St Mary's School

Many of us remember Fr. John Positano, OSA, and his accomplishments at St. Mary’s but, credit is equally due to Fr. Angelo Allegrini who served as the pastor prior to Fr. Positano. According to Mr. Jim Bertonazzi, a long-time resident and parishioner, little credit is given to the previous paster. “Fr. Allegrini was also instrumental in the development of the original school building which consisted of only a Kindergarten and First Grade. Fr. Allegrini recruited Fr. Positano, his musical talents and contacts, here to St. Mary’s Parish to help with his mission. Later, Fr. Positano became the pastor of St. Mary’s and continued to carry out Fr. Allegrini’s vision. Fr. Allegrini didn’t stop with St. Mary’s School he went on to help build St. Augustine Preparatory School in Richland. We want to graciously acknowledge both these men for their faith and dedication. We also want to acknowledge the Daughters of Our Lady of Mercy who served at St. Mary’s School for fifty years. The Daughters of Our Lady of Mercy were a vital part of St. Mary’s Mission and helped to provide a quality education centered in Jesus Christ, to the community.

In September 1960, St. Mary’s first opened with only two classes, Kindergarten and First grade. The school grew each year by one classroom until it was finally completed in 1968. In 1963, the all-purpose cafeteria and hall was added; in 1966, the South Wing was added; in 1981 an 8th grade classroom and science lab were added an, in 1995 a Music Room and Pre-K room were added. Finally, in May, 2008 construction began for the addition of a gym, cafeteria and stage. The existing all-purpose cafeteria was then renovated into a Library/Media Center, an Art Room, Music Room and Pre K classrooms. Construction was completed and a blessing ceremony to commemorate the new wing was held in September 2009.

The 2010/2011 School year marks a significant time-line for St. Mary’s. It represents the 50th anniversary of our first school year. Those same values and traditions from 1960/1961 have remained constant. Today, we continue to pursue the dreams of those who served before us by making St. Mary’s School a leader in education and in the community.