Bishop John Noonan | Diocese of Orland website

Kristen Hall and Misty Merritt have been named as new principals at two Catholic schools in Central Florida, according to an announcement from the Diocese of Orlando.

Hall will serve as principal at St. Anthony School in Lakeland. She previously worked as assistant principal at St. Anthony for three years and has 20 years of experience in education, with 18 years spent in Catholic schools. Hall grew up in Philadelphia and attended Catholic schools from kindergarten through high school. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Elizabethtown College, a master’s degree in education from St. Joseph University, and a doctorate in education from Florida Southern College.

Hall expressed her appreciation for the opportunity to continue leading St. Anthony School: “Her heart is full of energy and optimism as she leads the school into a bright new chapter.”

Misty Merritt will lead Annunciation Academy in Altamonte Springs after serving there for 17 years. Merritt is also a graduate of Catholic schools and has previous experience working in nonprofit management and youth ministry before moving into education. At Annunciation Academy, she taught middle school social studies and religion, enrichment classes for grades three to five, and served as assistant principal for ten years.

Merritt has participated on leadership committees within the Diocese of Orlando and contributed to accreditation processes for Catholic schools. She said about her new role: “This milestone offers a powerful opportunity to reflect on our mission, deepen our Catholic identity, and say ‘Yes’ — just as Mary did — to the unique ways God calls each of us to serve, lead, and grow in our community.”

The Diocese of Orlando was established in 1968 and currently includes 79 parishes, 11 missions, two basilicas, and 43 Catholic schools across nine counties including Brevard, Lake, Marion, Orange, Osceola, Polk, Seminole, Sumter, and Volusia.