“Over the past months, as everyone has dealt with the ebbs and flows of the [COVID-19] pandemic, it has been Alice’s steady hand leading our school, the faculty and, above all, our student body,” the school board stated in a letter sent to all families. “She was quick to understand the implications of the virus and its possible spread. Her insightful plan to invoke our cyber learning protocol ensured a smooth educational transition. Here leadership during this time of uncertainty has been immeasurable.”

The board, which announced its decision May 6, noted the many strengths Penza brings to the role, including compassion, energy, leadership, planning and a disciplined approach to learning that “makes Holy Cross Prep a strong and caring environment that develops tomorrow’s leaders.”

“We are extremely happy to have Alice at the helm as we navigate our journey in this post-virus world,” the board stated.

Penza started her career teaching middle school in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, working in St. Joan of Arc School in the city’s Kensington section and then Our Lady of Mount Carmel School in South Philadelphia. She went on to the Diocese of Camden, serving in Bishop Eustace Preparatory School, Pennsauken, as associate dean of students and then as dean of students. She was a school administrator there for 23 years; she coached field hockey for 33 years. 

Penza received her undergraduate degree from Montclair State University, Montclair, and her master’s degree in educational leadership from Wilmington University, Delaware. 

In 2018, she arrived at Holy Cross Preparatory Academy to serve as vice principal and head field hockey coach and then became interim principal Jan. 1, 2020, following the retirement of William Stonis. 

Penza grew up in Runnemede, attending St. Teresa Elementary School and then Triton Regional High School. She and her husband, Phil, are the parents of two grown daughters, Megan and Moira. The Penzas are members of Mother of Divine Grace Parish, Philadelphia.