Principal eager for Seton Catholic High School to open

Theodore “Ted” Hanes can explain every aspect of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic High School. He has immersed himself in learning the details since January 2016 when he was hired as its first principal. This new school in the Carolina Forest area of Myrtle Beach will start classes Aug. 17 in facilities at St. Mark Coptic Orthodox church on Carolina Forest Boulevard, next door to Seton.

“It’s perfect for us,” Hanes said, and adds that Seton High will be ready for occupancy around mid-October.

The school sits on 50 acres of a 75-acre plot and is designed with eight instructional areas, including a multi-purpose art/music room, a media center and a science laboratory. Only freshmen are enrolled this first year, but sophomores, juniors and seniors will be added in successive years. It will provide a challenging academic program, Hanes said. English, biology, algebra, physical education, computer science and theology are the required subjects.

History, art, music and Spanish are electives.

“We will have college prep and honors offered,” Hanes said. “I promised parents highly qualified teachers.”

The development of extracurricular activities will depend on what students want, Hanes said. He anticipates having student government, an arts and drama club and a faith-based group. He intends to include athletics with volleyball, basketball, cheerleading, cross country and track and field as possibilities.

Although Seton is faith-based, it accepts students of all religions. Tuition is $7,000 for Catholic students and $9,000 for non-Catholic students. Seven teachers are hired for the anticipated 20 freshman students, but the school continues to accept applications for enrollment this school year. Prospective applicants should check the Web site and phone number listed above for more information.

“I have a deep appreciation for the sacrifices parents make,” Hanes said. “I don’t want cost to be a factor. Aid is available.”

Seton is the fourth Catholic diocesan high school in South Carolina. The diocesan office in Charleston states there are 34 schools in the diocese, and in the 2015-16 school year it served 7,206 students. Of those, 2,040 were high school students. The Catholic population in South Carolina has increased in recent years. The diocesan records indicate 76,201 families are registered at parishes bringing the total number of people to 196,245.

Hanes, 44, moved to South Carolina from Pennsylvania and provides an impressive background to be principal at Seton. He received his bachelor’s degree in mathematics education from Penn State University and his master’s degree in educational administration from California University in Pennsylvania. His 22-year career in education has been at Elk County Catholic High School in St. Marys, Penn., the same school he attended.

He began as a math teacher and added computer science to his schedule. He was technology coordinator, did class scheduling and became vice principal. He also accepted the responsibility of being advisor for several extracurricular activities. Math competitions, drama club, ski and snowboard club and senior class are among them. He was musical director and producer for 19 different school musicals including The Music Man, Guys and Dolls, Beauty and the Beast and Shrek. “I have been in some plays in high school and college,” he said.

He said the challenge of his new job is the diversity of skills needed. Among his duties include selecting furniture for the school, hiring staff, choosing appropriate uniforms for the students, organizing schedules, meeting parents, and most important, knowing the students. When asked what frustrates him, he had to stop and think. “You go to your back-up plan,” he said.

Hanes grew up in St. Marys, the third of seven children. His parents owned a small grocery store, and his father was a logger. Hanes worked in the store and helped his father run the skidder, a vehicle that pulls the logs into the open.

He chose teaching because of superior teachers he had through his growing-up years. He said he enjoys woodworking and has made dressers, desks and tables.

“I like to tinker,” he said. He also enjoys downhill skiing.

Jane Bunal of Conway, administrative assistant and office manager, has been on board since May 2013 when the Capital Campaign got underway. “I like that I am part of something larger than myself and that I’m contributing to Catholic education,” she said.

“(Seton) will be part of the fabric of the community,” Hanes said. “We have the support of the community. This isn’t a one-, five- or ten-year project. This is a long-term part of the community.”

He said he’s using his talents to make Seton the best school possible. ”I am encouraged by the commitment of the teachers,” he adds. “We are creating a Catholic identity.”

This story was originally published August 14, 2016 at 5:00 AM with the headline "Principal eager for Seton Catholic High School to open."