Sr. Mary Immaculata, First Grade Teacher

Artifact courtesy: Elaine McIntyre Beaudoin

Sr. Mary Immaculata, our first grade teacher, was a favorite of many students at St. Thomas Aquinas.  She taught first grade for more than 50 years.  This photo was on an invitation sent out to STA parishioners.

St. Thomas Aquinas Parish

cordially invites you to participate

in the

SISTER IMMACULATA MEMORIAL DINNER

Friday, October 22nd, 1976

at the Diplomat West

681 West North Avenue (at Route 83)

Elmhurst, Illinois

Cocktails at 6:30 P. M.

Dinner at 7:30 P. M.

Entertainment and dancing after dinner

$15.00 per person - Cash Bar

SISTER MARY IMMACULATA AT ST. THOMAS AQUINAS PARISH

"The doors of St. Thomas Aquinas School opened in September of 1909. Among the first Sisters of Mercy to teach in the new school was Sister Mary Immaculata, RSM.

"Surely one of the most solidifying factors in the growth of St. Thomas School through the years was her loving presence and constant concern for the little ones who for over 60 years were placed in her care.
Sister worked for many pastors and many principals, all of whom recognized her unusual dedication and determination to remain at St. Thomas Aquinas School. Sister shared her own personal happiness and love with all of us who were fortunate enough to have known her.

"Each school year, Sister Immaculata was again back in Room 4. We expected her to be there, we hoped she would be there, and we were never disappointed, Can anyone doubt that she is still there?

"Certainly it would be safe to say that not one of her 3,000 students, if asked today, "Who was your first grade teacher?" would hesitate one second in saying, "Sister Mary Immaculata." She was not a person one easily forgets.

"At present, the Sisters of Mercy are no longer at St. Thomas School. The school is staffed by lay teachers under the direction of Miss Ann Mulkerin, Principal, who not surprisingly, was a pupil of Sister Immaculata.
A very competent staff now carries on the work of Sister Immaculata.

"First Grade, Mrs. Helen Cook; Second Grade, Miss Paulette Jackson; Third Grade, Miss Mary Kate Gallagher; Fourth Grade, Mrs. Kathleen Staudemeyer; Fifth and Sixth Grades, Miss Carmina Buonomo, Miss Maureen Daly and Mrs. Rose Koch; Seventh and Eighth Grades, Mrs. Deidre Popolis and Mr. Michael Parham.

"Also, we have initiated a program for the little ones by opening a Pre-school, taught by Mrs. Robetta Gipson and two rooms of Kindergarten children, taught by Mrs. Linda Stallworth and Mrs. Elizabeth Hall.
St. Thomas Rectory has, at present, a Team Pastorate; Father John J. McCarville and Father John W. Murray. Our former member of the Team Pastorate, Father Charles R. Tobin, will being work at St. Mark's after the first of the year.

"So, thank you, Sister Immaculata, for giving us a past; we hope and pray that we can continue with your zeal and enthusiasm to make St. Thomas Aquinas the kind of place you always knew it could be."

Taken from the program of the dinner memorializing the life of Sister Mary Immaculata, RSM, in the fall of 1976.  Source: Sisters of Mercy Archives/St. Thomas Aquinas School - Class of 1955 

The Webmaster of the 1955 STA Reunion Class graciously encourage placement of the program text on our site.  She hoped some of us would know of  "missing" 1955 STA graduates and direct them to their site.

Sycamore Park, Illinois, 6th Grade Picnic Photos, 1958

In the spring of 1958, the Sixth Grade Class was treated to a school picnic in Sycamore Park, Illinois.  Unlike today where students regularly take field trips, this was our first outing!

 Shown in the photo to the left is Walter McNeela heading for the baseball diamond.

In the photo to the right, Bernadette Birkett and Peggy Dernbach both looking sheik in the latest head fashion -- sailor hats!

Who is that at bat?

 

Here we see Thomas O'Connor with his big smile.  To his right it looks like Patrick Arloff and Ray Redding.

Some more of those sailor hats!  Diane Hallinan and Marion Reister, cameras in hand looking for the perfect photo.






Having enjoyed lunch, Donna Falco, Denise Wallwin and Antoinette Malizia take a stroll through Sycamore Park.

Fr. MacDonald (?) gives the girls some pointers to assist them with their baseball strategies.  AND, more sailor hats!

A good time was had by all!


