Some might think that Kyla Hockley is uniquely qualified for her new position. But Lancaster Catholic High School (LCHS) graduates are qualified to do a great many things.

Hockley, a 1996 graduate of LCHS, is her alma mater's newest school president. Hockley replaces Tim Hamer, who retired at the end of the 2023-24 school year after serving as the Crusaders' president for nine years.

"I bleed purple and gold," said Hockley. "One of the fabulous things about Lancaster Catholic is that it's an educational experience that builds relationships that will last for the rest of your life. I know from my experiences that the people affecting students will be there for them the rest of their lives."

After starting her position on July 1 of last year, Hockley is more than nine months into her new job. That may be a small sample size, but things have been going well for her so far.

"It's been going great," said Hockley. "I have a ton of fun. There is no moment in any given day when I'm bored."

"In speaking with Kyla, I am impressed with her dedication to the ministry of Catholic education and her love for her alma mater, Lancaster Catholic High School," said Timothy Senior, Bishop of the Diocese of Harrisburg. "I am confident that Kyla will be a servant leader in the Lancaster Catholic community, serving with effectiveness and fidelity to our Catholic identity. As an alumna of Lancaster Catholic, Kyla has a great appreciation for the rich, 95-year tradition of the school and an understanding of what is needed now to keep the school strong."

Following her graduation from LCHS, Hockley earned higher education degrees from Saint Vincent College, Duquesne University and Marymount University. Before becoming president at LCHS, Hockley was the principal at Saint John Neumann Catholic School in Lancaster for four years, and prior to that she was a theology teacher and the admissions director at LCHS.

"One of the things I'm passionate about is developing the leadership abilities of students," said Hockley. "I think it's really important that we continue to build the future, to partner with students to develop the gifts God has given them. It's so important to have a strong network surrounding them. It's not just an academic journey. It's also a faith-based journey."

Overseen by the Lancaster Catholic High School Board of Directors and the superintendent of Catholic schools for the Diocese of Harrisburg, Hockley performs duties that include overseeing institutional advancement, financial operations and obligations, alumni relations and the operation of LCHS' facilities. Lancaster Catholic is one of three high schools in the diocese that operates under a president-principal leadership model.

Hockley will complement the work of new LCHS principal Sean Van Eman, who was recently hired to replace outgoing principal Terry Klugh.

"The president is outward facing and the vision person for the school," said Hockley. "The principal does more of the inward-facing, day-to-day duties. Collaboration is the name of the game. Both of us have different gifts and different lenses to look at things in different ways. It's really a partnership. Our unique visions on things will work together."

Accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and the Pennsylvania Department of Education, LCHS has a current enrollment that consists of 506 students in grades nine through 12. Last year the school provided over $1.2 million in tuition scholarships to its high school students.

LCHS boasts a graduation rate of 99%, and more than 94% of its graduates go on to college, the military or trade schools.

"We want to expand our vision," said Hockley. "For us, it's about finding students who believe in our mission. If we can, we want them to be part of our mission."

"Many of our students stay in touch after graduation," continued Hockley. "It's a testament to who we are. There are many who are here locally doing amazing things. There are many who are scattered to the wind. But they're doing great things no matter where they are."

For additional information, go to http://www.lchsyes.org.