 306-pounder who was Trentonian All-Area in football and wrestling at Holy Cross and a state champion wrestler for the Burlington County school, has showed the Giants coaching staff he is versatile enough to play all three spots on the offensive line."
  58. Narducci, Marc. "Dennis Landolt tries to make N.Y. Giants", The Philadelphia Inquirer, May 2, 2010. Accessed August 8, 2019. "The recent NFL draft wasn't the most memorable experience for Dennis Landolt, but the Penn State offensive tackle and former Inquirer first-team all-South Jersey selection from Holy Cross got over things pretty quickly.... His brother Kevin, also a star at Holy Cross, was a fourth-round draft choice of Jacksonville in 1999, and played one NFL season. Fame in the NFL can be fleeting."
  59. Narducci, Marc. "Lehmann Will Stress Team Concept The Holy Cross Girls' Coach Was A Multidimensional Talent In His Playing Days.", The Philadelphia Inquirer, December 19, 1996. Accessed August 21, 2014. "He will incorporate that style into his first varsity head coaching job. Lehmann, 27, was appointed in October as the girls' basketball coach at Holy Cross, his alma mater."
  60. http://www.bradyresidence.com/060206.html On The Air by Laura Nachman
  61. https://www.mlb.com/phillies/team/broadcasters Phillies Broadcasters
  62. Sacharow, Fredda. "Half-century strong", Burlington County Times, November 16, 2007. Accessed February 14, 2011. "Former Philadelphia newscaster Jerry Penacoli (Class of 1974) and Dennis Malloy (Class of 1975), of the Dennis and Judy Show on radio station 101.5..."
  63. https://web.archive.org/web/20160802135816/http://www.co.burlington.nj.us/Directory.aspx?EID=267 Ryan Peters
  64. Staff. "Get real with Gervase Peterson", The Philadelphia Inquirer, August 29, 2011. Accessed September 20, 2012. "From: Germantown, then Willingboro, N.J. He graduated from Holy Cross High School, in Delran."
  65. Staff. "Eagles give offensive lineman Hicks 6-year deal", Courier-Post, April 17, 2004. Accessed July 26, 2011. "According to Hicks' agent, John Rickert, the deal could be worth as much as $9 million, if Hicks reaches all the incentives, including trips to the Pro Bowl.... 'Its a great deal for him,' said Rickert, a native of Delran, who attended Holy Cross High School.
  66. Gayle, Tim. "Tide's gamble on Saunders starting to pay off", Montgomery Advertiser, September 23, 2006. Accessed February 14, 2011. "Saunders had just one after playing tight end and defensive end at Holy Cross High in Willingboro, NJ."
  67. Blockus, Gary R. "Scott Semptimphelter: A Predator In The Arena The Former Lehigh University Quarterback Has Thrown For 36 Touchdowns And Has Put His Team Into The Playoffs.", The Morning Call, July 31, 1997. Accessed August 21, 2014. "In the off-season, Semptimphelter helps coach his old high school, Holy Cross in Florence, N.J., and helps in the family restaurant and car lot businesses."
  68. Bellano, Anthony. "Chicago Cubs Sign Cinnaminson's Mark Zagunis; Zagunis, a Holy Cross High School graduate, was drafted No. 78 by the Cubs on June 6.", Cinnaminson Patch, June 26, 214. Accessed June 18, 2015. "Cinnaminson resident and Holy Cross High School graduate Mark Zagunis signed his first professional baseball contract with the Chicago Cubs this week, the Burlington County Times reports."
  69. Narducci, Marc. "A catcher with all the tools, plus speed", The Philadelphia Inquirer, May 7, 2011. Accessed June 18, 2015. "Mark Zagunis entered the baseball season with the reputation as one of the best prospects in South Jersey. He has done nothing to dissuade this notion during a torrid first five weeks. And while the Holy Cross senior catcher has earned a scholarship to Virginia Tech, he has quietly made a pitch to be selected in Major League Baseball's first-year draft, which will begin June 6."
  70. Staff. "The debate's over, here's South Jersey's best", Courier-Post, September 4, 1999. Accessed February 14, 2011. "After starting his career at Holy Cross, Jeff Zaun moved to Shawnee for the 1988 season and became the catalyst for the century's top team."
  71. Roncace, Kelly. "Former Phillies slugger to be inducted into SJ sports museum", NJ Advance Media for NJ.com, March 31, 2016. Accessed November 28, 2017. "Luzinski retired from the MLB in February 1985, and began coaching baseball at Holy Cross High School in Delran in March of the same year. 'I started with baseball, then moved to football when the former coach went to Moorestown High School,' he said. He continued coaching until January 1992 when he retired from the position and moved to Florida."

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