I hope everyone is enjoying a wonderful start to the summer. I am delighted to officially join Holy Cross as your new principal, starting July 1st. My name is Mallory O’Mara, and I am excited to begin this journey with all of you.

Firstly, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone I’ve had the pleasure of meeting so far, and to those who have warmly welcomed me into this vibrant community. A special thank you goes to Mrs. Pollitt for her invaluable guidance and dedication over the past few months. Her leadership has been truly transformational, and I am eager to continue building on the strong foundation she has laid.

I have a strong connection to the Diocese of Wilmington, having grown up within this community. My passion for education has been a constant in my life, starting at an early age and growing stronger with each passing year. I began my career in early childhood education, which led me to pursue further certifications in elementary and special education. While teaching within the Diocese, I earned my Master's Degree in School Leadership and my Administrative Certification, driven by a desire to combine my love for education with a leadership role.

My Catholic values are deeply rooted in the cherished relationship I had with my grandmother. Each Sunday, we attended church together, where she nurtured my faith and understanding. When my family decided to move from New York to Delaware, I was initially hesitant and fearful of the change. During the transition, we often stayed at a hotel in Dover. On one of our final visits before the move, my parents continued their search for a new home, and my grandmother chose to stay with me in Dover. She believed she knew the perfect place to help ease my anxiety about the move. She brought me to Holy Cross to attend Mass.

I vividly remember finding great comfort in realizing that my Catholic values and this community would support me in this new chapter of life. After Mass, my grandmother spoke with various community members, proudly sharing that I would be moving to Delaware. The warmth and welcome we received were profound. Although my grandmother has recently passed away, becoming the principal of Holy Cross feels like coming full circle. I find comfort in knowing that this wonderful community will again be a source of support for me, our faculty, staff, and students.

Each year, our Catholic schools embrace a theme that guides and inspires us. For the upcoming school year, our Diocesan theme is “We Walk by Faith (Matthew 14: 22-33).” This theme encourages us to face challenges with courage, knowing that our faith lights our path. As we prepare for the new school year, I invite everyone to reflect on this message. While change can be daunting, we can find strength and assurance in God’s plan for us.

It is an honor to join the Holy Cross family, and I am looking forward to meeting each and every one of you who contribute to making Holy Cross a remarkable place for spiritual and educational growth.

With warm regards.