All Photos Courtesy: Elaine McIntyre Beaudoin

Keeping Cool in the Summer of 1959

The Summer of 1959 was a good time to be alive. We were about to begin our last year at St. Thomas Aquinas and we were entering our teenage years.  

Enjoying a summer day in the backyard on the westside are Kathleen Hughes and Joan Laughlin in back with Carol Broderick and Bernadette Birkett in front.

Photo Courtesy:  Elaine McIntyre Beaudoin





The bathing beauties, cooling off from one of Chicago's hot summer days.  From left to right: Katheleen Hughes, Carol Broderick, Mary McGuff and Diane Hallinan.

Photo Courtesy: Diane Hallinan

Bernadette Birkett and Carole Keough enjoying ice cream cones on a sultry summer day.

Photo courtesy: Elaine McIntyre Beaudoin

John Santoro Honored, 1960

John Santoro won the Monsignor William Long Memorial Trophy award for his proficiency in athletics and also for being outstanding in scholarship and leadership.

Unknown newspaper clipping dated July 7, 1960.  To read the article, double click on it and it will open up in a larger window.

Newspaper Clipping Courtesy: Elizabeth Giangrego

In Memoriam - John McGuinnis

John P. McGuinnis, 1946-2004

John P. McGuinnis, beloved husband of Nancy, nee Crossman; loving father Sarah Snyder, Katherine and John McGuinnis; proud son of the late Edward and Ethel, nee Caldwell; dear brother of Michael (Ruth Ann) and the late Edward (Isabel) McGuinnis; fond son-in-law of Fred and Joan Crossman; brother-in-law of Fred Crossman, Sara (Michael) Stratton, Jim (Karen) Crossman; uncle to many nieces and nephews. Partner with NAI Hiffman & Assoc. and former U.S. Army Officer serving in Vietnam. Visitation will be Tuesday at 2 p.m. until time of service at 3 p.m. at 4th Presbyterian Church (Michigan & Delaware). Interment Private. To cherish the life of John please visit www.mem.com Blake-Lamb Funeral Directors. Funeral info 312-944- 5594.     Chicago Tribune, April 5, 2004, page 6.

STA Trivia

How well do your remember our days at St. Thomas Aquinas?

Scroll down for the answers

1. Who was the priest who gave our eighth grade retreat?

2. How tall did you have to be for the eighth grade fashion show?

3. Who were our two eighth grade teachers?

4. Who was the favorite first grade teacher?

5. When was the feast day of St. Thomas Aquinas when we were in school? (Note the feast days have been changed.)

6. Who crowned the Virgin Mary at the 1960 May crowning?

7. How much was a carton of milk in 1956?

8. Who wrote the eighth grad class prophesy?

9. Where was our sixth grade picnic?

10. Who was the priest who always knew who was not at 9:00 a.m. Mass?

11. What were the two eighth grad room numbers?

12. Who was our principal in 1960?

13. How many boys were in our graduating class?

14. How many girls were in our graduating class?

15. What was the address of our school?

16. What time did school start each day?

17. What time did school end each day?

18. What was the annual tuition?

19. What was done for April Fool's Day in 1960?

20. Which altar boy lit more than candles on STA's altar?
 

ANSWERS:
1. Father Belenger;   2. Five feet, six inches;   3. Sister Stella and Sister Damian;   4. Sister Immaculata;   5. March 7th;   6. Antoinette Malizia;   7. 2 cents;   8. Elizabeth Giangrego;   9. Sycamore Park, Illinois;   10. Msgr. Long;   11. Rooms 15 and 16;   12. Sr. Mary Honore;   13. 41 boys;   14. 51 girls;   15. 116 N. LeClaire;    16. 8:45 a.m.;   17. 2:45 p.m.;   18. $20.00;   19. The boys and girls switched rooms and the teachers' desks were turned around (weren't we a naughty bunch!);   20. Thomas McGrath.

These trivia questions were developed for the 25th Reunion in 1985.

Graduation Day Photos, 1960

Graduation Day, St. Thomas Aquinas Church

The graduating class marched down the aisle of St. Thomas Aquinas Church by height.

In the first photo the girls in view include Marion Reister, Joan Laughlin, Kathy Dobias (head turned), Carol Broderick, and Kathleen Hughes.  In the background Dennis Czechanski and Richard LaRose can be seen.

