New President Is Ardent Champion of Northwest Catholic High School

Story and photos by Shelley Wolf

When Michael Clark was interviewing for the job of president at Northwest Catholic High School in West Hartford, there were many positives that attracted him.

He found a Catholic co-ed high school rich with tradition, a diverse student body, involved alumni, and a bit more autonomy than at some schools. But there was one thing that sealed the deal.

“The hook was the warmth throughout the process — the warmth and the hospitality,” Clark says. “After the finalist interview I told my wife, ‘I think this is it. Everyone is just so kind. It has an esprit de corps to it.’”

That shared feeling of pride, fellowship and loyalty is continuing to buoy Clark as the new president of Northwest Catholic since he stepped into the leadership role last July.

Prior to arriving in West Hartford, Clark served as the head of school for St. Paul Diocesan Junior-Senior High School in Worcester, Mass., and as associate superintendent of secondary schools for the Diocese of Worcester.

He earned his bachelor’s degree from Boston College, a master’s degree from Assumption University, and is currently working on his thesis for a doctoral degree in educational leadership from Lesley University in Cambridge, Mass.

Now that he is at Northwest Catholic, he is busy getting to know the students, parents, faculty and alumni.

When it comes to leadership, Clark says, “Everything is about a team and marshalling the gifts of a team. So, the priorities are building trust, listening to the story of Northwest Catholic and being intentional about the ways in which we move the mission forward.”

To that end Clark has spent time in listening sessions with alumni and donors to hear about their hopes and dreams for the school, which was founded in 1961. He has also asked students and parents what they most enjoy about the school, and where they think it has an opportunity to grow in strategic ways.

This year, Northwest Catholic has 390 enrolled students “and room to grow,” he says, with exceptional facilities such as a new athletic field, renovated gymnasium, a second gym and two theaters.

These facilities have already been enjoyed by many, including the girls’ basketball team, which has won back-to-back state championships, and by the school’s award-winning Dramateurs club, which will perform the play That’s the Spirit this November.

At recent alumni events, Clark notes, alumni have been quick to recall their favorite teachers, which he sees as evidence of an inspiring faculty. “Students need to be challenged for sure,” he says, “but there is something different about being inspired through the partnership and support of adults.”

Academically, 98 percent of Northwest students go on to higher education. By the end of this calendar year, the school will have hosted admissions recruiters from nearly 70 colleges and universities. “It signals Northwest Catholic graduates are desirable grads. It’s also a testament to what our faculty and staff are doing,” Clark says.

In addition to academic excellence, the school is committed to the principles of peace, justice and service.

At Northwest Catholic, students are introduced to the corporal and spiritual works of mercy, absorbing Gospel values from Mass and religion classes, which then get lived out in community service hours, when students give back to the local community.

“In order to do well, one must do good,” Clark stresses. “We can always come back to that social Gospel perspective.”

Among other service projects, students routinely volunteer throughout the year to cook and serve meals for Manna Meals in Hartford. This November, students will also be organizing their annual turkey drive for Hartford Catholic Worker.