April 6, 2006

New Principal Named at Olean Catholic High School

Father Barry J. Allaire, a teacher for 23 years at Archbishop Walsh High School, Olean, has been named the new principal of the only Catholic high school in the Diocese of Buffalo south of Erie County. The announcement was made at a student assembly and penance service Thursday, April 6. Father Allaire’s appointment is effective July 1.

“I was surprised at being asked,” said Father Allaire. “It will be a challenge and will also be exciting.”

He explained that the student body of the school is unique. “We cover two states, two dioceses, one county in Pennsylvania and two here.” Situated about 80 miles south of Buffalo in Cattaraugus County, Archbishop Walsh draws students from nearby Pennsylvania cities such as Bradford, part of the Diocese of Erie, Pa., as well as towns and villages in Cattaraugus and Allegany counties.

“There are a lot of challenges and I’d like to work to promote a Catholic education system in the area, from grade school to college,” Father Allaire noted. St Bonaventure University is located one mile from Archbishop Walsh High School.

In addition to his teaching duties at Archbishop Walsh, Father Allaire is pastor of St. Helen Parish in Hinsdale. He will continue to serve as pastor once he takes over the reins as principal at the high school.

Archbishop Walsh High School, 208 North 24^th Street, Olean, is a private co-educational high school founded in the Franciscan tradition conducted by the lay and religious faculty. One hundred students are enrolled at the school.

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