Trenton Catholic Academy will kick off nearly a year of festivities the weekend of Sept. 7 and 8, marking the 50th anniversary of the institution with long roots in the greater Trenton area.

In the five decades since it was founded by Msgr. Michael McCorristin, Trenton Catholic Academy has undergone many significant changes, including several name changes, while continuing to provide educational experiences in the best Catholic tradition to succeeding generations of students.

All of that will be celebrated beginning Sept. 7 with a dinner honoring the classes of ’65 and ’66, the first two classes to begin studying at what was originally known as St. Anthony  High School, located on the grounds of the former Kuser Estate in Hamilton.

On Sept. 8, all alumni of the school are invited to the Iron Mike BBQ from 12:30 – 4 p.m.  The September celebrations are rounded out by a Mass celebrated by Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., honoring the Sisters of St. Francis who worked with Msgr. McCorristin to ensure the school’s rich heritage.

Msgr. McCorristin had petitioned the diocese to build the school in response to the closure of the all-boys Trenton Catholic High School. Concerned that area youth would be unable to receive a quality Catholic education, he asked Bishop George W. Ahr to allow him to build the new high school.

The web site of Trenton Catholic Academy at McCorristin Campus, notes that “through his vision, hard work, dedication and generosity,” his dream was soon fulfilled. “The school and its students thrived,” the web site notes. “In 1979, Bishop Ahr renamed it McCorristin Catholic High School on behalf of the Monsignor and his family.

By the early 2000s, the diocese was studying the viability of Catholic schools in Trenton and the surrounding area. The decision was made to consolidate four elementary schools with McCorristin High School to create Trenton Catholic Academy. The name reflects TCA as the regional PreK-12 school for the diocese.

Despite name changes, the school mascot remains the Iron Mikes, which pays homage to the priest who made the school possible.

Other events during the anniversary include: a March 3 luncheon honoring 50 Great Iron Mike Athletes; an Iron Mike Gala at Stone Terrace, Hamilton; the alumni variety show, May 18 and the Iron Mike Golf Outing, June 17.

For more information, call John Shaffer, director of public affairs for Trenton Catholic Academy at 609-586-3705, ext. 122