Cathedral - Back to School
fall 2026 CCS NewsletterA Strong Start at Cathedral
The 2026–27 school year has begun! Faculty and staff greeted our students with cheers and high fives as they entered on day one, and that has set the tone for the Fall semester. There is a mutual respect between our staff and students that is part of our culture. Lately, I’ve been meeting with all the seniors in small groups and asking them about their Cathedral experience. Every group so far has mentioned their teachers as an important part of what makes Cathedral special.
Middle school kicked off the year with its House selection, a fun way to welcome our sixth graders and give all middle school students a team and a place of belonging. Cathedral’s eight Houses—Joy, Integrity, Harmony, Gratitude, Friendship, Compassion, Determination, and Creativity—each have their own patron saint and color. Throughout the year, Houses will gather for activities, service projects, and monthly convocations, building connections among students across grade levels while earning points for participation, service, teamwork, and positive actions.
Students and staff are also celebrating St. Mother Teresa as Cathedral’s patron saint this year. In September, the school welcomed Patrick Norton, a local man whose life was directly impacted by Mother Teresa. Born on the streets of India, Patrick shared the story of being rescued by Mother Teresa as a baby, brought to an orphanage with the Missionaries of Charity, and eventually adopted by a family in the United States. His visit offered students a powerful, personal connection to Mother Teresa’s call to “do little things with great love” and a reminder to look for opportunities to serve others right where they are.
At the high school, Homecoming is fast approaching. It is a special time filled with fun events, dress-up days, sports, and a dance, but it is also an opportunity to celebrate Cathedral’s deep roots as we welcome alumni back home.
Welcoming New and Familiar Faces to Cathedral
Cathedral welcomes several new and familiar faces into new roles this year, bringing a wide range of experience, talents, and connections to the school community.
Richard McMorrow | Principal
Richard McMorrow returns to Cathedral as principal following Kathy Crispo’s retirement. This marks his third time serving the Cathedral community, following previous tenures beginning in 2002 and 2017. He brings a strong history of leadership and meaningful contributions to Cathedral’s life and culture, along with the experience gained through administrative and student support roles over the past six years. His deep connection to Cathedral and commitment to its Catholic mission make this return a meaningful homecoming.
Tanya Vossberg | Assistant Principal
Tanya joins Cathedral as Assistant Principal, bringing experience working with schools, clinics, and nonprofit organizations, as well as two decades of military service. She is committed to supporting students, teachers, and staff while helping foster a culture of care, accountability, and belonging
Nicholas Servatius | Mathematics
Nick begins his first year of teaching at Cathedral this fall. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics and a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics Education and is especially excited to help students make connections and grow mathematically. A true math enthusiast, Nick also enjoys reading, cooking, and bike rides. He and his family also welcomed a son, Malcolm, in January.
Elizabeth Hamak | Theology
Elizabeth begins her first year of teaching while continuing her own education in graduate school. She is grateful for the opportunity to teach Theology at Cathedral and to bring faith directly into the classroom. Outside of school, Elizabeth enjoys traveling and has visited Rome, Italy—a destination she is already looking forward to returning to next year.
Sally Schmitt | Campus Ministry & Religion
Sally begins her 11th year in education with a new name and a new school! After spending her first 10 years at St. Katharine Drexel, where many knew her as Ms. Traut, Sally got married this summer and now joins Cathedral as Campus Minister and sixth- and seventh-grade Religion teacher. She is excited to work with older students as they develop their faith and hopes to help them see the ways God is working for good in their lives. She has also loved reconnecting with former SKD students at Cathedral. Outside of school, Sally enjoys traveling, swing dancing, and line dancing—and looks for any opportunity to get out on the dance floor!
Bob Craven | Applied Engineering
Cathedral alumnus Bob Craven ’00 returns to his alma mater to teach applied engineering, bringing more than 25 years of industry experience to the classroom. As a graduate, Bob is especially excited to return to a Catholic school where his faith can be part of who he is as a teacher. He owns Northside Welding and, in a fun twist for an engineering teacher, holds a degree in Aeronautics and still has his commercial pilot license. Bob and his wife, Heather, have five children attending Catholic Community Schools.
