St. Thomas Aquinas High School announces new leadership

DOVER — St. Thomas Aquinas High School announced the appointment of its new leadership with President Paul Marquis and Principal Michael Orlando Jr.

Marquis was appointed president of the school in December 2022 after serving as principal since 2020. He led the school during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic and oversaw the first major renovations to the school’s two buildings in its 60-year history as part of its $7 million capital campaign. Prior to becoming principal, Marquis spent over 25 years as a classroom teacher and served as a member of the chemistry and physics faculty at St. Thomas Aquinas. He has experience in teaching strategies, learning environments, assessment practices, curriculum and technology development, proficiency and competency-based learning, and faculty mentoring. Marquis also served as a coach for over 50 sport seasons in a variety of athletics.

Marquis holds his academic degree in biochemistry from the University of Maine, and also attended Campbell University and the University of South Carolina. He is the parent of two current STA students.

“We are in the midst of an exciting time at STA. The commitment to our mission of transforming the lives of students through a rigorous Catholic education, guided by faith and reason, is as strong as ever," he said. "Our students are challenged academically, participate in tremendous extracurricular opportunities, and receive support in a caring community environment. There is a joyful energy and hopeful optimism throughout the campus, and I am so blessed to be part of such a special place.”

Orlando has been named the school’s new principal, beginning July 1, 2023. His background in Catholic education began at Saint Anselm College, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Spanish language and literature. He furthered his education with a master’s degree in Hispanic Studies from Simmons University and a doctorate of education from Northeastern University, specializing in teacher professional development in Catholic schools. Throughout his 17 years at St. John’s Preparatory School in Danvers, Massachusetts, he has held roles in a multitude of positions including language instructor at the high school and college levels, chair of the world language department, and most recently, the last five years, assistant principal for mission and identity.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: St. Thomas Aquinas High School announces new leadership