Purcell Marian principal to step down at end of school year to run floral business

Purcell Marian High School Principal and CEO Andy Farfsing is stepping down at the end of this school year to take over his family's floral business, the school announced Friday.

Farfsing and his family purchased the family-owned and operated Benken Garden Center and Florist as fourth-generation owners in June 2022, Friday's release states. At the end of the school year, Farfsing will take on the business full time.

Purcell Marian High School is a private, Catholic high school in East Walnut Hills. It was founded in 1928.

Farfsing came to Purcell Marian in 2017.

"I am proud of what Purcell Marian and my team have accomplished during my seven years," Farfsing said in an email to the school community. "Purcell Marian boldly stands filled with life, positive direction, and enjoys a rejuvenated alumni base committed to the future generations of Cavaliers. I leave the school in the hands of our dedicated teachers and staff who have served as the agents of positive change alongside me during my tenure as principal.”

The school saw year-over-year enrollment growth during his tenure and became an Authorized International Baccalaureate World School under his leadership. One of Farfsing's finest accomplishments at Purcell Marian was constructing the school's first athletic stadium. Roger Staubach Stadium opened last month.

“Andy’s contributions to Purcell Marian cannot be understated," board Chair Rich Ehemann said in a Friday press release. “The accomplishments he and his team have celebrated over the past seven years were pipe dreams when he was asked to return to Purcell Marian as principal in 2017. Today, those dreams are a reality, largely thanks to the leadership of Andy Farfsing. We are deeply thankful for his service to Purcell Marian, and his 25 years in Catholic education.”

Before leading at Purcell Marian, Farfsing was the founding principal at DePaul Cristo Rey High School and served as a history teacher at LaSalle High School.

“I look forward to my new calling of serving alongside my wife, Lindsay, in our 84-year old family business. I remain the biggest supporter of the Cavaliers and am excited about the bold future of Purcell Marian," Farfsing said.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Purcell Marian High School Principal Andy Farfsing steps down