Scott Williams, swilliams@wolfrivermedia.com
ALETA YOUNG
Sacred Heart Catholic School in Shawano is getting a new principal from a public school classroom.
Aleta Young, who teaches fifth grade for the Shawano School District, has agreed to become principal at Sacred Heart starting this summer.
Young will succeed Elisha Wagenson, who is stepping down after leading the parochial school for the past five years.
Wagenson said the principal’s job required too much time away from her family, but she enjoyed serving the Sacred Heart community and she is leaving with many happy memories.
During her five years as principal, Sacred Heart, 124 E. Center St., has grown from fewer than 70 students to more than 100 students in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade.
“I’m very much at peace with it,” Wagenson said of the decision to resign. “It was the right time for me.”
Young said she and her family are active members of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, so she already feels welcome at the school. She plans to start work as principal by mid-June.
“Being able to serve my community, but also to serve my parish, is so amazing,” she said.
Young has been teaching fifth grade at Shawano’s Olga Brener Intermediate School since last fall. Before that, she was a teacher at the Oconto Falls School District for 18 years.
She expressed confidence about tackling her first principal’s job and making the transition from public schools to a private school.
Sacred Heart staff and families have been supportive and encouraging, she said.
“This is just such a blessing and such a gift,” she said.
Wagenson, whose last day on the job is June 30, said she is working with Young on the transition of leadership. Other school staff were notified of the new principal last week, and parents will have a chance to meet Young at a yearly spring showcase event next week.
Wagenson said Young seems to be a good fit for Sacred Heart.
“She is very excited,” Wagenson said. “Her enthusiasm is going to be a great asset.”