A Nesquehoning woman will assume the mantle as the new principal of Marian Catholic High School in Tamaqua.

The school's board of directors recently announced the appointment of Jean Susko as the school's new principal, effective July 1.Diocese of Allentown Bishop John Barres approved the board's recommendation of Susko, who has 34 years of experience in education.Susko, who currently serves as the assistant principal at Catasauqua Area High School, lives in Nesquehoning with her husband, David, and daughter, Michaela, who is a junior at Marian.She was chosen to succeed Sister Bernard Agnes Smith, IHM, who will leave Marian after 18 years, having served as the school's principal since 1998.In October, the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary notified Marian that, because of declining numbers among the Sisters, they were withdrawing from Marian at the end of June.Susko brings a wealth of experience to Marian as a teacher, middle school principal, and assistant high school principal in the Catasauqua Area School District.She holds a bachelor of science degree in mathematics from Cedar Crest College in Allentown; a master's degree in secondary mathematics education from Kutztown University; and elementary and secondary principal certification from Lehigh University in Bethlehem.Susko is also a Girl Scout leader (Cadette, Senior and Ambassador Scouts) for the past six years in the Panther Valley area, as well as a volunteer assistant cheerleading coach at Marian for the past three years.Susko said she is looking forward to the challenge."It is an honor and blessing to be chosen as the next Marian Catholic High School principal by the Marian board of directors and Bishop Barres," Susko said. I have always believed that Marian is a school with a wonderful history and heartfelt traditions. Marian high school offers an excellent academic program with the Catholic faith as its foundation."Marian Board chairman Patrick H. Reilly said of Susko, "As a proud parent of a Marian student, Jean is already a member of the Marian family and knows, firsthand, what Marian is all about. The board of directors is pleased to have someone with Jean's education and experience, and we are looking forward to working with her."Reilly also had high praise for Sister Bernard."Marian has been blessed with some remarkable leaders through the years including Monsignor Edward Sacks, Jack Malarkey and most recently Sister Bernard Agnes," Reilly said. "She has worked wonders at this school under very demanding circumstances. During her many years with us, as both teacher and principal, Sister has been an outstanding model of Catholic faith in action to everyone who came in contact with her, but most especially, our students."Susko said she believes that her "multitude of educational experience, both in administration and in the classroom as well as my faith, will provide me with the direction to continue to lead the Marian faculty to provide a quality Catholic education focused on student learning and success."Her goals for the school include the continuation of its strong educational and spiritual traditions that have evolved since its formation in 1954; while promoting academic achievement and spiritual development of students will be a top priority as well."I believe the Marian High School administration and staff should have a shared responsibility toward helping students set expectations for their achievement," Susko said."As a member of St. Francis of Assisi Church in Nesquehoning, I believe that my religious commitment and my educational experiences in administration and teaching will guide me to support all aspects of the learning environment, as well as the Catholic education provided at Marian High School through its beliefs, goals, policies and practices."Susko said, "I look forward to working with the Marian community, Allentown Diocese, the board of directors, faculty, staff, students, parents and alumni on this mission."Marian's current enrollment is 344 students.