On the evening of December 9, 2019, the YMCA of Greater Montgomery held their 68th annual Man of the Year Award ceremony. Nominated by a panel of youth from the River Region, the candidates are each recognized for their outstanding service to young people through leadership and volunteer work in the community. This year’s recipient was Justin Castanza, Principal of the Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School Middle and High School Campuses.
“For years I’ve been going to this banquet and have seen recipient after recipient earn a red jacket and sit at the front of the banquet,” said Castanza. “So now, to be part of this incredible group of men and women is a real honor. These are the men and women whom I’ve looked up to for the last 20 years. To know that those people who have pushed me and have driven me and have been mentors for me are now my peers is quite a recognition.”
Nominees for Man of the Year were selected by student organizations and clubs from around the River Region. Castanza was nominated by the Montgomery Catholic Youth in Government Club, led by teacher Haley Hart and students Anna Sadie, Rachel Rodriguez, Allie Berg, and Gracie Barranco. After the nominees were presented by their nominating committees, the Man of the Year was voted on by committees of students from around the River Region. Senior Anna Sadie, a committee co-chair, explained why the students chose to nominate Castanza for the honor.
“Mr. Castanza exceeded all expectations in every category we based the award off of,” she said. “We are not only lucky to have him in our school community, but also our Montgomery community. The time and effort he puts into everything he does is unmatched and we are blessed to have him as a community leader.”
Mr. Castanza is a native of Montgomery and 2001 graduate of Montgomery Catholic and 2005 graduate of Mississippi State University. Being no stranger to service, Castanza worked as a camp counselor at Camp Chandler for 14 consecutive summers before becoming Camp Director in 2009. After transitioning to Montgomery Catholic in 2014, he started as a math teacher and Dean of Students at the High School Campus before assuming the role of Principal of the Middle and High School Campuses in 2015. Castanza has continued to serve the YMCA over the years by serving on several executive boards and helping at Camp Chandler. Active in the Catholic community, he also serves as the Youth Catechetical Leader at Holy Spirit Catholic Church and leads pilgrimages to Italy, Guatemala, and the annual March for Life in Washington, D.C. He is married to Meg Castanza, and together they have three children: Vincent, Natalie, and Sal.
Montgomery Catholic is proud to have Justin Castanza leading our Middle and High School Campuses while serving the youth all around the River Region.