In the second photo in front is Lucy Amore, followed by Patricia Reithal, Elaine McIntyre and Virginia Salemi (biting her lip!).  In the  line on the left, Kathleen Houlihan can be seen.  Photos Courtesy: Carole Keough

 

In this photo from graduation day are pictured: Kathleen Hughes, Georgiann Stewart, Diane Hallinan and Maureen (Rigney) Sexton.  The boys in the background are Richard LaRose, James Tracey and William Stocker(?)

Photo courtesy: Diane Hallinan

Are there other photos from graduation day out there?  If so, let us know.

Graduation Luncheon Program, 1960

Program

Gratitude to Our Pastor

................................ John Santoro

Song..................................... Class

Thanks to Our Priests

......................... Antoinette Malizia

Song..................................... Class

School Song.......................... Class

Praise for Our Teachers

................................ Mary McGuff

Song..................................... Class

Our Appreciation of the Mother's Club

...............................John McGuiness

Song...................................... Class

School Song ......................... Class

Hymn--Mary Immaculate....... Class

                      Walter McNeela

                      Master of Ceremonies

The songs song by the Class are listed in the following post.

Artifact Courtesy: Elaine M. Beaudoin

Graduation Luncheon Program, 1960 -- Songs

 These are the songs we all sang at our Luncheon Graduation Program in 1960


FATHER FITZPATRICK

Father, Father, we do thank you
For all you have done this year--
Sprinkling system, bright new classrooms,
We've a school without a peer.

Father, Father, we're most proud of
This clean, bright and cheer canteen;
We'll enjoy it, won't destroy it,
Maybe even keep it clean!

May your years at S. T. A.
Be the best in all your life;
That God guides and protects you
We will wish with all our might


TO OUR PRIESTS

Cheer, cheer for Father Rabbitt
His easy smile has been a habit;
The example that you give
Has shown us the best way to live.

Dear Father now that we part
We'll keep these lessons deep in our heart;
We are grateful to you, Father
For all you've done for us.

Cheer, cheer for our Father White,
The one who gives us Hi-Club at night;
Give a loud hurrah for him,
It's he who leads us on to win.

When our trials were great or small,
Our Father White helped conquer them all;
We are grateful to you, Father,
For all you've done for us.

Cheer, cheer for our Father Mac,
A sense of humor he does not lack;
Give a volleyed cheer for him,
It's he who always makes us grin.

In his sermon at nine, our Mass,
He teaches every lad and lass;
We are grateful to you, Father,
For all you've done for us.


SCHOOL SONG

School days were fun
And now they're done,
(clap, clap, clap, clap.)
At St. Thomas Aquinas

Nuns short and tall,
We loved them all,
(clap, clap, clap, clap.)
At St. Thomas Aquinas

They taught us well
To read and spell,
(clap, clap, clap, clap.)
At St. Thomas Aquinas

Through high school days,
We'll sing the praise,
(clap, clap, clap, clap.)
Of St. Thomas Aquinas


TO OUR TEACHERS

With deep appreciation
We sing this little song
To thank our grade school teachers,
We'll remember you e'er long
You have labored hard and long
To help us on our way;
For all that you have done for us
We never can repay.
May we be a credit to you
All the years God gives to us;
We'll recall your lessons often;
We'll be good, that you can trust.
Thanks to all our grade school teachers
Sisters, teachers, everyone,
Goodbye, and my god Bless you
With rich graces from His Son.


FOR OUR MOTHERS

Our Mother's Club
They went to town
A-working on class projects;
They gave us parties, coke and candy
And it was just dandy.

CHORUS:
Mother's club keep it up
With the future classes;
Through the years
You've been just grand,
And now we want to thank you.

In this verse
We say good-bye
To all you dandy Mommies,
Who helped us through all of our years
Of schooling at St. Tommies


MARY IMMACULATE

Mary Immaculate, Queen of America
Hear this our prayer,
Keep Godless theories far from thy children;
Let standards of Christ the King,
Ever rule our land.

Let every citizen cherish most sacredly
Our nation's laws;
They are the pledges of our democracy,
Protecting our liberty and freedom's cause.

Live on America in Christ-like brotherhood;
Live on, we pray;
Reflect God's glory in thy democracy,
'Till all the nations of the world
Join in freedom's song.

Graduation Luncheon Photos, 1960

 Photographs from S.T.A. Graduation Luncheon

First photo shows head table with Fr. Rabbitt (?), Fr. Fitzpatrick and Mothers' Club representatives.

