Hamilton school marks 60 years of education
July 29, 2019 at 12:37 p.m.
By David Karas | Correspondent
With smiles and fond memories, waves of students, teachers, alumni and supporters joyfully marked the 60th anniversary of their beloved Our Lady of Sorrows School, Hamilton.
To see photo gallery on this story, click here.
The Oct. 25 Mass celebrated in Our Lady of Sorrows Church, a worship site of Our Lady of Sorrows-St. Anthony Parish, was but one part of a number of recognition events that have taken place, and will continue, throughout the school year in order to celebrate the milestone. Programming includes a service project each month to assist the greater community and to share the love of the school with others, not to mention a 5K run, an alumni basketball event and other occasions being planned.
“Our Lady of Sorrows Parish School has touched the lives of thousands of children and their families over its 60-year history,” said Donald Costantino, principal. “The education has been marked by love and our Catholic faith.”
That love has filled the halls of the school throughout the school year in the various celebrations that have taken place. The school found a special way to mark the Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows on Sept. 15, with a giant birthday party and the showing of a video about the building of the school. The gathering wouldn’t be complete, of course, without cupcakes bearing the school colors of blue and white.
On Nov. 20, the school faculty is hosting an event for alumni to tour the building, view videos from a local researcher ad rekindle old friendships while honoring their alma mater.
“Milestones are good because they help us appreciate the past,” said Msgr. Thomas N. Gervasio, pastor of Our Lady of Sorrows-St. Anthony Parish and diocesan vicar general and moderator of the curia. “It is a time not only to look backward, but also to look forward to redoubling our efforts to keep our school strong, and keep it as a place of great learning.”
Established in 1955, Our Lady of Sorrows serves the communities of greater Hamilton Township and is accredited by AdvancED Commission. Construction began on the school in October 1954, and the following September the school opened its doors – staffed by the Marianite Sisters of Holy Cross – to 279 students in grades one through four. The first graduating class, with 59 students, received their diplomas in 1960.
Today, the school has some 250 students and offers traditional academic offerings, in addition to art, music, computers, advanced math and algebra, physical education, library and a resource room. OLS earned Middle States Accreditation in 1993 and reaccreditation in 2004.
“This is the fruit of the countless sacrifices of so many that have made our school the great place it is today,” Msgr. Gervasio wrote in a letter to the parish community. “We salute all those who have been a part of the story of these 60 years.”
In particular, he referenced the legacy of Father Paul Grieco, who carried out the mandate of Bishop George W. Ahr to build OLS, rallying parishioners and overseeing the building of the school and convent. His successors, Msgr. Gervasio added, have held true to that same commitment.
He also credited the Marianite Sisters, who served the school community from its inception until 1990, and the lay faculty and staff for their tireless efforts to serve the students enrolled in the school.
“Catholic education is an important ministry that the parish has dedicated itself to,” said Msgr. Gervasio. “We have some really good people here, and some really dedicated educators.” sgr. Gervasio also praised the support and contributions of parishioners, PTA members and the school board, as well as the alumni and parents who came together to help put together the yearlong celebration. Among those dedicating their time is Martha Larkin – a retired OLS teacher and current substitute teacher, not to mention an alumni parent and a school board member.
"It is in my blood, and I feel the need to stay involved,” Larkin shared. “It is a wonderful place. The faculty is outstanding, and the administration will bend over backwards to find the right things for the kids.”
She also credited the dedicated group working to plan the many anniversary celebrations.
“This is one way of thanking parishioners, and alumni, for their dedication to the school,” she said, adding the importance of the faith foundation of the school. “It is important to have this faith-filled community around you.”
She added, “I don’t know what I would do if I didn’t have this place to go back to. It is something I am continuously blessed with.”
Joan DeGregory, an alumna of OLS and a retired teacher of grades K through six, has held the OLS community close to her heart. Beyond her work for the school, which continues as she substitute teaches there, she is also the parent of three sons who graduated from the school.
