Bishop Hendricken High School

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Bishop Hendricken High School is a Catholic, all male, college preparatory high school located in Warwick, RI.

1 Mission Statement
2 History
3 Famous Alumni
4 External Links

[edit] Mission Statement

IDENTITY

Rooted in the Catholic Faith and traditions of the Congregation of Christian Brothers, Bishop Hendricken High School is a college preparatory school community of
·spirited young men
·dedicated, compassionate religious and lay teachers
·committed staff, involved parents and supportive alumni

MISSION

The mission of Bishop Hendricken High School is to strengthen the relationship of all members of the community with our God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We do this through the development of the total human person: heart, mind, soul, and body. Our ministry in the Church calls us to:
·invest time, energy and resources in the spiritual growth of our young men
·provide challenging and enjoyable academic, athletic, and extra-curricular activities
·maintain a structured, caring environment based on Christian values
·foster an atmosphere for creativity
·encourage the development of critical thinking
·cultivate a reverence for life long learning
·deepen an appreciation for beauty, goodness, and truth
·create a climate for the growth of a social conscience committed to peace and justice

VISION

The Hendricken man is
·conscious of his own self-worth fashioned in the image of God
·confident in the power of the Gospel to meet the challenges of the future
·committed to responsible decision making in the service of the common good

[edit] History

Born of the vision of the late Russell J. McVinney, Bishop of Providence, Bishop Hendricken High School, named for the Most Rev. Thomas F. Hendricken, first Bishop of Providence, opened its doors to some 350 students in 1959. Located on 34 acres of land in Warwick, Rhode Island, the school was staffed by the Brothers of the Holy Cross and run in their traditions as a private Catholic high school.

Two short years later, with enrollment increasing in all parochial schools, the 22-classroom building had reached its limit in some 800 students. Through the ‘sixties the school flourished, gaining recognition for achievements in sports and academics.

In 1970, the Brothers of the Holy Cross announced plans to leave Bishop Hendricken. The decision saddened the entire school community, enrollment plummeted, and it appeared likely that the school's doors would close. Loyal teachers, parents, students and alumni came together and spearheaded a campaign to save the school.

Through the intercession of Bishop McVinney, the Congregation of Christian Brothers agreed to bring their considerable talent to staff the school. The Diocese of Providence made the necessary funds available, and in September of 1971, with Br. Thomas Feerick as Principal and Br. James Liguori as Assistant Principal, the school opened as usual: now as a diocesan, Catholic secondary school with the Congregation of Christian Brothers at the helm and the Bishop Hendricken High School Corporation as the governing board.

The Brothers immediately started intense recruitment efforts to bolster a dwindling enrollment. A committed Parents' Council raised crucial funds and Bishop Hendricken High School was once again on the move, stronger than ever.

To handle a burgeoning school population, in 1975 Bishop Hendricken High School took over the former Our Lady of Providence Seminary High School at Warwick Neck, which became the senior campus. In May, 1993, Bishop Hendricken was named a "Blue Ribbon School of Excellence" by the U.S. Department of Education. At the same time, plans were announced to build a $2 million senior wing, allowing seniors to return to the main campus.

In the spirit of the Vatican Council II, calling for shared responsibility and participatory decision making, the Bishop Hendricken High School Corporation established a Board of Directors in 1990. In 1995, the Board of Directors commissioned the development of the first Strategic Plan for the school, "Hendricken 2020". This plan outlines an ambitious program to position the school for strength and growth. The most pressing needs identified by the Strategic Plan can be summarized in two major initiatives: establishing an Endowment Fund, and physical and technological growth.

To address these needs, with the permission of Most Rev. Robert E. Mulvee, Bishop of Providence, the school in 1997 launched its first significant fund raising campaign, Lighting the Way-An Investment in the Future, with a $1 million goal to take Bishop Hendricken well into the 21st century. The Schiblers and the Hagertys, together with Bishop Mulvee and the Board of Directors, are leading an effort that will enhance the lives of young men today and tomorrow.

In 1997 and early 1998, the school has been blessed with the following additions pursuant to these initiatives: a 16,000 square foot South Gymnasium; a 5,000 square foot outdoor street hockey/basketball area; a redesigned West Gate on Oakland Beach Avenue; a 6,000 square foot West Wing of classrooms (including a 29-Pentium computer laboratory which will eventually have Internet access for the students); a Web site to keep the school up-to-date with the technology of the times.

Thanks to the influence and generosity of the Bishop Hendricken Community: current students, alumni, parents, friends, businesses and foundations, our school looks to a positive and rewarding future in the next millennium.