Bishop Michael F. Burbidge has announced that Frank Roque will
assume the role of principal of Bishop O’Connell High School in Arlington July
1, succeeding Carl Patton, who will leave the school at the end of this academic
year.
“Upon receiving the recommendation of the search committee
and after prayerful discernment, I am pleased to announce that I have appointed
Mr. Frank Roque as principal of Bishop O’Connell High School,” Bishop
Burbidge said in a statement. “In his new role, I am confident that Mr.
Roque’s vast experience, many talents and administrative skills will be
utilized effectively in service of the entire school community. Together, Mr.
Roque and Mr. Crittenberger, head of school, will effectively advance the
strong Catholic identity and excellence in education at Bishop O’Connell High
School.”
Roque has been on the O’Connell staff for 10 years, serving as dean
of student affairs for the past three years. He provided oversight of student
life, counseling, activities, athletics and the clinic. As a part of the
administrative team, Roque worked closely with the head of school, principal,
chaplain and other deans to provide a Catholic education for all its students.
He earned a bachelor’s in economics from Providence College and a
master’s of education in administration and supervision from Marymount
University in Arlington.
Roque also spent four years in formation with Dominican friars
where he studied philosophy and theology. Before coming to O’Connell, he served
nine years on the faculty at Notre Dame Academy in Middleburg, where he taught
philosophy and theology. He was also dean of students.
“I am very excited for this opportunity to be the next
principal of Bishop O’Connell High School,” Roque said. “I have a
great love for this school community and our mission of providing a
Christ-centered education. I have seen the transformative power of an O’Connell
education as both administrator and parent. We have a world class faculty and
administrative team that is devoted to our Catholic mission and I look forward
to continuing this commitment to excellence into the future.”
Head of School Bill Crittenberger said, “On behalf of Bishop
O’Connell, I am delighted that Mr. Roque will be the school’s next principal,
as he embodies all that is called for in this critical position: a deep and
active Catholic faith, a keen working knowledge of the O’Connell community,
relevant experience, excellent academic and professional training,
unimpeachable integrity and character, and an extraordinary touch, marked by
humility, compassion, joy, wisdom, good cheer and hope.
“As was unanimously confirmed during the school’s in-depth
and inclusive search process, Mr. Roque, for whom I have the deepest respect,
admiration and affinity, is exactly the right and the best-fitting person for
the job,” he said.
