WARWICK, RI (April 25, 2024) – Mark R. DeCiccio ’03, Principal, is proud to announce that Charles Kretzer ’24 has been named recipient of the 2024 Principal’s Leadership Award. The honor was announced this morning following schoolwide Mass.
Inspired by Bishop Hendricken’s core values, the Principal’s Leadership Award is presented to a graduating senior who is dedicated to servant leadership throughout his career at Hendricken. The recipient is an individual who lives out Christ’s message, and the mission of the Church, by doing for others. More specifically, this includes service to the poor, marginalized, voiceless, and those facing injustice.
“Charles is a special young man who truly exemplifies servant leadership and rigor,” said DeCiccio. “He leads with an unwavering willingness to help others in all he does. Whether in the classroom, on the field, or on the stage, he’s a natural-born and faith-filled leader who continually endeavors to bring people together.”
A model school citizen and active presence on campus, Kretzer went through the rigorous process of service academy applications this fall and received nominations from Senator Edward Markey. In January, Kretzer earned appointments to both the United States Military Academy at West Point and the United States Air Force Academy.
This fall, Kretzer was elected Student Body President. Over the course of his time at Bishop Hendricken, he has served as a peer mentor for the Options Program, hosted on-campus fundraisers for the 76 Foundation to support pediatric and firefighter cancer patients, assisted peers as a French, English, and Math tutor, and annually organized working groups to help senior citizens with snow removal in the winter.
Kretzer is ranked 19th in the Class of 2024 with a 3.72 GPA in a full Advanced Placement (AP) and honors course load. An AP Scholar, Kretzer is a member of the National Honor Society, National English Honor Society, and National French Honor Society. As a junior, he earned both the Lasell University and Bishop Thomas F. Hendricken Book Awards. Outside of the classroom, Kretzer has competed for Varsity Football, Indoor Track & Field, Varsity Volleyball, and Varsity Swimming. A member of the Performing Arts Academy, he has also appeared in several theatrical productions and earned an All-State Acting Award at the Rhode Island State Drama Festival this spring. Kretzer also participated in Mock Trial, Ambassadors Club, Young Men’s Chorus, Stock Market Club, and served as co-host of the iHawk Radio podcast.
Kretzer came to Bishop Hendricken as a freshman after attending St. Rose of Lima School in Warwick. This fall, he will study business and finance at the United States Military Academy at West Point.
As Principal’s Leadership Award recipient, Kretzer will speak at the Honor Societies Induction Ceremony on Thursday, May 2, 2024.
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CONTACT: Christian Kabbas
Director of Communications & Marketing
ckabbas@hendricken.com
401.889.5395