Marian Catholic High School Names First Director of Strategic Communications

Marian Catholic High School is pleased to announce the appointment of Samantha Schugardt as its first-ever Director of Strategic Communications. Samantha will begin her role on July 1, 2026.

The creation of this position marks a significant milestone for Marian Catholic, reflecting the school’s ongoing commitment to growth, innovation, and mission-driven excellence. Reporting directly to the Principal, the Director of Strategic Communications will lead the development and execution of a comprehensive marketing and communications strategy to strengthen Marian’s visibility, enrollment efforts, and community engagement.

Samantha brings more than a decade of experience in communications, marketing, and program leadership, particularly within educational and nonprofit arts settings. She currently serves as Arts Department Chair and Dance Teacher at Innovative Arts Academy, where she has led marketing initiatives, developed branding and promotional campaigns, and produced a wide range of digital and print communications. Her background also includes work as an Artistic Director with the Pennsylvania Theatre of Performing Arts, where she managed multi-platform campaigns, built organizational branding, and increased audience engagement through strategic storytelling.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and Dance from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and has extensive experience in social media strategy, graphic design, website management, photography, videography, and public relations. Samantha’s ability to integrate creative storytelling with strategic communication goals makes her uniquely qualified to launch and lead this new role at Marian Catholic.

“This is an exciting moment for Marian Catholic as we continue to invest in our future,” said Fr. Robert Finlan, Principal. “Samantha brings creativity, energy, and a strong background in storytelling and communications that will help us share the Marian experience more effectively with prospective families, alumni, and our broader community. We are thrilled to welcome her as we build this important new area for the school.”

Dave Bielen ’69, Chairman of the Board, also emphasized the importance of the role. “The establishment of the Director of Strategic Communications position reflects Marian’s forward-looking vision and commitment to growth,” he said. “Samantha’s experience in branding, marketing, and community engagement will play a critical role in strengthening our outreach and ensuring a consistent, compelling message across all areas of the school.”

In this role, Samantha will oversee Marian’s marketing and branding efforts, manage digital and social media platforms, coordinate communications across departments, lead public relations initiatives, and support enrollment and advancement through strategic storytelling and engagement.

Marian Catholic High School looks forward to the impact Samantha will have in elevating the school’s presence and invites the community to join in welcoming her this summer.

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Since opening its doors in 1954, Marian High School has graduated more than 8,000 students, now living in all 50 states and abroad. The school proudly honors the legacies of its predecessor institutions—Saint Ann’s High School (Lansford), Saint Mary’s High School (Coaldale), Saint Jerome’s High School (Tamaqua), and Mauch Chunk Catholic High School (Jim Thorpe).

Today, that legacy of faith, learning, and community extends to the alumni of Bishop Hafey High School and Cardinal Brennan High School. While those school buildings may no longer be open, their spirit and values endure through Marian’s ongoing mission. All graduates from these institutions are warmly welcomed as part of the Marian family.

About Marian High School

Marian High School provides a faith-based, college preparatory education rooted in the traditions of the Roman Catholic Church. Guided by the values of faith, service, and academic excellence, Marian prepares students to lead lives of purpose and integrity in a rapidly changing world.