NORWOOD PARK — Resurrection College Prep High School, an all-girls Catholic school in Norwood Park, will be led by a male principal for the first time in its 94-year history, school officials announced Thursday.
Richard Piwowarski, who is now president of Andrean High School in Merrillville, Ind., will take over the all-girls Catholic school July 1, school President Sister Donna Marie Wolowicki said.
"I am excited and humbled by the opportunity to join the Resurrection community as principal and very much look forward to beginning the journey," Piwowarski said in a statement. "[I am] passionate about providing students with the platform to flourish and develop into their fullest selves."
Piwowarski will replace Maria Hawk, who will step down as principal to take a job with the Archdiocese of Chicago as the regional director for secondary schools and board development, said Kathleen Heneghan, director of communication for the Norwood Park school.
"We're very glad for her," Heneghan said.
Hawk became principal in 2014 of the school at 7500 W. Talcott Ave. It was founded in 1922 by the Sisters of the Resurrection religious order.
A search to find Hawk's replacement began in February after parents were informed of her decision to resign, Heneghan said.
A committee made up of representatives from the board, faculty, administration, parents, alumnae and students from the senior class advised Wolowicki on the selection of Piwowarski, who expects to be known as Mr. P to students, Heneghan said.
A statement from Wolowicki said Piwowarski was a "strong advocate" for single-gender Catholic education because it "gives young women a sense of empowerment, courage and confidence and prepares them to take their rightful place in building a better world."
Piwowarski taught at Marist High School in Mount Greenwood for nine years. He has a bachelor's degree from Loyola University Chicago and a master's degree from St. Xavier University.
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