Beth Adkins will begin her duties as principal of Elyria Catholic High School on July 1.
In making the announcement, Annie Heidersbach, Elyria Catholic president, called Adkins
“a familiar and trusted presence” at the school where she has served for seven years, first as dean of academics and currently as assistant principal for academics.
“She understands the heart of Elyria Catholic. She knows our students. She values our faculty and staff. She embraces our Catholic mission. She believes deeply in the strength of this community,” Heidersbach said.
“Elyria Catholic has been an important part of my professional and personal journey over the past seven years, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve this community as principal,” Adkins said. “I believe wholeheartedly in our mission, in our people and in the extraordinary potential of our students.”
Heidersbach said the search process included both internal and external candidates and said Adkins “consistently demonstrated the leadership, academic experience and mission-centered commitment needed for this important role. She steps into this position at a strong and exciting time for Elyria Catholic,” Heidersbach said, citing “advancing academic priorities, expanding innovation, welcoming enrollment growth and building momentum through the Boldly EC campaign as we shape our future together.”
Heidersbach also thanked Suzanne Lester, who is leaving the principal’s position to become associate superintendent of elementary schools in the Diocese of Cleveland, effective July 1. Lester has served as Elyria Catholic principal since 2016.