By Sue Kiesewetter
Enquirer contributor

HAMILTON - Students returning to Stephen T. Badin High School will find a familiar face at the helm.

Assistant Principal Frank Margello was named principal of the 680-pupil school Monday. He begins work July 1, replacing Margaret Winkeljohn, who is retiring June 30 after 28 years.

"It's a great school to begin with. Margaret has done a good job of keeping Badin in the educational forefront. I'm hopeful I can take it to the next level,'' said Margello, 57.

He is the school's seventh principal since its 1966 opening, when the all-boys Hamilton Catholic and all-girls Notre Dame merged.

Margello said his goals include increasing enrollment and improving academics.

"I want to make certain that Badin remains a vital part of the community,'' Margello said. "Faith development is our No. 1 priority, closely followed by strong academic offerings and programs that will keep our students competitive all across the board.''

A Fairfield resident, Margello came to Badin four years ago after retiring from the Northwest Local Schools. There he worked as a teacher, district vocational director, principal at Pleasant Run Middle and Northwest High schools, assistant principal/athletic director at Northwest High, assistant principal at Colerain High.

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