Xavier Names Matt Svare as New Activities Director

We are excited to announce that current XHS Associate Principal, Matt Svare, has been named our new Activities Director! His hire was officially approved by the Xavier school board on May 20th.

Svare, a native of Marengo, Iowa, has served as Xavier's associate principal since July 2020. Since joining Xavier's administrative team, Svare has made a significant contribution to the success and support of the school and its students.

“In his two years as Associate Principal, Matt has quickly earned the respect of many within our community," states Xavier High School president, Chris McCarville. "He’s an incredibly hard worker and has a passion for Xavier High School. We are absolutely thrilled to have him as our new Activities Director.”

In his role as associate principal, Svare worked directly with students and parents, serving as the point person for student academic support, eligibility, and discipline. As a school administrator, he supervised and helped manage various events in athletics and fine arts. Svare continues to build positive relationships with students and staff -- fostering a culture of growth and high expectations. He was also a key member of Xavier's "Return to Learn" leadership team, which helped to safely return students to the learning environment in the 2020-2021 school year amid the pandemic.

Prior to Xavier High School, Svare served as the associate principal at Regis Middle School within the Xavier Catholic School family. Prior to his time at Regis, he served as a teacher in the College Community and Benton Community school districts where he taught science.

Svare is a 2011 graduate of the University of Northern Iowa, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. In 2016, he earned his master's degree in Education Leadership from Drake University. He is presently nearing completion of his Interscholastic Athletic/Activities Administration certification.

"I am more than excited to be named the next Activities Director at Xavier High School," says Svare. "Xavier students are known for their passion, dedication, and high expectations in their activities -- and I look forward to building on that success. The Xavier community is fantastic and has always supported our students involved in clubs, fine arts, and athletics. I look forward to a smooth transition into my new role and creating a shared vision with our administration, coaches, and community on where we want to take our programs in the future."

Svare will now lead a highly successful and popular activities program at Xavier with 98 percent of Xavier students participating in at least one co-curricular activity throughout the year. Since opening in 1998, Xavier has earned 43 team state championships in Iowa High School Athletic Association/Iowa High School Girls Athletic Union-sanctioned sports; produced more than 100 First Team All-State student-athletes; and over 30 individual state champions. Xavier’s performing and fine arts programs have emerged as leaders in their respective arenas having earned numerous Division I ratings in recent years in marching/concert/jazz band, choral music, and speech. Xavier’s varsity show choir has earned multiple grand championships at various competitions, while its drama and performing arts programs continue to produce high quality musicals and plays. Xavier also features a wide variety of championship-caliber co-curricular clubs such as dance, cheer, robotics, math, trap shooting, and art.

Svare will officially assume his duties at Xavier on July 1, 2022. He succeeds departing activities director, Adam McDonnell, who is assuming the activities director position at Ankeny High School.