Antionette Malizia is shown at microphone giving "Thanks to our priests" in the second photograph.  Philip Kelley is shown in center, front.

In the third photo, John McGuinnis is giving "Our appreciation of the Mothers' Club."  I have since learned that Dan Carr was our class president but was in Ireland at the time of our graduation, so John stepped in for him.  Richard LaRose is shown in center, front.

To enlarge photos, double click on them. To fully enlarge, you may need to click a second time.

Photos Courtesy: Carole Keough




At the luncheon, Sr. Stella posed with Elaine McIntyre and Carole Keough.  She even smiled for the camera!

On their way home after the graduation luncheon, Elaine McIntyre, Carole Keough, Joan Laughlin and Kathy Houlihan stopped for a photo at Laramie and Washington.  Love those FULL skirts.

Photos courtesy: Elaine McIntyre Beaudoin.

1960 Men's Basketball Team

In the April 10, 1960, Palm Sunday, Church Bulletin the following article appeared:

St. Thomas Aquinas Basketball Team

1st Row: C. Barkley, J. Kane, J. McGuinnis, J. Santoro, A. Carlstrom and M. Eaker.
Middle Row: D. Crivelloni, R. Mazzone, R. Mangan, W. McNeela and G. Kelley.
Back Row: R. Valle, P. O'Connor, W. Reneghan, P. Kelley and R. Larose.

The St. Thomas Aquinas Grammar School Basketball team finished the season yesterday and ended play with a fine record of 39 wins and only 13 losses.

Led by Co-Captains John Santoro and John McGuinnis with 14.2 and 13 point average per game respectively the team came in first place in the LaFollette Park Tournament and finished among the leaders in Tournaments held during the past season at Fenwick, Weber, St. Mel and Spencer.

Artifact Courtesy: Ray Mangan

Consecration to the Sacred Heart, 1960

Each student at St. Thomas Aquinas received this document at graduation.

Artifact Courtesy: Betty Giangrego

St. Thomas Aquinas Church Photo

St. Thomas Aquinas Church, now St. Martin de Porres, was built 1923-25 in the Tudor Gothic Style.  It's bell tower is 12 stories tall, the highest structure in Austin.

Photo Credit: Explore Chicago - The City of Chicago's Official Tourism Site

St. Thomas Aquinas School and Church Photo

This photo shows the school, priest house and church viewed from Washington Boulevard and LeClaire Avenue.



Photo Credit: Chicago Archdiocese of Chicago

Spencer, A.M. Kindergarten, 1951 Class Photo

St. Thomas Aquinas, as many Catholic Schools of the 1950s, did not have a Kindergarten class.  A number of students who attended Spencer Kindergarten went on to STA for first grade.  Can you find a few classmates in this photo?

Photo Courtesy: Ray Mangan

Spencer, P.M. Kindergarten, 1951 Class Photo

Can you recognize some of these innocent looking individuals who went on to St. Thomas Aquinas for first grade?

Photo Courtesy: Mary Lynn McGuff

Second Grade, Room 2, 1954 Class Photo

Note there are 52 students in this photo. The Mercy Nuns didn't have "class size" restrictions in those days! Does anyone have the other room Second Grade photo?


Photo Courtesy: Ray Mangan

Fourth Grade, Room 6, 1956 Class Photo

The photo from the other Fourth Grade Class can be viewed by clicking on: Fourth Grade, Room 7, 1956

Can you help us identify all of our classmates?

1 Mary Lynn McGuff; 2 Carol Ruscik; 3 Patrick O'Connor; 4 Regina Sears (?); 5 Geraldine Smith; 6 Edward Mahoney; 7 Virginia Salemi; 8 Thomas Donzelli; 9 Lynn Kryzak; 10 John McAuliffe; 11 Margaret Maloney; 12 Patrick Roche; 13 Anita Pedicone; 14 Carol Broderick; 15 Lucille Valentino; 16 Rita Flanagan; 17 Kathleen O'Rourke; 18 Charles Heise; 19 Mary McMahon; 20 Erwin Bircher; 21 Kathy Grace; 22 Raymond Mangan; 23 James Tracey; 24 Thomas O'Halleran; 25 Lynette Vivacqua; 26 Patricia Carroll; 27 James Brady; 28 Kathleen McClure; 29 Need Name; 30 Kathleen Dobias; 31 John Rigney (Sexton); 32 James Finn; 33 Janice White; 34 Kathleen Houlihan; 35 Dennis Czechanski; 36 Sheila Conley; 37 John Kivlehan; 38 Janet Jankuski; 39 Janice Radek; 40 Phillip Kelley; 41 James Enright; 42 Thomas Blitsch; 43 Need Name; 44 Victor Amato; 45 Walter Renaghan; 46 Robert Hutchison; 47 Anthony Padauano

If you know any of our classmates that we haven't been able to identify, please click on the red "comments" below this post and let us know who they are.

