Congratulations to Dr. Anastasia Quirk on earning her doctorate degree from Bellarmine University!
When Dr. Anastasia Quirk started at DeSales High School as a theology teacher in 2008 she felt a push from The Holy Spirit, aka Chris Walsh. “Chris kept calling me. Actually, several people called, and that push, along with several other signs, made me realize I needed to check out this ‘hidden gem’.” After 4 years in teaching, Dr. Quirk transition to the assistant principal and later to the principal of DeSales High School in 2016.
When you are around Dr. Quirk, it is clear how much she enjoys working at DeSales and interacting with faculty and staff, students, parents, and alumni. That energy is contagious. “I wake up every morning enthusiastic and ready to come to DeSales,” said Dr. Quirk.
Perhaps that enthusiasm is because Dr. Quirk sees DeSales as always moving forward and engaging students through hands-on learning, problem-solving, and innovative practices that impact the education a student receives.
By observing students, Dr. Quirk learns something new every day. “Students teach me about compassion, understanding, and how we can foster their personal growth,” she comments.
She notes her proudest moment was when a group of students came to our team with an idea they wanted to support. They worked collaboratively to plan the activity and prayer around it. They led the school with passionate hearts and clear minds. This is the epitome of a DeSales man.
Fun Facts About Dr. Quirk
Personal Mantra: God is Good.
Motto: Find solutions, not excuses. There are always a million reasons that something didn’t go the way we want it to, but the real question is what are we going to do to change it.
If you could switch roles with anyone at DeSales, who would it be and why?
I would be a student so that I could really walk in their shoes in the world today - understand how they learn, understand why learning is different, and understand how much social media and today’s expectations really impact how they live.
If you could take the students on a field trip anywhere in the world, where would you take them?
Around the world - everywhere! Any experience outside the norm is impactful and can change a student’s perspective, thinking, and possibly future.
Why should alumni and friends support DeSales?
DeSales is able to offer a personalized learning experience for students at all ability levels, providing support for those who struggle and challenging those who want more. We work with students beginning their freshman year to build a path to post-secondary success through exploration and personal insight as they become men of DeSales. We are always looking to expand programs and offerings, but we cannot do this without the support of our stakeholders.