Saint Joseph Catholic High School: Patrick Lambert

Intermountain Catholic

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Patrick Lambert

OGDEN — Patrick Lambert has spent the last two months getting to know the faculty and staff at Saint Joseph Catholic High School and how it operates in preparation for his new role as principal. 

"It is a real blessing to walk into a principal position where the staff and faculty are so incredibly talented and experienced," Lambert said. "I have already learned so much from them."

Lambert is new to the Ogden area but has been in Catholic education for the past 12 years. A graduate of Saint Vincent de Paul Elementary School, he received his diploma from Judge Memorial Catholic High School in 1997. He received a bachelor’s degree from Colorado State University in bioresource engineering in 2002. He is working on a master’s degree in educational leadership from Creighton University.

Lambert taught physical science at Juan Diego Catholic High School from 2003 to 2006, where he also coached boys’ lacrosse and led the team to back-to-back state championship titles in 2012 and 2013.

He continued coaching Juan Diego boys’ lacrosse when he became the vice principal at the Madeleine Choir School in 2006, a position he held until this year. He also taught middle school math and science at the choir school.

Lambert’s plan for the upcoming school year at SJCHS is to learn the school’s daily and yearly traditions so he can get to know the community, he said.

"I’m not in a situation where I want to change anything; I’m hoping to bring my energy and talents to help enhance what is already in place," Lambert said. "I feel very welcomed here. I’ve had well-wishers call or come in, and everybody just wants to see SJCHS succeed. We have great alumni support, and we just need to continue with our community outreach and let them know we would love to have their involvement in any way possible."

"Patrick brings a lot of enthusiasm and excitement to the principal position," said Holy Cross Sister Catherine Kamphaus, superintendent of Utah Catholic Schools. "Last year SJCHS didn’t have a principal, and filling the position completes the new organizational structure we have in place in Ogden. Patrick coached lacrosse and I think he will bring something more to the high school’s sports program. He will do well there."

Lambert can see a lot of potential at SJCHS, he said. "I think we can expand on outdoor education; we’ve got such a beautiful campus and mountain access here that an outdoor leadership program may be something worthwhile to pursue," he said.

Lambert volunteers for the Forest Service and on weekends is a ski ranger at Alta Ski resort. He also has worked as a river and fishing guide in Colorado, Utah and Alaska.

"I’m a fan of all sports, and there is also the possibility of boys’ and girls’ lacrosse teams here. And what a great place to come! This school was named the ‘Girls’ Sports High School of the Year’ by the Salt Lake Tribune. This is a great school – they love academics, excel in athletics and have a spiritual focus as well. What more could I ask for?"

Lambert is also looking forward to getting to know the different parishes in Ogden: Saint Mary, Saint Joseph, Saint James the Just and Holy Family.

"I’ve been a member of Saint Joseph the Worker Parish in West Jordan for many years and I feel I have a pretty good connection with the parishes in Salt Lake, but I’m excited to make a connection with our school and the parishes in Ogden," Lambert said, adding that the Knights of Columbus have already been great in helping him move into his new school.