“I feel like I am at home when I am at Our Lady of Sorrows,” she said.
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By David Karas | Correspondent
With smiles and fond memories, waves of students, teachers, alumni and supporters joyfully marked the 60th anniversary of their beloved Our Lady of Sorrows School, Hamilton.
To see photo gallery on this story, click here.
The Oct. 25 Mass celebrated in Our Lady of Sorrows Church, a worship site of Our Lady of Sorrows-St. Anthony Parish, was but one part of a number of recognition events that have taken place, and will continue, throughout the school year in order to celebrate the milestone. Programming includes a service project each month to assist the greater community and to share the love of the school with others, not to mention a 5K run, an alumni basketball event and other occasions being planned.
“Our Lady of Sorrows Parish School has touched the lives of thousands of children and their families over its 60-year history,” said Donald Costantino, principal. “The education has been marked by love and our Catholic faith.”
That love has filled the halls of the school throughout the school year in the various celebrations that have taken place. The school found a special way to mark the Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows on Sept. 15, with a giant birthday party and the showing of a video about the building of the school. The gathering wouldn’t be complete, of course, without cupcakes bearing the school colors of blue and white.
On Nov. 20, the school faculty is hosting an event for alumni to tour the building, view videos from a local researcher ad rekindle old friendships while honoring their alma mater.
“Milestones are good because they help us appreciate the past,” said Msgr. Thomas N. Gervasio, pastor of Our Lady of Sorrows-St. Anthony Parish and diocesan vicar general and moderator of the curia. “It is a time not only to look backward, but also to look forward to redoubling our efforts to keep our school strong, and keep it as a place of great learning.”
Established in 1955, Our Lady of Sorrows serves the communities of greater Hamilton Township and is accredited by AdvancED Commission. Construction began on the school in October 1954, and the following September the school opened its doors – staffed by the Marianite Sisters of Holy Cross – to 279 students in grades one through four. The first graduating class, with 59 students, received their diplomas in 1960.
Today, the school has some 250 students and offers traditional academic offerings, in addition to art, music, computers, advanced math and algebra, physical education, library and a resource room. OLS earned Middle States Accreditation in 1993 and reaccreditation in 2004.
“This is the fruit of the countless sacrifices of so many that have made our school the great place it is today,” Msgr. Gervasio wrote in a letter to the parish community. “We salute all those who have been a part of the story of these 60 years.”
In particular, he referenced the legacy of Father Paul Grieco, who carried out the mandate of Bishop George W. Ahr to build OLS, rallying parishioners and overseeing the building of the school and convent. His successors, Msgr. Gervasio added, have held true to that same commitment.
He also credited the Marianite Sisters, who served the school community from its inception until 1990, and the lay faculty and staff for their tireless efforts to serve the students enrolled in the school.
“Catholic education is an important ministry that the parish has dedicated itself to,” said Msgr. Gervasio. “We have some really good people here, and some really dedicated educators.” sgr. Gervasio also praised the support and contributions of parishioners, PTA members and the school board, as well as the alumni and parents who came together to help put together the yearlong celebration. Among those dedicating their time is Martha Larkin – a retired OLS teacher and current substitute teacher, not to mention an alumni parent and a school board member.
"It is in my blood, and I feel the need to stay involved,” Larkin shared. “It is a wonderful place. The faculty is outstanding, and the administration will bend over backwards to find the right things for the kids.”
She also credited the dedicated group working to plan the many anniversary celebrations.
“This is one way of thanking parishioners, and alumni, for their dedication to the school,” she said, adding the importance of the faith foundation of the school. “It is important to have this faith-filled community around you.”
She added, “I don’t know what I would do if I didn’t have this place to go back to. It is something I am continuously blessed with.”
Joan DeGregory, an alumna of OLS and a retired teacher of grades K through six, has held the OLS community close to her heart. Beyond her work for the school, which continues as she substitute teaches there, she is also the parent of three sons who graduated from the school.
“I feel like I am at home when I am at Our Lady of Sorrows,” she said.
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