Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School

Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School
Address
13651 Hays Road Hudson, Florida, (Pasco County) 34610 United States
Coordinates
Information
Type	Private, Roman Catholic
Motto	Domine, dirige nos. "Lord, guide us."
Religious affiliation(s)	Roman Catholic
Patron saint(s)	St. Charles Borromeo
Founded	2003
Founder	Bishop Robert N. Lynch
School code	101850
Principal	Camille Jowanna
Chaplain	Father Michael Suszynski
Faculty	21
Grades	9 - 12
Gender	Co-Educational
Enrollment	265
Student to teacher ratio	11:1
Campus size	88.76 Acres
Color(s)	Blue and Old Gold
Athletics	FHSAA 3A
Sports	Soccer, Baseball, Basketball, Cheerleading, Cross Country, Football, Golf, Softball, Swimming, Tennis, Track, Volleyball
Mascot	"Pelicane" (a pelican donning a Hurricanes team jersey)
Team name	Hurricanes
Accreditation	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Affiliation	Diocese of St. Petersburg
Director of Admissions	Kathy Hinton-Scott
Athletic Director	Evan Gerking
Guidance Counselor	John Mayer
Website	http://www.bmchs.com/

Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School (BMCHS) is a private high school located in Hudson, Florida in northern Pasco County, not far from Spring Hill, Florida, in the Diocese of St. Petersburg.

General Information

Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School was established in 2003. The school is named after Charles Borromeo McLaughlin, the first Bishop of the Diocese of St. Petersburg. An avid pilot, Bishop McLaughlin would meet the pastoral demands of a large Diocese by flying from event to event in order to keep pace with his schedule. This fast-paced ministry affectionately earned him the nickname of "Hurricane Charlie." Therefore, BMCHS is the home of the "Hurricanes." The school's mascot is "Pelicane" (a pelican donning a Hurricanes team jersey).

The school's inaugural principal was Jane Moerschbacher, who held the position until she retired in 2007. The school's current principal is Camille Jowanna, who, as a 7th grader, received the Sacrament of Confirmation from the school's namesake - Bishop Charles Borromeo McLaughlin.

BMCHS is experiencing continued growth and is known for its high academic standards, use of technology in the classroom, growing sports program and fine arts program. The school's Mission Statement is: "Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School provides a Christ-centered education that nurtures the development of the whole person and prepares young men and women as leaders to meet successfully the challenges of our global society."

BMCHS offers various forms of financial assistance, such as Variable Rate Tuition. In addition, there is assistance available from the Diocese of St. Petersburg, the Mary C. Forbes Foundation, the Catholic Foundation, Step Up for Students and the McKay Scholarship.

Academic, Athletic & Social Awareness

BMCHS is accredited by the Southern Association of Schools and Colleges. Each member of the faculty has received Educator Certification from the Florida Department of Education. All faculty members have Bachelor's degrees, with the majority having also earned graduate level Master’s degrees in their field of expertise. BMCHS offers three (3) levels of academic coursework: 1) College Preparatory; 2) Honors; and 3) Advanced Placement (AP).

BMCHS is a one to one laptop school that delivers curriculum in a blended learning environment. Faculty members deliver curriculum both synchronously and asynchronously to prepare students to succeed in an online learning environment. Practical technology skills are an integral part of the academic foundation at BMCHS. Personal laptops provide access to learning anytime, anywhere with daily use making a significant impact on how students learn. Each student laptop can access a high-speed, wireless internet connection anywhere in the building.

BMCHS has successfully placed its graduates into many fine colleges and universities, such as: Air Force Academy, Alabama, Arizona State, Arkansas, Auburn, Baylor, Boston University, Catholic University of America, Clemson, Columbia, Dartmouth, Emory, Florida State University, Fordham, George Mason, George Washington, Georgetown, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Illinois, Indiana, Johns Hopkins, Kentucky, Louisville, Loyola, LSU, Marquette, Mercer, Michigan, Michigan State, Mizzou, Naval Academy, Northeastern, Northwestern, Notre Dame, Ole' Miss, Oregon, Penn State, Pitt, Purdue, Quinnipiac, Rice, Seton Hall, South Carolina, St. John's, SUNY, Syracuse, TCU, Temple, Tennessee, Tulane, University of Central Florida, University of Denver, University of Florida, University of Miami, University of South Florida, UNLV, Wyoming, Valdosta State, Villanova, Washington, Washington & Lee, Washington State and many other stellar institutions of higher learning.

The school's athletic program is a Division 3A participating member of the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA). BMCHS offers participation in competitive sports such as Girls’ Volleyball; Boys’ Football; Cross-Country; Golf; Swimming; Boys’ Basketball; Girls’ Basketball; Boys’ Soccer; Girls’ Soccer; Boys’ Baseball; Girls’ Softball; Cheerleading; Track & Field; and Tennis.

Along with academics and athletics, BMCHS also offers students firsthand insight into the performing arts. The Eleanor Dempsey Performing Arts Center (EDPAC) is an 880-seat, state-of-the-art facility which is fully equipped with professional sound, lighting and stage. Students are trained and involved in all aspects of performing arts, including stage management. The school also offers students the opportunity to become more involved with the school community, as well as the local community, by encouraging participation in activities that develop each student's social awareness. Clubs and activities include Student Government, Yearbook, STEM Club, SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions), Key Club, Teen Court, Student Ambassadors, Peer Ministry, Show Choir and Drama Club.

Significant Dates

January 20, 2000 - Plans begin for a new Catholic high school within the Diocese of St. Petersburg.

May 30, 2002 - Diocese acquires the land for the future home of BMCHS.

August 11, 2003 - BMCHS welcomes its first freshman class.

May 29, 2007 - Commencement for the school's first graduating senior class.

August 11, 2013 - BMCHS celebrates its 10th Anniversary.