I have been thinking long and hard about an editorial published September 2, from a member of the newly formed Supporting Catholic Secondary Education (SCSED) group. For all the estimable thought and effort that went onto worrying over Pope Francis High School’s new location, I wonder if a moment or two might have been spared to consider the alternative: a wonderful, well-established parochial school just across the river……
I graduated from St. Mary’s in 1950. As you can imagine, I have a bit of history to share; as it turns out, my family does as well. St. Mary’s provided wonderful educations for my two eldest grandchildren. I was so pleased when I learned my daughter enrolled them there, as over the year I have watched lawyers, judges, doctors, nurses, teachers, policemen, and so many other fine citizens of good moral character graduate from that school. The memories, the friendships, the quality education, and perhaps above all the high moral standards fostered by this Catholic institution are unsurpassed.
I am pleased but far from surprised to learn that 98% of STM’s graduates continue their education. Furthermore, the list of university programs into which the school has placed its graduates is impressive, recently including the United States Military Academy at WestPoint, Northeastern, Holy Cross and many other selective colleges. St. Mary’s extracurriculars are vibrant, including competitive sports teams and a required term of community service that enriches both the student body and the community from which it springs. The dedication and commitment from the faculty is unsurpassed; it provides a taut springboard to the long term development of the school’s graduates.
St. Mary’s differs from the two other Catholic schools that are now Pope Francis in that it is a parish school while they are Diocesan schools. Although St. Mary’s is under the umbrella of the Springfield Diocese, it remains quite independent, and hence more responsive to its students and their parents; with leeway in terms of issues and major decisions such as regionalization.
With this in mind, I ask the families in this area to please consider St. Mary’s as an equal when it comes time to decide about enrolling in one of our Catholic High Schools. You will be doing yourself a favor if you take the time to make an appointment and check it out.
So, in response to the member of the SCSED who stated that she wished there was a more sensible and viable option – you have one, and it has been here for a very long time – St. Mary’s Parish School.
With great pride,
Shirley Hotaling
Class of 1950
