ISSUED: 2 December 2024
MEDIA CONTACT: Hans Fogle
SHEPHERDSTOWN, WV — Saint Joseph High School (SJHS) in Martinsburg, West Virginia, will welcome high school students for the first time in more than 50 years through an innovative partnership with Shepherd University and Blue Ridge Community and Technical College (CTC).
This groundbreaking collaboration will allow SJHS students to take college-level courses, participate in hands-on career training, and explore creative pursuits as part of their high school experience.
Shepherd University President Dr. Mary J.C. Hendrix attended SJHS before becoming a student at Shepherd College [University] and recognizes the value students will receive thanks to this effort.
“Each of these educational institutions share a commitment to the success of our students,” Hendrix said. “We also believe that education should inspire students to explore their potential and prepare them for a world of possibilities. There’s no better way to accomplish that than exposing them to the innovative educational programs available at Shepherd and Blue Ridge.”
The current plans call for the high school expansion to begin in the 2025-26 school year.
Administrators at Saint Joseph School began exploring the possibility of reopening a high school after the closure of Saint Maria Goretti in Hagerstown, Maryland, left the area without a Catholic high school.
Patrick Michel, head of school for SJHS, said they wanted to offer something families in the area had not been able to access before.
“This partnership represents a monumental leap forward for high school education in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia,” he said. “We’re giving our students the tools, experiences, and opportunities they need to thrive in both academic and career settings.”
SJHS students can access fine arts programs, music, theater, and more through Shepherd, while Blue Ridge CTC lets students explore career paths with on-the-job training.
“High school is the perfect time to explore what you love and where you want to go,” said Blue Ridge CTC President Dr. Pete Checkovich. “This partnership ensures students can do that in a supportive, structured way that prepares them for success — whether they choose college, a career, or both.”
Saint Joseph School is a Catholic educational institution dedicated to academic excellence, character formation, and faith-based learning.
SJHS is continuing to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and values they need to thrive in today’s world.
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