Photo Courtesy: Ray Mangan

Third Grade, Room 11, 1955 Class Photo

If you wish to see the other Third Grade Classroom click on : Third Grade, Room 5, 1955

Do you know who is in the photo?

1 Lynn Kryzak; 2 Anita Pedicone; 3 Mary Lynn McGuff; 4 Need Name; 5 Maureen Nolan; 6 Patrick O'Connor; 7 Geraldine Smith; 8 Ann Mulkerin; 9 Need Name; 10 Eileen Nolan; 11 Thomas Donzelli; 12 Sharon Sullivan; 13 Need Name; 14 Need Name; 15 Virginia Salemi; 16 Need Name; 17 Rita Flanagan; 18 James Tracey; 19 Lynette Vivacqua; 20 Need Name; 21 Janice Radek; 22 Need Name; 23 Carol Broderick; 24 Roger Anderson; 25 Kathy Dobias; 26 Carol Ruscik; 27 Janice White; 28 Patrick Breen; 29 Thomas Blitsch; 30 Patrick Roche; 31 Raymond Mangan; 32 Patricia Carroll; 33 Sheila Conley; 34 Janet Jankuski; 35 Phillip Kelley; 36 Erwin Bircher; 37 Walter Renaghan; 38 Dennis Czechanski; 39 Charles Heise; 40 Mary McMahon; 41 John Rigney (Sexton); 42 John Kivlehan; 43 Kathleen Houlihan; 44 Need Name; 45 Robert Hutchison; 46 Kathleen Grace; 47 James Enright; 48 Kathleen O'Rourke; 49 Kathleen McClure; 50 Anthony Padauano; 51 Sister Mary Mercy

Can you help us identify the "Need Name" individuals?  If so, click on "comments" below and let us know who are unknown classmates are.

Photo Courtesy: Ray Mangan

Fifth Grade, Room 10, 1957 Class Photo

Photo taken March, 1957. See other Fifth Grade Classroom photo at Fifth Grade, Room 13, 1957.


Who is in the photo?

1 Lynn Kryzak; 2 Geraldine Smith; 3 Margaret Maloney; 4 James Finn; 5 Carol Ruscik; 6 Thomas Donzelli; 7 Rita Flanagan; 8 Edward Mahoney; 9 Janice White; 10 Patrick Roche; 11 Janice Radek; 12 Kathleen McClure; 13 Kathleen Dobias; 14 Carol Broderick; 15 Thomas Blitsch; 16 Robert Hutchison; 17 Robert Collins; 18 John McAuliffe; 19 Lucille Valentino; 20 Need Name; 21 Kathleen O'Rourke; 22 Raymond Mangan; 23 Erwin Bircher; 24 James Tracey; 25 Dennis Czechanski; 26 Victor Amato; 27 Anthony Padauano; 28 Thomas O'Halleran; 29 Mary McMahon; 30 Sheila Conley; 31 Patricia Carroll; 32 Janet Jankuski; 33 John Rigney (Sexton); 34 Mary Lynn McGuff; 35 Kathleen Houlihan; 36 Walter Renaghan; 37 Sharon Rotchford; 38 Charles Heise; 39 John Kivlehan; 40 Phillip Kelley; 41 Virginia Salemi; 42 James Enright

Can you help us identify the "Need Name" individuals?  If so, add you knowledge through clicking on the "comments" below and help identify our missing classmate.

Photo Courtesy: Mary Lynn McGuff

Class Prophecy, Class of 1960

Class Prophecy

St. Thomas Aquinas School

Class of 1960

In January 1983, Toni Malizia, first woman President of the United States, toured the country on the way to her inauguration in Washington, DC.  Because she owned a new model helicopter and employed a private chauffeur, Frank Otto, she was able to stop off and visit some of her old grammar school friends who would not be able to attend the celebration.  Elizabeth Giangrego (alias Liz Lange) and Rock McNeela, a 6 ft, 6 in, Wally.  To her delight, she witnessed the Academy Awards being presented to them for the "umpteenth time."  After reminiscing and much laughter, she departed. As she passed through Illinois, she paid a visit to Elaine (McIntyre) and James Tracey now operating a book mobile.

