The 16th annual Lasallian Association of Secondary School Chief Administrators (LASSCA) Conference kicked off Sunday, February 23, 2020, in Houston, Texas, with the theme “Sustaining Excellence in Lasallian Leadership.” LASSCA is taking place February 23-26, 2020. During the conference, Lasallian secondary school leaders will hear from three featured speakers, gather for breakout sessions, meet with other leaders in their Districts and more.
Barry Lieske, AFSC, president of DeLaSalle High School, presents the Brother Michael Collins Award of Excellence to Saint Mary’s College High School in Berkeley, California, for its Inclusive Community Initiative.
The conference began Sunday with Mass at St. Michael the Archangel Church. After Mass, the opening general session began with remarks from LASSCA President Brother John Kane, FSC, president of Calvert Hall College High School in Baltimore, Maryland.
The annual Brother Michael Collins Award of Excellence was presented to Saint Mary’s College High School in Berkeley, California, for its Inclusive Community Initiative. Barry Lieske, AFSC, president of DeLaSalle High School, Minneapolis, Minnesota, presented the award in honor of Brother Michael, former president of DeLaSalle High School, who passed away in January 2012. The award recognizes excellence in a Lasallian secondary school program that represents admirable values, standards and passions.
Dr. Peter Imperial, center, principal of Saint Mary’s College High School, accepts the Brother Michael Collins Award of Excellence. Brother James Joost, FSC, left, Auxiliary Visitor of the District of San Francisco New Orleans, and Dr. Mike Daniels, right, director of the Office of Education for the District of San Francisco New Orleans, join him.
After the award presentation, LASSCA participants took part in a “Wine and Wisdom” session, sponsored by Ruotolo Associates, which gave them the chance to discuss successes, challenges, nurturing leadership and more.
“We got into some really great discussions on how we serve our students with all different backgrounds and what are we doing to help our students. This is what our jobs are all about, and it was great to talk to others about what we are doing in our own schools and learn from one another,” shared Courtney Kassakhian, principal of La Salle College Preparatory in Pasadena, California.
Administrators are looking forward to continuing those discussions and exploring opportunities throughout the conference.
“The vendors and sponsors that are here offer some awesome opportunities. It is great talking with them on what they provide and how we can benefit from their resources. The breakouts and keynotes are extremely informative and useful, and I look forward to engaging in them,” said Michael Brennan, president of Holy Family Catholic High School in Victoria, Minnesota. “An opportunity like LASSCA really allows the fellowship to surface and come to the forefront. You find colleagues you can connect and support the mission with.”
Keynote speakers include Reverend James P. Burns, IVD, Ph.D., president of Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, Dr. Tim Uhl, superintendent of Catholic Schools for Montana, and Dr. Melodie Wyttenbach, executive director at the Roche Center for Catholic Education, Lynch School of Education and Human Development at Boston College.
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Top photo: The 2020 LASSCA Planning Committee