Chesterton Academy of The Divine Mercy Appoints Luke Hollwedel as Founding Headmaster

EASTHAMPTON, Mass (August 13, 2026) Chesterton Academy of The Divine Mercy is pleased to announce the appointment of Luke Hollwedel as the school's Founding Headmaster. Hollwedel will lead the Academy as it prepares to welcome its inaugural class in the Fall of 2027, bringing more than a decade of experience in Catholic education, school leadership, and classical liberal arts formation.

A veteran educator and administrator, Hollwedel has served in leadership positions at several Catholic schools throughout New England, including Saint Michael School in Brattleboro, Vermont, St. Mary's High School in Westfield, Massachusetts, and Pope Francis Preparatory School in Springfield. In addition to his work in Catholic secondary education, he serves as a formator with the Institute of Catholic Liberal Education, where he mentors teachers and school leaders across the country in the principles and practices of classical Catholic education.

The Board of Directors selected Hollwedel following an extensive search for a leader capable of building a new Catholic high school from the ground up while remaining faithful to the educational vision of G.K. Chesterton and the Chesterton Schools Network.

"Luke is exactly the leader we need," said Jesse Mayhew, Chair of the Board of Directors. "He possesses a combination of deep Catholic faith, intellectual excellence, proven administrative leadership, and genuine love for students. Just as importantly, he understands that education is about far more than academic achievement. It is about forming young men and women in virtue, wisdom, and holiness. Luke’s long career and outstanding reputation within The Pioneer Valley will also help provide reassurance to families that this new school will meet with success and that their children will be in excellent hands.” The Board has every confidence that under Luke's leadership, Chesterton Academy of The Divine Mercy will become one of the premier Catholic Classical high schools in New England."

As Founding Headmaster, Hollwedel will spend the coming year working alongside the Board to establish the Academy's academic culture, recruit faculty, meet with prospective families, cultivate relationships with parishes and community partners, and prepare every aspect of the school's launch.

"I am deeply honored by the trust the Board has placed in me," Hollwedel said. "Western Massachusetts has long needed a Classical Academy for families interested in this educational model.  Chesterton Academy of The Divine Mercy represents an extraordinary opportunity to form young people to love truth, pursue virtue, and seek holiness. I look forward to serving our students and families and helping build a school that will strengthen the Church in western Massachusetts for generations to come."

Enrollment inquiries are now being accepted for the Academy's inaugural class beginning in Fall 2027.

About Chesterton Academy of The Divine Mercy

Chesterton Academy of The Divine Mercy is an independent classical Catholic high school scheduled to open in Fall 2027 in Hampshire County, Massachusetts. Serving families throughout the Pioneer Valley, the Academy offers a rigorous liberal arts education rooted in the Catholic intellectual tradition and inspired by the educational vision of G.K. Chesterton. As a member of the Chesterton Schools Network, the Academy is committed to forming students in faith, reason, virtue, and joyful service.

Media Contact

Jesse Mayhew
Board Chair
Chesterton Academy of Divine Mercy
jmayhew@chestertondm.org
413-336-5666
chestertondm.org