Long Time Devon Prep Headmaster to Retire

DEVON, Pa. - July 17, 2015 - PRLog -- After more than 20 years at the helm of Devon Preparatory School, Rev. James J. Shea, Sch.P., will be stepping down as headmaster of the all-boys college preparatory school on July 31, 2015, announced Rev. Fernando Negro, Sch.P. provincial of the Piarist Fathers USA/Puerto Rico Province. Rev. Shea, 67, has been headmaster of Devon Prep since 1994. He leaves behind a legacy that has seen increased enrollment as well as improvements in campus facilities and curriculum.

“Father Shea is the longest tenured Headmaster in the school’s history, and Devon Prep has flourished under his leadership,” said Rev. Negro in a letter to Devon Prep parents, alumni and trustees. “The entire Devon Prep community and the Order of the Piarist Fathers are indebted to Fr. Shea for his unceasing and tireless dedication and service to Devon, its students and their families.”

A 1966 graduate of Devon Prep, Rev. Shea has spent much of his life at the school, first as a student then as a teacher, assistant headmaster and headmaster.  Under his leadership Devon Prep established a Board of Trustees, constructed its first new building in 40 years, established a full-time college guidance program, expanded the music and art programs, maintained the school’s secure financial position and enhanced the Pro-Life and Christian Action Programs. In addition, while serving as headmaster, Rev. Shea taught physics and calculus in the upper school.

“I feel truly blessed to have had such a long and rewarding career as the chief administrator of this wonderful school,” Rev. Shea said. “As I look back on the 21 years I have been privileged to serve here as headmaster, I do so with the realization that the reason the school has enjoyed success for all those years lies not in my own abilities, but in the kind support of all the Devon Prep family. By working together,” Rev. Shea continued, “we have touched the lives of so many young men by providing them with a first rate education, a nurturing Catholic environment where young boys make the critical transition from boyhood to manhood, and a superb foundation for college and for life beyond. It has been an awesome experience.”

Father Shea will be named Headmaster Emeritus and will remain a member of the Devon Prep faculty. Rev. Negro also announced that Rev. Francisco Aisa, Sch.P. has been appointed the new Headmaster of Devon Prep effective August 1, 2015.

Devon Prep is a private, Catholic, college preparatory school for young men in grades six to 12, conducted by the Piarist Fathers. Devon Prep students hail from Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Bucks counties as well as parts of Philadelphia. The school’s Main Line campus sits on 20 acres on North Valley Forge Road in Devon, PA. For more information about Devon Prep visit www.devonprep.com.