Lathram named next principal at Holy Spirit

By The Catholic Week
MONTGOMERY – Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School announced that Karen Lathram will serve as principal of the Holy Spirit Elementary Campus beginning with the 2024-25 school year.
Lathram is no stranger to the Holy Spirit Campus. She is currently serving as the school’s assistant principal and has served as a second-grade teacher since 2017. While at Holy Spirit, Lathram provided Faith Formation to her students each year as they prepare to receive the Sacraments of First Communion and Reconciliation. She and her husband Othni have two children, Christopher and Anna, who are a Montgomery Catholic graduate and a current student, respectively.
“Our community will be so blessed by Karen in the role of principal,” said MCPS President Justin Castanza. “I am so grateful to Nancy Foley for years of dedication and service to Montgomery Catholic and a beautiful career of more than four decades. As we say goodbye to Nancy at the end of the school year, I am pleased to know we will continue to be in capable hands and welcome Karen Lathram to the team. Faith is at the forefront of our mission, and Karen is ready to carry that standard.”  
Lathram has nearly 25 years of Catholic education experience. She began her career in January 1998 and taught first and second grade at Holy Spirit Catholic School in Tuscaloosa and Our Lady of the Valley Catholic School in Birmingham prior to arriving at Holy Spirit. Before beginning her career, Mrs. Lathram received her Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education from Auburn University in 1997. She later attained her Master of Science degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Alabama in 1999.
“I am humbled and excited about moving forward as the next principal of the Holy Spirit Elementary Campus,” Lathram said. “I have been a lifelong beneficiary and supporter of Catholic education as a student, a parent, and a teacher. I am a firm believer in the mission of educating our children’s souls, minds, and bodies. As Montgomery Catholic celebrates its first 150 years, I look forward to serving in this role and helping to build the foundation for the next 150 years.” 
Lathram will join the administrative staff with School President Justin Castanza, Middle and High School Principal, Eileen Aaron, and St. Bede Elementary Principal, Laurie Gulley.