Monsignor Donovan High School to 'Refresh' Its Name

Monsignor Donovan High School in Toms River will change its name to Donovan Catholic effective this week, school officials announced Tuesday.

The name Donovan Catholic is "clearer, more succinct and more accurately reflective of the norms of today’s church," said Dr. Edward Gere, Principal.

The school will also use a new tagline, "It Makes a Difference," to promote itself in the local community, Gere said in a statement.

"We believe that a family’s choice of high school makes a difference in the trajectory of a child’s life," he said. "Choosing Donovan Catholic makes a difference. A child’s experiences here over the course of four years changes them forever."

Letters have been sent to parents, students and alumni informing them of the name change, school officials said.

The school is also focusing on a number of areas to lure students, especially tapping one's potential in academics and sports. In the announcement of the name change, the school touted its "culture of student autonomy," a collegiate schedule, and faculty who mentor students as well as teach.

"The future is bright at Donovan Catholic," said Fr. Scott Shaffer, Pastor of St. Joseph’s Parish. "School leadership has a compelling vision for the future and a systematic approach to creating that future. As people begin noticing some obvious cosmetic changes around the school, they should realize we are enhancing how students learn, as well."

The school, located on Hooper Avenue in Toms River, was originally known as St. Joseph's High School when it opened in 1962. In 1983, the school was renamed Monsignor Donovan High School in honor of its founder, Msgr. Lawrence Donovan.