PETOSKEY – January 27, 2025 – St. Michael High School (SMHS), the only classical high school in Northern Michigan, announced today that it has embarked upon a Strategic Planning process – the development of a comprehensive plan to direct its progress for the next five years and beyond. The process will be guided by Partners in Mission, the nation’s premier full-service Catholic education growth consultancy.
The forthcoming process will engage St. Michael stakeholders and the regional Catholic community, culminating in a ‘strategic plan’ to be unveiled in May, pre-christened ‘Unum Est Necessarium’ (‘Only One Thing Is Necessary’), in reference to, and in honor of, Venerable Bishop Frederic Baraga. The plan will provide a roadmap for the school’s continued pursuit of excellence, holiness, and growth.
“Indeed, only one thing is necessary – Jesus Christ – whose hope and joy we continue to bring to the L’Arbre Croche region,” stated SMHS Headmaster Kevin Weed. “We’re privileged to continue Bishop Baraga’s vital mission and we’re excited to enter our second semester and Catholic Schools Week with the largest student body in school history.”
SMHS Executive Director Larry Rudnicki continued, “We’ve cleared some major hurdles and we’re optimistic that via this process – growing our team, filling our gaps, charting a course toward common goals – we’ll finish the school year with open field in front of us. We aspire to transition from ‘persevering start-up’ into Northern Michigan’s preeminent high school, blessed and built to last for generations. Please pray for us and please consider helping us build something beautiful here at St. Michael!”
Mr. Weed concluded, “As we embark upon this critical new phase, we seek the intercession of our ‘cloud of witnesses.’ Venerable Bishop Baraga, St. Michael the Archangel, and Mary, Seat of Wisdom… pray for us!”
Tickets are available for the Bishop Baraga Dinner, Saturday, February 1 at Holy Childhood of Jesus Parish Hall, 150 W. Main St., downtown Harbor Springs. Doors open at 4:30pm with dinner at 5:30pm. Tickets are $25 per person or $85 per family and can be purchased at St. Michael High School, via the St. Michael website, or directly on-line by clicking here.
St. Michael High School is High School with a Higher Purpose and a proud member of the Chesterton Schools Network. Established in 2013, the St. Michael mission is to nurture and elevate a new generation of joyful leaders educated in the Classical tradition and truth of the Catholic faith. For information on SMHS, please visit the school website at www.stmichaelchesterton.org.