By Jessica Easthope
A lot has changed since 1991—clothing, hairstyles, and technology.
But one thing has stayed the same—Kara McCarthy can still be found walking the halls of Our Lady of Hope Catholic Academy.
“I prayed a lot, just asking God to put me where you need me to be. And ultimately, it ended up right back here,” McCarthy said.
She left, ready to take on the next chapters of her life, not knowing one chapter would bring her right back where she started—not as a student, but as the principal of her elementary school.
“Having been a product of this school and now returning, it’s part of me giving back,” McCarthy said. “My experiences here were so positive. I loved my teachers, I loved my classes, I loved everything about it.”
As principal, she wants her students to graduate with the same feelings she had—nothing but love and gratitude for their school.
“To look back with fondness, to look back with pride, saying that they’re a product of Our Lady of Hope and being able to go forward in life, making this a strong part of their foundation,” McCarthy said.
With an unshakable Catholic identity, McCarthy will be implementing more student Masses and a daily afternoon Angelus.
“The best part about being in Catholic education is that when times are tough, when you need a moment, you can come together in prayer,” McCarthy said. “Remembering those times as a student and now being able to share them, helping the students here today celebrate in the same way and honor our Lord—the reason why we are here—is vital to me.”
McCarthy said Our Lady of Hope is a multi-generational school, with former students now dropping off their children and grandchildren. She has a legacy to uphold—not just as principal, but as the little girl in those pictures.