St. Rita of Cascia High School Announces New Principal Mr. Josh Blaszak '02

CHICAGO, IL, June 20, 2022—Deacon John Donahue, J.D., Ed.D., President of St. Rita of Cascia High School, today announced that Josh Blaszak has been named as the school’s new Principal. Blaszak is a 2002 graduate of St. Rita.

Blaszak has more than 15 years of professional experience in education and began his career at St. Rita in 2007 as a Math Teacher. From that point, Blaszak has been a key contributor to maintaining the success and history of the school, holding positions in advancement, student activities, and campus ministry. He most recently served as the Associate Principal for Student Life & Communications. Blaszak also just completed his 10th year as the Director of Kairos Retreats and has been a part of 46 of St. Rita’s 148 Kairos Retreats.

“Looking back at the past 25 years of my life, what began when I became a Ritaman in 1998 has impacted nearly every aspect of my life today. It has been and always will be my goal to bring that same opportunity to the Ritamen I encounter each and every day. I am excited to continue serving the St. Rita Family in my new role,” mentioned Blaszak. His family roots are also planted within the school, as his father Rich is an honorary alum, brother Zach is an 2000 alum, and cousins also attended St. Rita.

Blaszak earned a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics with a concentration in Secondary Education from Merrimack College, an Augustinian college located in North Andover, MA, and a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from the University of St. Francis in Joliet, IL.

Recently, Blaszak was honored as an Augustinian Affiliate in August 2021. This affiliation is the highest honor that the Augustinian Order can bestow upon an individual. It is awarded to those who merit special recognition because of their distinguished cooperation for the good of the Order. In addition to his association with St. Rita and Merrimack, Blaszak served as an Augustinian Volunteer after college and has been the Associate Director of the St. Rita of Cascia Shrine Chapel for the past seven years. An affiliate belongs to the Augustinian Family and shares in all the spiritual benefits of the Order.

A native of the Southside of Chicago, Blaszak grew up in the Scottsdale neighborhood attending St. Bede School. He currently resides in Evergreen Park, is a member of St. John Fisher Parish, and in his spare time enjoys being a proud uncle to his nieces and nephews.

“In the time I have known and worked with Josh, I have been impressed by his knowledge of the institution's history and his dedication to its future success. He has the best interests of the students at the center of every decision he makes. I have every confidence in his ability to help me lead St. Rita of Cascia High School,” remarked Deacon John Donahue, President.

“The Augustinian education provided at St. Rita for the past 117 years is second to none. I am excited to build upon this legacy of academic, extracurricular, and spiritual excellence, leading our faculty and staff as we form each student as a whole person,” said Blaszak.