Catholic Central Principal Thomas Graham.

STEUBENVILLE — Catholic Central Principal Thomas Graham is planning to retire at the end of the 2025 school year.

“It is true,” Graham confirmed Monday. “I sent the letter to the Diocese.”

Graham, who took the job just a year ago, said he’s enjoyed his time at the school, but opting out now “gives the Diocese time to look for my replacement for fall of 2025,” he said in his letter of resignation.

“I really love the students, they’re fantastic,” he said. “I’ve enjoyed the fact that I was given the opportunity to do something I always dreamt about doing and I’ve loved every minute of it. It’s been a dream come true. ”

Graham said Catholic Central’s 365 students have been a joy to work with.

“The kids here were always trying to implement a combination of academics with a theological foundation, a Christian foundation, to help them live a moral life,” he said. “That’s our goal. Will everybody be perfect? Absolutely not — but you’re giving them the best chance, laying that Christian foundation to give them their best life in a moral way.”

Although he only held the top spot for a year, he said he learned quickly, “There’s something new every day at a school.”

“You learn when you have plans for the day things are probably not going to go as planned — there’s always (things that come up) – a parent may have concerns, a teacher may have concerns – that you have to deal with daily. Things seldom go as planned.

“I’m definitely going to miss the students and school,” he said. “And I would come back in a minute if they would ever need me for anything.”

In his letter of resignation Graham also thanked the Catholic Central staff and teachers, adding that he appreciates the Diocese giving him the opportunity to serve the school, “which was always part of my dream.”

“Everyone is replaceable, and I look forward to meeting the person that will take over for me this fall,” he concluded.