Immaculate Heart High School’s Board of Trustees has named Naemah Morris, an Immaculate Heart alumna, educator and administrator, as the school’s next principal, effective July 1.

Naemah Morris
(photo courtesy of Immaculate Heart High School)

Morris will succeed retiring principal Virginia Hurst, who has been associated with the high school for most of her life. Hurst graduated from Immaculate Heart in 1954. She returned to the campus in 1969 as an English teacher and later chaired the English department before serving as assistant principal. For the last 19 years, she served as principal.

Immaculate Heart president Maureen Diekmann praised Hurst’s service as the last “IHM” administrator with ties to the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary who founded the school in 1906.

“As we transition to new leadership, it is Ms. Morris’ deep understanding of the core mission and philosophy of the school that will continue to grow this unique and remarkable institution that is so important to our present students and our thousands of alumnae,” Diekmann said. “She has a deep love for this school and will work diligently to be a faithful steward of the legacy that Virginia Hurst has built.”

Morris, a member of Immaculate Heart’s Class of 1995, returned to her alma mater in 2000 and has served in multiple roles. Initially a social studies teacher, she later chaired the social studies department. For the past four years, she has served as director of student activities, guiding the Associated Student Body officers. She is also the longtime moderator and coach of the Speech and Debate Team.

“I enthusiastically welcome our new principal, Naemah Morris, master teacher, experienced administrator, year-round booster of this school and devoted alumna who brings a new energy and enthusiasm to this position,” Hurst said. “As the school moves forward into the 21st century, Naemah will ensure that Immaculate Heart will continue to maintain the respect it has enjoyed as an outstanding institution since its founding 110 years ago.”

Immaculate Heart is located at 5515 Franklin Ave. For information, call (323)461-3651, or visit www.immaculateheart.org.