Toni suddenly developed a toothache and was forced to stop off in Chicago and have it extracted.  The dentist, John Kivlehan, recommended by nurse, Louise Tito, at the drive-in hospital, brought both quick relief and a happy renewal of an old friendship.  While waiting for her helicopter to be repaired (some damages had occurred in the landing), Toni took in a baseball game and watched John Santoro pitch one of his famous no-hit games.  While talking to his biggest fan, Bernadette Birkett, she learned that another classmate, Roger Anderson, was also well-known in the national sport.

But time was passing and Toni decided she must be on her way. At the next stop, Detroit, she toured the plant run by the brothers Ford now pushing their latest invention, the planemobile.  She also visited a new university dedicated by the Reverend Thomas O'Connor at which Fathers John Quinn, James Finn and James Enright, John Rigney, and Tom O'Halleran were attending a convention.  After learning from them that Peggy Dernbach and Carol Broderick had established an orphanage in Pittsburgh, she couldn't resist the temptation to stop and pay her respects.  But on to New York to see Jan (Stewart) and Bob Perry off to Europe and the launching of a short-story writing career.  Robert Hutchinson and Loretta Tantillo were also at the airport to wave them off.  Their pilot, Patrick Roche, had received recognition for his record of flying passengers safely to their destination,

While in New York, she decided to see the big Broadway hit "Era of Rock 'n Roll" taken from the book by Phil Kelley starring that great team of Violet Scalise and John McGuiness; Janice White and Marion Riester were also in the cast.  After a brief chat with some acquaintances, Connie Schleimer, Walter Renaghan, Kathleen Houlihan, Rita Flanagan, Erwin Bircher, Joan Carroll, Sandra Tromotola, and that famous playboy, Patrick Arloff, her chauffeur escorted her to a waiting planemobile.  At the motel, she received her keys from the clerk, Roger Miraldi, by awakening him from deep slumber with the new awakening ray invented by the famous Michael Letson.

After a good night's rest, she arose early to start her journey to Boston.  Upon her arrival, she was police escorted by Lt. Charles Dutra and Sgt. Victor Amato, and patrolmen Bob Collins and Tom Blitsch.  She decided to spend a few hours at an art exhibit, where famous paintings by Mary McGuff and Kathleen Hughes, distinguished for their late 20th century paintings, were shown.  Also, "Satellites of the Fifties" exhibited by Daniel Carr.  She had to speed up her journey, so she only stopped in one more city.  there she visited her friends, Sister Mary Damien and Sister Mary Stella, the former Pat Carroll and Lynn Kryzak, and Sister Mary Robert, the former Lynette Vivacqua, staying at a newly built convent.  They informed her that a carnival was to be held to raise money for the new Order of Fabianites.  She decided to see it and was surprised to recognize her old friends, Lucille Valentino and Dennis Czechanski doing their spectacular motormobile act.  Also, Virginia Salemi did her world famous horseback riding.

Adding glamor to her reception in Washington, was Janice Radek leading a well-known band composed of internationally famous musicians, among them were Bill Stocker, playing drums; Don Rio, playing the bugle; John McAuliffe, on saxophone; Alex Martini, on clarinet; Dick LaRose, on accordion; and Tom Donzelli, playing the tuba.

She was immediately rushed to the Conrad Stella Hotel where she was to stay.  After a good night's rest, she went down from her suite to get acquainted with the employees and patrons.  To her surprise, she discovered some of her classmates were among them.  For instance, Bob Dunphy was now a retired hotel manager.  As she passed the beauty parlor, she noted that Lucy Amore ran the hotel's famous hair styling shoppe, Senora Lucille of Italy Beauty Parlor, with the help of Diane Cullnan and Carol Ruscik.  She was escorted through the hotel's kitchen and fabulous banquet halls.  Although the kitchen was robot-controlled, Ray Mangan gave orders from his anchored-to-the-ceiling mechanical chair.

She visited a fine dress shoppe owned by Regina Sears who specialized in clothes designed by her friend, Noreen Christie.

