Adrianne Manning, second from left, was recently hired as the new principal of St. Michael Parish School. Pictured are, from left, Associate Pastor Fr. Freddie D’Souza, Manning, the Rev. Carlos Melocoton and vice principal Sara Herron. (Photo Provided)

St. Michael Parish School has hired a seasoned veteran of Ohio County Schools to serve as its new principal.

Adrianne Manning will take on the role starting July 31, replacing the departing Kim Burge.

“I’m excited and blessed to pair my passion for education with my Catholic faith and join the St. Michael family as a member of the staff,” Manning said. “This is a wonderful school community, and I can’t wait to help nurture the growth of faith, family, and community that is already present here. I want to thank Father Carlos (Melocoton) and the search committee for their dedication to our school. I also want to thank Ohio County Schools for encouraging me to grow into the educator that I am today.”

Manning, who holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from West Virginia University, spent 16 years at Wheeling Middle School. While there, she served as a curriculum team member and team leader, working at the county level on several committees, including curriculum development and textbook adoption.

Manning was named the 2017-18 Ohio County Schools Teacher of the Year and was a finalist for West Virginia Teacher of the Year the same year.

She is no stranger to St. Michael Parish, serving as Parish Festival co-chair with husband Jacob for seven years. Oldest daughter Elizabeth graduated as eighth-grade valedictorian at St. Michael this year, while daughter Sarah will be in seventh grade and son Declan will be in kindergarten this fall.

“It is with great joy that I welcome Adrianne as our new principal,” Melocoton said. “She brings experience, leadership, enthusiasm and a true love of Jesus Christ and our Catholic identity. I ask for you to keep her in your prayers and ask the Lord to bless her and our school. I would also like to express my appreciation for the Principal Search Committee. The committee team reviewed resumes, conducted on-site interviews and carefully evaluated each candidate. I accepted their recommendation which was subsequently approved by Mary Ann Deschaine, Superintendent of Catholic Schools and Bishop Mark Brennan.”

A special reception will be held soon to welcome Mrs. Manning and the 2023-2024 faculty and staff at St. Michael Parish School.