A New Chapter Begins

“As a well-respected visionary leader, Ms. Neil has established networks of collaboration that support our school’s compelling mission, academic excellence and operational vitality. Her effective school leadership and commitment to our students, teachers and parents are immeasurable. The school community is very blessed to have Ms. Neil serve as our Principal,” said Mary R. Maloney, President of Immaculate High School. Principal Neil first came to Immaculate in 2013 as a teacher of AP US Government, International Relations and Social Studies. Now an administrator, she also continues to lead the school’s Model UN and Mock Trial teams, is the IHS Social Studies Department Chair and is a member of the Diocese of Bridgeport’s Innovative Teacher Committee. Her relationship with faculty and being a parent of IHS students helps her understand the needs of the teachers, students and parents. “I would like to think my relationship with faculty is genuine. I understand that it is their dedication and selflessness that creates the foundation of our mission with our students. My focus is for them to feel supported and confident that leadership has provided them with the tools to practice their craft,” she said. Even while having the support of the staff and overall school community, Principal Neil’s first year did not go as planned. Besides the daily responsibilities of a principal and the learning-curve, Principal Neil had to help everyone navigate the surprise pandemic. “My first year as Principal has been anything from what I ever studied from a textbook, but true to what I learned from my days in the classroom. In education you have to be flexible and always be guided by what is best for the students and teachers and ultimately it will be what is best for the school. You have to predict what is to come and react to what is presented at the moment,”

Wendy Neil , Joe DeMaida and Mary Maloney having fun with a dress down day wearing the students uniform!

says Principal Neil. Her flexibility and hard work allowed Immaculate to quickly and efficiently transfer from being an on-campus high school to an on-line academic program. As a result of her guidance and collaboration with faculty, students received their full college-preparatory, faith-based education from the first day of closure to the end of the year. All students attended e-school daily, meeting with their peers and teachers on a regular and daily schedule. They had regular access to their counselors, the school nurse and the school therapist. Students were even able to meet with their clubs, participate in “gym class,” hold art shows and coffeehouses

and end-of-year activities such as the virtual Student Award Ceremony and a Commencement Liturgy.

There are many challenges ahead; but if this first year was any indication, under the leadership of Principal Neil, Immaculate High School is well positioned to carry on its tradition of excellence and provide one of the best college-preparatory programs in the area.

“I think the challenges that our Immaculate faculty and students have had to endure this year have truly demonstrated the definition of family. All of the dynamics that come together when one thinks of a family have been tested and proven true,” Principal Neil said “Through the laughs, cheers and tears - we have stayed unified. It’s a special bond that one can not truly understand unless you have experienced it.”

Denise Suarez has been appointed to be the Director of Admissions. Denise is a 1987 graduate of Immaculate, and has served as the Director of Alumni Relations since 2013. In that position she developed and continuously expanded Immaculate’s alumni program to reach and engage its ever growing base of over 7,000 alumni, including members of her own family. She is the parent of two Immaculate alumni, Joey ‘18 and Madeline ‘20, and current student Chris ‘22.

“After thoroughly enjoying my work with our incredible alumni community over the last seven years, I look forward to serving my alma mater in this new role. I am excited to build upon the great work of our Admissions Department as I look to welcome the next generation of Immaculate students as Director of Admissions,” she said. “I can say without hesitation that the academic continuity, development of compassionate leaders and vibrancy of the Immaculate community have remained steadfast during these challenging times. There has never been a better time to consider Immaculate and I look forward to sharing the mission, values and outcomes of an Immaculate education with prospective families,” Suarez added.

Jeannie Demko will serve as the school’s Director of Alumni Relations. A 1988 graduate of Immaculate High School, Demko returned to Immaculate as Event Coordinator in 2018. In that role she helped plan, organize and run special events including the annual Golf Outing, Spring Gala and Scholarship Breakfast. Jeannie is the parent of two Immaculate students, alumnus Zach ‘19 and current student Allie ‘21.

“Working at Immaculate for the past two years has been an absolute joy. In my new role as Director of Alumni Relations, I will have the privilege and honor to work directly with our amazing network of alumni. Thanks to the leadership of Denise Suarez, our efforts in this area have never been stronger,” Demko said. “I am inspired and energized to continue creating pathways for alumni participation that advance the goals of IHS. As an alumna, parent of an alumnus and current parent I am passionate about the mission of Immaculate and have seen firsthand how alumni relations help benefit our students and contribute to their growth,” she noted.