Barwick, a class of 1994 alumni of Montgomery Catholic, returned to his Alma mater in 2012 and has been principal for grades 7-12 for four years. In explaining his decision, Mr. Barwick said, “the opportunity to be principal at the middle and high campuses for the school that I love has been humbling and rewarding. The support of our parents, the joy given to me by our students, and the expertise of the faculty and staff make me overwhelmingly grateful for these years. I've grown professionally and spiritually thanks to the great community here at MCPS and can never truly thank everyone for this gift. Montgomery Catholic is a very blessed school with a beautiful future ahead. I look forward to continuing to support it as an alumni and friend. ”.
Before returning to Montgomery Catholic, Barwick served as principal for three years at Anthony de Padua Catholic School in South Bend, Indiana. He also served as acting principal for two quarters at San Juan Diego Catholic High School in Austin, Texas, and was a teacher and coach at Mount de Sales Academy in Macon, Georgia. His new position will make him the first school president of St. Pius X, a high school (grades 9-12) with an average enrollment of approximately 1,100 students.
On accepting Barwick's resignation, Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School president Anne Ceasar said, "Chad is a dynamic educator, who is passionate about his faith and his students. He will make a huge impact at St. Pius X. They are very lucky he is joining their community, and he will be greatly missed at Montgomery Catholic.”
In naming Barwick’s replacement Ceasar said, “We are excited to announce the interim middle/high school principal for next year will be Mr. Justin Castanza. Justin has been part of our school for many years. He has served as a teacher and Dean of Students. He is an integral part of our Catholic community’s youth ministry programs. I feel he will continue the forward movement of our school during this interim year. Justin has a great love for Montgomery Catholic that began when he was a student here and his passion for our school will be a great asset in his new role. ”
Castanza is a 2001 graduate of Montgomery Catholic. He received his undergraduate degree in Secondary Education and his Counselor Education masters degree in Student Affairs from Mississippi State. A teacher at Montgomery Catholic for the last two years, Castanza acted as the Associate Executive Director of the YMCA’s Camp Chandler for five years.
On accepting the position, Mr. Castanza said, “I am overjoyed at the opportunity to lead our great school and continue to build on our tradition of Faith. This is an exciting time at Montgomery Catholic, and I am proud to be part of our continued growth and development. My family is truly at home in this community, and I look forward to serving in this new role."
Castanza is married to Meghan; they have two children, Vincent and Natalie. They are active members of St. Bede the Venerable Parish in Montgomery. He will begin training with Barwick immediately and he will begin full time on July 1.