The great day at last arrived.  January 20, 1983 found Maureen Rigney, chief justice, administering the oath to Antoinette Malizia.  Afterwards, when she was honored at a huge inauguration luncheon, she noticed the place cards were printed by the Arney Carlstrom Printing Company and she was informed that the invitations were also printed by Arney and his associates. Among the guests were Sharon Rotchford and Vice President Irene Fuentes.  Sharon is a world champion golfer.

Among the guests were Raymond Redding, president of the Redding Breakfast Pill Company; and Barbara Bird, president of the Paris Strap Shoe Company.  Her shoes were modeled by the celebrated Betty Neil who also modeled an original dress by designer Noreen Christie.  James Fitzgerald, inventor of the robot-controlled caterers who served the dinner, appeared with his latest invention, the Skyliner Satellite, which Pat O'Connor will take to the moon, accompanied by Denise Wallwin.

The entertainment for the afternoon was directed by Diane Hallinan who decided that it should be gay-fifties style.  Choreographer Mary Ellen McMahon appeared with her dancing girls, among them were Pat Reithal, Kathleen O'Rourke, Joan Laughlin, and Carole Keough.  The singing quartet consisted of Mary Kinahan, Kathleen McClure, Peg Maloney, and Jeanette Lawlor, who sang the old songs, "Mack the Knife," and "Running Bear."  Joan Nallen and Linda Kovach did a comedy skit of a classroom sometime in the 50s.

After the show, speeches were given by Donna Falco, Secretary of Defense, and Kathleen Dobias, Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare. Upon her return to the hotel, she was happy to receive a telegram of congratulations from the famous ice skating team of Janet Jankuski and Tom McGrath, who were touring Europe to raise money for the Order of the Fabianites.

This is our class prophecy.  It is, of course, pure imagination for no one knows what the future really holds for the Great Class of '60.


Please excuse any reference to the true careers of the above mentioned.  The ambitions have been changed to protect the innocent.

Author: Betty Giangrego

First Grade, Room 4, 1952 Photo

First Grade, Sr. Immaculata's class. Does anyone have the photo from the other class?



Photo Courtesy: Elaine McIntyre Beaudoin

STA School Song

Grand Old School
(to be sung to Grand Old Flag)

It's a grand old school,
It's a high rating school,
and in blue and in gold it will reign;
They're the colors of the school we love,
The priests and the sisters the same,
Every test was hard and the homework was too,
Without our teachers we'd never get through
But we're graduating anyhow --
Keep your eye on this grand old school.

Eighth Grade Officers

In eighth grade, the girls and boys were separated into different rooms.

Room 15
Educator: Sister Mary Damien, RSM
President: Daniel Carr
Vice-President: John McGuinnis
Secretary: John Santoro
Treasurer: Philip Kelly

Room 16
Educator: Sister Mary Stella, RSM
President: Antoinette Malizia
Vice-President: Mary Lynn McGuff
Secretary: Lucy Valentino
Treasurer: Carol Broderick

Fifth Grade, Room 13, 1957 Photo

Grade 5, Room 13, March, 1957. See other Fifth Grade classroom's photo by clicking: Fifth Grade, Room 10, 1957.

Who is in the photo?

1 Mary Lou Picard; 2 Robert Parry; 3 Elizabeth Giangreco; 4 Need Name; 5 Patricia Reithal; 6 Maureen Rigney (Sexton); 7 Margaret Dernbach; 8 James Fitzgerald; 9 Louise Tito; 10 Francis Otto; 11 John Quinn; 12 Mary Joan Carroll; 13 Alex Martini; 14 Raymond Redding; 15 Diane Cullnan; 16 Thomas McGrath; 17 Diane Hallinan; 18 John McGuinnis; 19 Marion Reister; 20 Barbara Bird; 21 Antoinette Malizia; 22 Patrick Arloff; 23 Denise Walwin; 24 Joan Nallen; 25 Need Name; 26 Need Name; 27 Richard LaRose;  28 Mary Kinahan; 29 Daniel Carr; 30 Linda Kovach; 31 Need Name; 32 Thomas O'Connor; 33 Lucille Amore; 34 Irene Fuentes; 35 Elaine McIntyre; 36 Arnold Carlstrom; 37 John Santoro; 38 Joan Laughlin; 39 Donald Rio; 40 Kathleen Hughes; 41 William Stocker; 42 Sr. Mary Beatrice

Help us identify those who names are needed.  You can click on "comments" below and identify our "Need Name" individuals.

