Religious affiliation(s) Roman Catholic Founded 2003 Phone +1 727-857-2600 Colors Blue, Old gold | Patron saint(s) St. Charles Borromeo Founder Bishop Robert N. Lynch Number of students 282 | |
Type Private, Roman Catholic Motto Domine, dirige nos. "Lord, guide us." Address 13651 Hays Rd, Spring Hill, FL 34610, USA Mascot "Peli-cane" (a pelican donning a Hurricanes team jersey) Similar Fivay High School, Sunlake High School, River Ridge High School, Crews Lake Middle Sc, Ridgewood High School Profiles | ||
Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School (BMCHS) is a private high school located in northern Pasco County, not far from Spring Hill, in the Diocese of St. Petersburg.
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General Information
Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School was established in 2003. It 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 "Peli-cane" (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 McLaughlin.
Bishop McLaughln Catholic High School is ranked as the 7th Best Catholic High School in the state of Florida for 2017, as rated by NICHE. 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. Assistance is also available from the Diocese of St. Petersburg, the Mary C. Forbes Foundation, the Catholic Foundation, Step Up for Students and the McKay Scholarship.
Academics, athletics and 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 levels of academic coursework: College Preparatory, Honors and Advanced Placement.
BMCHS is a one-to-one laptop school that delivers its 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 and Washington State.
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 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 began for a new Catholic high school within the Diocese of St. Petersburg.
May 30, 2002 - Diocese acquired the land for the future home of BMCHS.
August 11, 2003 - BMCHS welcomed its first freshman class.
May 29, 2007 - Commencement was held for the school's first graduating senior class.
August 11, 2013 - BMCHS celebrated its 10th anniversary.