Holy Family School Principal Thomas Sorci at his desk. Sorci will be departing HFS this week after five years as principal, and the school will welcome in former HFS first grade teacher Rachel Ballin as their new principal. (Photo by Sarah Genter)

NORWICH — Norwich-based Catholic school Holy Family (HFS) is saying goodbye to Principal Thomas Sorci this week, and welcoming in former first grade teacher and new principal Rachel Ballin.

Sorci began his teaching career more than 40 years ago. He said he knew he wanted to go into the educational field since he was in high school.

"A lot of my teachers thought I would be a good teacher because I could lead a discussion. I could get involved in classroom discussions and getting people to talk about certain subjects. So they had already pinpointed I would make a good teacher when I was in high school," he explained. "I always wanted to be in a Catholic school ... Being a Catholic myself, I felt it would be more true to myself if I were to be a leader in a Catholic school."

Sorci majored in religion in college, and began teaching immediately after graduating. He returned to the classroom several times to earn a master's degree, then a doctorate in educational leadership from Penn State University, as well as his principal certification.

After 25 years of teaching, Sorci moved into a leadership role as principal of a Catholic school in Arizona in 2008.

Five years ago, he made the move to Norwich where he became the Principal of Holy Family School. In his five years in the role, Sorci said he's enjoyed working with the students, parents, and faculty that make up the school, and is proud of all they've accomplished.

"I really like the students and their parents. I think it’s a wonderful community, and the support from the parents is just unparalleled from other places that I’ve been. They're always willing to help out with fundraising, with any events that we have, and the kids are just really well-behaved," said Sorci. "They’re loving, kind students. I’m really going to miss them. They’re very close to my heart."

"I really enjoyed it here in five years. We’ve done so much. You know, we went through our centennial celebration. We went through COVID, getting back to school after COVID and the school closing, and then getting back. And then we had accreditation for seven more years through the Middle States Association," he said. "We had the renovation of the gymnasium. The RC Smith Foundation helped us and we named the gym after RC Smith, Robert C. Smith. That’s brand new this year. So we’ve done a lot, I think, in the last five years."

Now, Sorci is returning to Arizona, where he will be working as Principal of San Francisco de Asis Catholic School in Flagstaff.

Effective July 1, Sorci will hand the reins over to Rachel Ballin, a teacher at Holy Family School for the last seven years.

"Mrs. Ballin is not only a seasoned educator but also a cherished member of our community. She resides here in Norwich, and her familiarity with our school and parish communities is truly unique. We are fortunate to have found such a dedicated individual who shares our values and understands the unique strengths and challenges of our school," said HFS Pastor Fr. Ralph Bove and Superintendent William Crist in a statement to HFS families.

"We can expect a fresh perspective and innovative ideas that will contribute to the growth and success of our students. Her educational background and leadership experience have equipped her to guide our school towards excellence in academics, character formation, and spiritual development."

Ballin began as a pre-k teacher at Holy Family, before moving to the position of first grade teacher. In her time at the school, she also proved herself to be a natural leader, serving as team leader for a committee studying preschool and pre-k throughout the Diocese of Syracuse, a liaison for the school's self study, an internal coordinator for the school's recent seven-year accreditation, and she coordinated several school events.

"I noticed right away that she was an excellent teacher and someone who could inspire other faculty members, as a mentor, as someone who could work independently and help with administrative-type tasks," said Sorci. "The Diocese noticed that she was very good at what she did. So we’re noticing that she’s a true leader, and so when the time came to find my replacement, she was the logical choice."

Sorci said the Diocese of Syracuse is extremely selective when it comes to appointing principals of their schools, and usually put out a nationwide search to fill open positions. However, at Holy Family, that task was made easy thanks to Ballin's experience and skills.

"They knew that Rachel was a good candidate, so they didn’t really have to go nationwide. They had somebody right here, homegrown talent," he said.

"In the past month or so I’ve been able to work with her, you know, if she’s had any questions about anything, I’ve been able to answer them for her," he added. "But she’s very good at what she does so she doesn’t really have a lot of questions. She knows what direction she wants the school to go in."

HFS has more changes on the way as well. Beginning in the 2024-25 academic year, the school will no longer offer sixth grade. Additionally, the HFS Board of Advisors was disbanded this past winter, and St. Paul’s Parish Council now oversees school operations.

Despite the changes, Sorci said he's confident in the direction of the school, and has faith in Holy Family's new leaders.

"The principal reports to the Parish Council, who makes recommendations for the school. So it's kind of a little bit different instruction of the top of the administration, but it’s still a good one," said Sorci. "I think the Parish Council here is very interested in seeing the school go forward for another 100 years, and I think they’ll do a great job leading."

"I think it’s good not to stay stagnant. I think it’s good to change it, get new life," he continued. "I think it’ll be a good, positive change."