St. Paul’s School begins the new 2012-2013 school year with record attendance, necessitating the expansion of the faculty by a total of seven members, five of whom are new to campus.

“We open this year to record attendance–more than I expected. Still, we could not accept all qualified applicants due to space,” said President/Principal Bro. Ray Bulliard, F.S.C.

New Spanish teacher Brad Marchese is teaching Spanish I. Born and raised in New Orleans, he has a bachelors degree in Spanish and is near completion of a master’s degree in Romance Languages with a concentration in Spanish. He has studied in Costa Rica and Spain. He most recently moved to Buenos Aires, Argentina, where he lived for nine months to immerse himself in a foreign culture and get some real-life experience speaking Spanish. While there, he taught English at a local church and worked at a restaurant.

“My decision to move to Argentina was by far one of the boldest and best decisions I have ever made in my life. I had some amazing experiences and met some amazing people while learning so much about a different culture and even more about myself,” said Marchese.

New English teacher Vic Morlas is teaching English III and IV. He has taught English for 33 years. His wife is an English teacher, and two of his three daughters majored in English. He notes a love of literature, playing tennis, and gardening.

“I will bring energy and enthusiasm to my classes,” said Morlas.

New science teacher Don Midkiff is teaching Earth Science, Physical Science, and Biology Honors. Born and raised in New Orleans, he attended Brother Martin High School, then enrolled at L.S.U. and graduated with a degree in Biological Sciences. He is in his fifth year of teaching, beginning his career at Cabrini High and later teaching at Archbishop Hannan. He has taught Physics, AP Biology, Chemistry, and Biology and has coached basketball at both Cabrini and Hannan. He also enjoys playing golf.

“To say a certain reason as to why I joined St. Paul’s would be a disservice. I actually think I was chosen by St. Paul’s,” said Midkiff “God has a plan laid out for me and drew me to this school.”

New Law Studies teacher Sonny Garcia attended Tulane University and Tulane Law School. The father of a St. Paul’s graduate, he received a B.S. in Psychology and a Juris Doctorate and has practiced law over 40 years.

“I want to help the students understand those laws that will affect them on a daily basis and help those students who might be interested in law understand what the practice of law is all about,” said Garcia.

Christine Woodard joins the faculty both as an American History teacher and a Guidance Counselor for the freshman class. With degrees from L.S.U. and Tulane, she also spent time at the University of Virginia working on a Ph.D. and teaching Sociology and Criminology. As the former district-wide college counselor for St. Tammany Parish Public Schools, Woodard worked with SPS Guidance Counselor Renee Miller on various projects for college-bound students.

“Renee was very persuasive,” says Woodard regarding her move to join SPS. “As a graduate of SSA, I always had a fondness for SPS. Also, my cousin, Joe Dickens, has always spoken so highly of the school, it really made me want to be part of St. Paul’s.”

In addition to the new faces, St. Paul’s also welcomes Alex Lacour back to the Math Department after a year abroad and welcomes Barrett Baumgartner to the classroom. An SPS alumnus, Baumgartner worked last year as the Assistant Director of the school’s theater program and the Assistant Campus Ministry Coordinator. In addition to these roles, he now also teaches Religion I.

St. Paul’s also lost two long-time teachers this year. Long-time French and Louisiana History teacher Francoise Butchart retired this year, as did American History teacher Judy Martin.