Radel selected to be principal at St. Francis Solanus

QUINCY — Julie Radel has been selected to be the principal at St. Francis Solanus School for the 2022-23 school year.

Lori Shepard, who retired as principal after 43 years in Catholic education, will be Radel’s mentor for the first semester of the school year.

Radel was hired at St. Francis Solanus in 2017 to teach second grade. She received the Golden Apple Award from WGEM.  She recently moved to first grade and was recognized by the Adams County Works Career Guidance Team.  She also has been recognized by the Great River Economic Development Foundation for her creative career lesson plans.

Radel has a master’s degree in elementary education, specializing in early childhood, with an endorsement in early childhood special education.  Her bachelor’s degree in elementary education includes an endorsement in language arts. She has experience leading a state-funded preschool program and is a former parent educator.  

“Julie will lead St. Francis with the true values and spiritual guidance needed to provide the students with a strong foundation in Catholic education,” Shepard said in a press release. “Julie goes above and beyond the classroom.  She works individually with students and families to find the best approach for each child’s success.  That is what makes her an excellent teacher.  She also will be an excellent administrator.  She is dedicated to her Catholic faith and to St. Francis.  She will be the leader we need to move our school forward to the next level of success.”

“(Radel) brings experience, great ideas and a true joyful passion for education to her new role,” said Father Steven Arisman, pastor of St. Francis Solanus. “The parish community is excited to see where the Holy Spirit will guide our school through Mrs. Radel.”