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By Suzanne Haugh
Staff Writer
ATLANTA-The theme for Catholic Schools Week, "Lighting the Way to a New
Century," may be even more significant for those who have embarked upon
the journey of Catholic school education for the first time.
One of those celebrating the event-filled week for the first time is John
Mayer, principal of St. Anthony and Our Lady of Lourdes Schools, both in
Atlanta.
For Mayer, who spent 23 years at Pace Academy as a guidance counselor and
soccer coach, among other things, what stands out most about his new direction
in education are the people with whom he interacts.
"I've found, for the most part, that the children I work with and the
people I work with have a wonderful spirituality, and that they, at both
schools, are loving, caring, open and warm."
Mayer recounted a story about his daughter, who is a junior at the
University of Massachusetts. She spent two weeks at St. Anthony's. Upon the
conclusion of her stay, she wanted to make sure her father knew what a unique
environment he was privileged to lead.
"I said, 'yes, I know,'" he recalled. "'No, no, no,' she
said, 'you really don't understand how neat a school (St. Anthony's
is).’"
To celebrate the richness of both school communities and the efforts of
those who make it so, events during Catholic Schools Week included a teacher
appreciation day, a school-wide Mass and student letters of appreciation to
their parents, along with a lunch that parents were invited to attend.
Mayer commented on the value of Catholic education, particularly within an
urban environment.
"It's so very, very important to fulfill a need for some that otherwise
they would not be able to get," he said.
And while there may still be those not able to afford a Catholic school
education, through programs like the archdiocese's financial assistance, Mayer
can say "we are there" and parents need to figure out how to take
advantage of the opportunity.
"It's a lot easier (to afford Catholic schools) then some other private
schools in the area-that's for sure," he said.
Mayer, a native of Connecticut, attended the University of Bridgeport on an
athletic scholarship and received his bachelor's degree in physical education
in 1974. He moved to Atlanta and began his first job at St. Joseph's High
School. After St. Joseph's closed in 1976, Mayer began a career at Pace Academy
in Atlanta, eventually earning a master's degree in counseling and
psychological services. He also completed 25 graduate hours toward a master's
degree in administration and supervision.
Mayer also coached Pace soccer teams, where he had a record of over 200 wins
and fewer than 50 losses. He was the Georgia Athletic Coaches Association State
Soccer Coach of the Year in 1981, 1988 and 1993, and the Southeastern Soccer
Coach of the Year in 1993. He believes that students can learn a lot from being
involved in school athletics.
"Working with a team and learning to rely on someone else is so
important," he said. "It's really helping them to be a whole
different person."
In his years at Pace, Mayer served as guidance counselor for many grades at
the school, which goes from grades seven through 12. Anticipating his
involvement with elementary school children, Mayer said, in a July 1999
interview, "Those younger children just kind of light up when you walk
into the room."
Mayer has discovered as a principal that the feeling is mutual.
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