Veteran Catholic school leader is new Bishop Fenwick principal

Bishop Fenwick High School’s new leader is already a well-known name in Greater Cincinnati Catholic school circles.

Blane Collison, principal of Archbishop Moeller High School in northern Hamilton County for the past 14 years, has been appointed by Cincinnati Archbishop Dennis Schnurr to be principal/CEO of Bishop Fenwick High School in Middletown.

Collison replaces Principal Andrew J. Barczak and will start leading the Warren County school on July 1.

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“His vibrant Catholic faith, commitment to excellence, and collaborative approach to leadership are hallmarks of his ministry, and gifts he will continue to share in his leadership at Bishop Fenwick High School,” said T. Andrew Vollmar, chairman of the Fenwick school board, which recommended the appointment.

Collison has 23 years of experience in Catholic education.

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“Fenwick has a proud tradition of forming students in faith, knowledge and service,” Collison said. “Throughout its history, students and families of Fenwick High School have created a strong Catholic environment where students come to grow in every aspect of their lives; spiritually, academically, emotionally and socially,” said Collison in a released statement.

“As principal, I look forward to continuing to build on the rich history of the school’s success, and working to strengthen every aspect of a Fenwick education for the benefit of each student. Assisting adolescents in their formative years is a ministry I am passionate about, and is a blessing that continues to motivate me each day,” he said.

Fenwick currently enrolls 530 students in grades 9-12.

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Natalie Hansman, spokeswoman for the school, said, “We are extremely excited for him to come along.”

Hansman said Collison’s decades of experience within the area Catholic school system was a plus.

“We wanted to bring someone in who is familiar with our Archdiocese, and his reputation says a lot about why we wanted him,” she said.

Staff writer Ed Richter contributed to this report.

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