Letter from the Principal - June 2024

June 12, 2024

Dear Parents, Guardians, Students, Staff, and Friends,

Congratulations to the Class of 2024! As we finish up another great year at Cretin-Derham Hall, I would like to take a moment to reflect on everything that happened on campus this past year. It was a year full of great accomplishments and new initiatives.

• Cretin-Derham Hall received an overall A+ grade from Niche and was named the 2nd Best Catholic High School and the 9th Best Private High School in MN.

• In December, CDH named Jeb Myers our next president.

• Our faculty, staff, and students gathered to celebrate Hispanic Heritage, Native American Heritage, Black History, and AAPI.

• Our Theater Director, Penelope Parsons-Lord, led our theater department in these productions: The Lion King, Jr., A Midsummer Night's Dream, and Matilda the Musical. Our CDH production of Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical has earned a spot in the 2024 Spotlight showcase. This is a great achievement for the theater department and our show.

• The fall sports program sent several individuals to the State tournament in Girls Swimming and Diving and Cross Country.

• Our JROTC program continues to grow and flourish. Some highlights were Fall Review, Diamond Promotions, Junior Achievement Service Project and Twilight Parade.

• Raider energy was high for Homecoming Week. Go Raiders!

• The CDH annual Rob Stupka III STEAM Week included new activities.

• Ninth-grade parents were welcomed to our faith community at our 9th Grade parent Mass.  

• Eleven students (7 projects) competed in the annual History Day state competition.

• One student qualified to compete in the MSHSL Mathematics League State tournament.

• The CDH band and choir hosted University of Mary concert ensembles, performed at the SEC Music Fest, and traveled to San Diego. They performed at the fall, Christmas and spring concerts at CDH. The choir participated in the Luminosa Festival at the Cathedral of St Paul. Our new a capella group had their debut at the spring choir concert.

• The 22nd annual Empty Bowls was a huge success, raising funds for Heifer International simply by serving soup along with donated ceramics projects and bowls. 

• We had one National Merit Scholarship Finalist and four National Merit Scholarship Commended Scholars.

• We announced our new Innovation and Entrepreneurship initiative, CDH NEXT. 

• Our Counseling department has been busy providing outstanding services to our students. In July the American School Counselors Association (ASCA) awarded us the RAMP designation. Through a generous donor we were able to bring in Collide Theatrical Dance Company, Tashsa Schuh, and more to support our mental health programming. Read the Counseling Today newsletter, which can be found monthly in the Communicator.

• Our Raider winter sports teams finished strong. We had individuals qualify for the MN State Tournaments in Boys Swimming and Diving, Wrestling, and Alpine Skiing. Our Gymnastics team competed at state, our Boys Hockey team placed 3rd in Class AA , and Boys Basketball finished 4th in the state tourney.

• We announced the opening of our Center for Digital Storytelling through a grant from MINNDEPENDENT. 

• The CDH Robotics Team wrapped up their season with a 38th place out of 188 teams, just missing qualifying for state.

• The Alliance for Young Artists & Writers honored three CDH students’ creative talents this year with the scholastic awards.

• In March, we started construction/renovation of our health and wellness spaces.

• Students traveled to Washington DC through the Close-Up program. 

• Grandparents and grandchildren celebrated Grandparents Mass together. 

• Our students cheered and supported each other at our annual Awards Ceremony. 

• The CDH visual arts program hosted its annual Art Show.

• Over 450 students enjoyed the Prom at the Union Depot on Saturday, May 17.

• The Class of 2024 celebrated commencement at the Cathedral of St. Paul.

• CDH Parents, alumni and friends continue to support tuition assistance and our co-curricular programs on our Give CDH days. Thank you!

• CDH led and participated in many different service programs, including the blood drive, Habitat for Humanity, Dorothy Day, Leap for Children, Lasallian Youth, and Letters of Love.

• Spring sports had a strong season (COMING) with several individuals and teams headed to State.

As this school year ends, I would like to thank Teri McCloughan for filling in this past year as interim President and welcome our new president, Jeb Myers. CDH is blessed by their leadership. 

Have a wonderful summer!

Mona Passman, Principal