Loch Raven: Calvert Hall getting ready to say goodbye to Principal Louis Heidrick

At the end of this school year, Calvert Hall College High School will be saying goodbye to its principal, Louis Heidrick, who has been on the staff at the school for 48 years. His career at the school began in September 1965 when he was hired as a social studies teacher and department chair; he also served as moderator or coach of various clubs and teams.

In 1981, he became assistant principal for Student Affairs and he 1990 he became assistant principal for Academic Affairs. In 2001, he was named principal , becoming the first Calvert Hall principal who was not a De La Salle Christian Brother.

"Much has been accomplished at Calvert Hall during his years in administration," said Brother Thomas Zoppo, FSC, president "and he has helped to set the stage for continued advancement. Enrollment has been stable; academic facilities have been enhanced; new courses, programs and activities have been added; policies and procedures have been improved; technology opportunities for teachers and students have been expanded and upgraded; Lasallian formation, spiritual, and service experiences for students and staff have flourished; the school's Middle States Accreditation was again successfully completed."

Heidrick was named Distinguished Lasallian Educator in 1990, and on May 14, 2009, the Brothers of the Christian Schools conferred upon him their highest honor, a Letter of Affiliation in appreciation for his commitment to Lasallian values.

Several events are planned for May at which staff and students will have the opportunity to formally thank their soon-to-be former principal and wish him well in his retirement!

Twenty-three youth and nine adults from Hiss United Methodist Church spent the second weekend in January at ROCK 2013 in Ocean City, Md. The annual retreat sponsored by The Baltimore Washington Conference of The United Methodist Church gives youth the opportunity to grow spiritually in a retreat atmosphere.

This year's theme was "transformed from the inside out" and featured motivational youth speaker Reggie Dabbs whose life story involves feeling "abandoned and not worthy of love." In spite of those early emotions, Dabbs graduated from college and has become a popular school speaker who emphasizes that "you can never change your past, but you can change your future.

Youth at the retreat enjoyed special music by Jeff Deyo and Urban Street Level and a variety of other activities as well as many breakout sessions to encourage them to grow their faith.

The attendees brought the music, message and enthusiasm back to Hiss and led a contemporary worship service with music and drama to the praise song "Love Calling." Emily Smiley, the Hiss youth director, delivered the sermon, "Transformation from the Inside Out." Smiley is graduating from McDaniel College and plans on pursuing a career in ministry.

Community youth, ages 12 to 18, are invited to attend youth group meetings and activities at Hiss. The group meets at 6:30 on Sunday evenings at the church, 8700 Harford Road. Call 410-668-5665 for more information.

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