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STEUBENVILLE -- Having a long career in education and a strong record of involvement in the community, Thomas "Bo" Graham always has been willing to welcome new challenges.
His latest opportunity came Thursday when Graham was named principal at Catholic Central High School and Bishop John King Mussio Junior High School.
"This really is a dream come true," Graham said shortly after his appointment was announced by Bishop Paul J. Bradley, apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Steubenville. "It's an honor for me to be selected to help provide a strong Catholic education while maintaining strong academics along with the extracurricular activities offered at the school."
A Steubenville resident who has been a deacon in the church since 2016, Graham will bring many decades of experience to the position. He served as a full-time professor at the Franciscan University of Steubenville for 30 years and as dean of academics at Eastern Gateway Community College for five years.
"With his many years as an educator and community leader, Graham is a strong choice for the position," said Paul D. Ward, director of the diocese's Office of Christian Formation and Schools. "He has the faith, experience and skills needed to move the schools forward in a positive direction."
Graham has a master's and a doctorate in sociology from Kent State University, with a specialization in analyzing educational systems and policies; a master's in social work from the University of Pittsburgh; a master's in theology from St. Joseph's College in Maine; and a degree in secondary education with a teaching license.
"I want to thank the bishop for this opportunity," Graham said.
"I'm looking forward to this challenge," he added. "I believe that all my years of experience will help me do a great job. I will certainly give it my best."
When Graham's appointment becomes effective on July 1, he was be replacing Jude Lucas, who announced her retirement earlier this year. Lucas will leave with 22 years of service as an educator at Catholic schools in the Steubenville area.
"I hope I can do as well as she did," Graham said. "She has a lot of experience that you can't replace."
Graham's service to the community includes 10 years as a member of the Toronto City School Board and 20 years as a Jefferson County commissioner. A Democrat who lost a re-election bid to Eric Timmons in 2022, Graham had launched a run to return to the board in November's election.
He said Thursday he would be dropping out of the race.
"It is with much regret that I will have to withdraw from running for commissioner," Graham explained. "Serving the church, and that's what this is in many ways, has to take precedence over my political ambitions. I feel bad about that in some ways, but doing what I have to do for the school has to take precedence. I don't think I have the time to do both equally well."
Graham said it was a tough decision to make.
"I want to thank all of the people who have supported me through the years politically," he added. "I feel bad in many ways about letting them down, but this is what I want to do."
His decision, for now, would appear to leave Republican Ron "Jake" Kleineke alone in the race for the seat that became open when longtime Republican Commissioner Dave Maple decided to not seek re-election. That's not likely to remain the case, though.
"We wish Graham well in his new position as principal at Catholic Central High School," Eddie Abdalla, chairman of the Jefferson County Democratic Party, said Thursday. "The school will benefit immensely from his strong educational background, and he'll do a fine job as its newest principal.
"Unfortunately, the county will now not be able to count on his experience and expertise as our next commissioner, but the local Democratic Party will find a qualified replacement to run in his place," Abdalla added.