Seasoned Catholic Lay Person to serve as President
Peter G. Kane has been appointed by the Most Reverend James F. Checchio, Bishop of the Diocese of Metuchen as the next President of St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Edison, New Jersey. Mr. Kane will be the first lay person to serve as President of the highly regarded, coed high school.
His appointment reflects the exciting changes and developments at the coeducational college preparatory High School founded in 1969, that complements Bishop James F. Checchio’s commitment and vision for the future of Catholic education in the Diocese of Metuchen.
A new Board of Limited Jurisdiction has been recruited and established to provide oversight and to function as an advisory board to the Bishop, the President, and the Superintendent of Schools. The board is composed of clergy, alumni, and community leaders with expertise in a variety industry and disciplines.
Previously known as Bishop Ahr High School, the school recognized its origins and returned to the original name, St. Thomas Aquinas High School in 2019 as part of a larger strategic plan marking the schools 50th anniversary. The school is uniquely characterized by the fact that Christ is our model and guided by our Catholic tradition, develops young men and women into courageous leaders in service to others through faith, academic excellence and the recognition of the value and dignity of each person.
"Mr. Kane has the experience, enthusiasm and spiritual maturity to lead St. Thomas Aquinas High School to greater heights and deeper faith” according to Barbara Stevens, Superintendent of Schools for the Metuchen Diocese. "Along with a dedicated team of faculty, staff, coaches and administrators, he will be a dynamic and inspiring presence for students, alumni and the community.”
Peter G. Kane previously served as the President of Marist High School in Bayonne, NJ and has been an active member of his local parish, St. Teresa of Avila in Summit, NJ for over 50 years. He has been married for 27 years. He and his wife have two adult sons, both of whom work in education.
“I am filled with humility and joy as I embark on this wonderful journey,” said Kane. “We are at an important inflection point in Catholic education. Our focus on values and faith development is the foundation for which our young people thirst. St. Thomas Aquinas High School strikes a balance with rigorous academic, artistic, and athletic programs in a safe and nurturing place where enlightenment can flourish.”
Peter G. Kane graduated from New York University – Stern School of Business with a BS in Finance. Before transitioning to Catholic education leadership, he spent over 30 years working in the financial services industry and has travelled widely in Europe and Asia.