Xavier High School is pleased to announce the appointment of Ann Drewry as the school’s Interim Dean of Students. Ms. Drewry brings more than two decades of leadership experience in Catholic education to Xavier, most recently serving as Principal of Student Life at Mercy High School in Middletown.
“Ann Drewry is a proven leader who understands the importance of nurturing young people’s minds and spirits,” said Xavier President Nicholas Cerreta, a member of the Class of 2001. “Her experience in Catholic education, her commitment to student life, and her dedication to building communities of faith and respect make her an outstanding addition to our leadership team. We are excited to welcome her to Xavier.”
As Interim Dean of Students, Drewry will oversee student affairs and discipline, faculty support, curriculum development, and the continued growth of the school community. In this role, she will work closely with faculty, staff, students, and families to foster an environment of mutual respect, academic excellence, and holistic development. These are core to Xavier’s mission as an all-boys Catholic college preparatory school.
“I spent more than half of my life at Mercy High School and built a strong foundation thanks to working closely and collaboratively with incredible school leaders like Sister Mary McCarthy, RSM, Sister Peggy O’Neill, RSM, Ann Derbacher, Melissa Bullock, and Alissa DeJonge,” Drewry said. “I will always be grateful for my years at Mercy and the mentorship I received there as I step into this next chapter of my career.”
Drewry’s extensive career at Mercy High School included serving as Dean of Students and guiding campus ministry programs, student activities, discipline, and athletics. Her work ranged from overseeing the Student Activities Council and developing leadership workshops to collaborating on crisis intervention and ensuring a safe and vibrant campus life. She also taught English for 17 years and served as a class advisor and coach, helping countless students grow in and out of the classroom.
“I am thrilled by the opportunity to serve as Xavier’s first female administrator,” Drewry added. “It is an honor to join a community I have admired and grown to love over the last three decades, from my days as a student, to my years as a teacher and administrator. I cannot wait to get started with our Falcons and build the kind of enduring personal relationships that make Xavier such a special place.”
Drewry holds a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction and a Bachelor of Arts in English from Siena College. Beyond her work on campus, she has served on visiting committees for the New England Association of Schools and Colleges and is a current board member at St. John Paul II School.
“Through the grace of the Holy Spirit, the Xavier community made a great decision on hiring Ms. Drewry,” Billy McKenna ’26, a member of the student search committee, said. “I am excited to have the guidance and support of Ms. Drewry, especially as I head into my senior year. Her energy and compassion will have a profound effect on the student body.”
She steps into the role of Interim Dean of Students as Xavier continues its commitment to preparing young men to excel academically, grow spiritually, and serve compassionately.
“Ms. Drewry is a seasoned Catholic educator, one who will bring enthusiasm, creativity, compassion, and patience to Xavier,” said Marie Braychak, Administrative Assistant at Xavier and Head of the Search Committee.
Please join us in welcoming Ms. Drewry to our community.