To the editor:

Two years ago this month the Diocese of Camden announced that Wildwood Catholic was to be closed. Thanks to the efforts of many alumni, families, local businesses and friends, the school was able to remain open. I am here today to let you know that WCHS is alive and well. Enrollment for next school year is expected to increase significantly.

This current school year has witnessed the infusion of several new and exciting opportunities for our students, which will carry over and expand next year.

In order to enhance the education curriculum, we have initiated several professional seminars that take place on Fridays throughout the school year. The Law Seminar was the first and highly successful seminar presented by the distinguished attorney, Mr. Robert Sandman, his staff of legal experts and many additional attorneys and judge. This seminar presented the various forms of law and all its intricacies.

Our Research Seminar was designed and presented by renowned Drexel Professor and Media Specialist Dr. Jeanne Degatano. Our students were guided through the process on how best to: organize information searches, utilize specific topic-oriented databases, note taking, and more. This service by Dr. Degatano continues through out the school year with her assisting in regular classes when students conduct research projects.

The Medical Seminar will begin shortly under the direction of prominent cardiologist, Dr. Mark Sorensen. This seminar will focus on the many opportunities available in medicine, what it takes to become a physician and much more. Dr. Sorensen has arranged for several medical professionals to participate in this program.

The Writers’ Seminar is the fourth program being offered to our students. It brings in various authors who will explain: how they get their ideas, how they do research, writing styles and skills, how do you find a publisher and will include several illustrators as well.

We have confirmed partnerships with two major universities and are in process of confirming a third. Seton Hall University has agreed to allow WCHS juniors and seniors to take a three-credit course called “Real World Technology” This will be available in September of 2012. Kean University has agreed to allow WCHS to offer a course on Sustainability. It is the first course in their new bachelor of science degree program on sustainability. This course will also be available in September 2012. Drexel University is still in discussion with us to finalize a program which will again be available in September.

The International Academy of Sciences has awarded us a grant to provide many online courses which will allow us to dramatically expand our elective course offerings, including SAT prep and several AP courses.

We initiated a foreign exchange program this school year with 6 students from China, Germany, Spain and South Korea. WCHS is working with a new and improved agency to enroll exchange students for September. This new agency will offer several improvements. First, they will be able to financially reward the host family. The stipend will easily cover the cost of WCHS tuition. Second, the exchange student rate will cover tuition and offer money for scholarships for other students previously not capable of affording tuition and lastly, it will expose our students to various cultures and educational ideas. It is not a requirement to be a WCHS family to participate as a host family for an exchange student. Please let us know as soon as possible if you are interested.

A great deal has taken place in a very brief time with much more to come. WCHS is doing well and will continue to offer the best possible education to our students. Tuition remains the lowest of all Catholic High Schools in New Jersey. We all need to understand that it costs $11,000 to educate each child, but our tuition is under $7,000. That is why we must rely on the generosity of families, benefactors and businesses to allow us to continue in our tradition of excellence, honor, and respect. Your donations are always appreciated.

Thank you for your continued support.

Anthony Degatano

Dean of Academics

Wildwood Catholic High School