Photo Courtesy: Elaine McIntyre Beaudoin

Fourth Grade, Room 7, 1956 Photo

Fourth Grade, Room 7, April, 1956. To view the other Fourth Grade photo click on: Fourth Grade, Room 6, 1956.

Can you help us identify our "nameless" classmates?

1 Denise Wallwin; 2 Arnold Carlstrom; 3 Need Name; 4 Irene Fuentes; 5 Mary Kinahan; 6 John Santoro; 7 Need Name; 8 Need Name; 9 Diane Cullnan; 10 Richard LaRose; 11 Patricia Reithal; 12 Robert Parry; 13 Barbara Bird; 14 Need Name; 15 John Quinn; 16 Linda Kovach; 17 James Fitzgerald; 18 Need Name; 19 Francis Otto; 20 Patrick Arloff; 21 William Stocker; 22 Maureen Rigney (Sexton); 23 Joan Nallen; 24 Need Name; 25 Mary Corsiglia; 26 Marion Reister; 27 Mary Lou Picard; 28 Joan Laughlin; 29 John McGuiness; 30 Daniel Carr; 31 Need Name; 32 Thomas McGrath; 33 Kathleen Hughes; 34 Margaret Dernbach; 35 Donald Rio; 36 Elaine McIntyre; 37 Alex Martini

If you recognize one of the "Need Name" classmates, please add the information by clicking on the red "comments" area below this post and sharing your knowledge with us.

To increase the size of the image, double click on it.

Photo Courtesy: Elaine McIntyre Beaudoin

Seventh Grade, Room 12, 1959 Photo

Does anyone have a photo of the other Seventh Grade?



Photo Courtesy: Elaine McIntyre Beaudoin

25 Year Reunion Photo, 1985

The 25th year reunion of the class of 1960 was held on April 20, 1985 at The Oak Park Club, 721 Ontario, Oak Park, Illinois. The reunion committee consisted of Mary Lynn McGuff Dietsche, Elizabeth Giangrego, Joan Laughlin LaBeck, Ray Mangan, Maureen (Rigney) Sexton and Elaine McIntyre Watson.

Photo
Back/fourth row, left to right: James Fitzgerald, Erwin Bircher, Bob Collins, Tom McGrath, Dennis Czechanski, Roger Anderson, Robert Parry, Ray Magnan, Thomas Blitsch
Third row: Donna Falco Kajtsa, Donald Rio, Margaret Dernbach Kuzminski, Elizabeth Giangrego, Carol Broderick, Kathleen Hughes Wilke, Maureen (Rigney) Sexton, Denise Wallwin O'Brien, Joan Nallen, Walter Renaghan
Second row: Lucille Amore, Carol Ruscik Mullins, Elaine McIntyre Watson, Kathleen Dobias, Kathleen Houlihan Redel, Mary Lynn McGuff Dietsche, Mary Kinahan Kribble, Carole Keough, Joan Laughlin LaBeck
Front/first row: Roger Miraldi, Raymond Redding, John McGinnis, Walter McNeela, Charles Dutra

If you are in this picture and incorrectly identified, please let us know and we will correct the "credits."  Even if your name is correct, leave a comment, we would love to hear from you.  To enlarge the photo, double click on the picture.  When it opens in another window, click on it again to enlarge it one more time.

Photo Courtesy: Elaine McIntyre Beaudoin

1960 List of STA Graduates

 THE GIRLS

Lucille Amore
Barbara Bird
M. Bernadette Birkett
Carol Broderick
Joanmary Carroll
Patricia Carroll
Noreen Christie
Diane Cullnan
Margaret Dernbach
Kathleen Dobias
Donna Falco
Rita Flanagan
Irene Fuentes
Elizabeth Giangreco (1946-2010)
Diane Hallinan
Kathleen Houlihan
Kathleen Hughes
Janet Jankuski
Mary Kinahan
Carole Keough
Linda Kovach
Lynn Kryzak
Joan Laughlin
Jeanette Lawlor
Antoinette Malizia
Margaret Maloney
Kathleen McClure
Mary McGuff
Elaine McIntyre
Mary McMahon
Joan Nallen
Elizabeth Neil
Kathleen O'Rourke
Janice Radek
Patricia Reithal
Marion Riester
Maureen Rigney (1945-2005)
Sharon Rotchford
Carol Ruscik
Virginia Salemi
Violet Scalise
Constance Schleimer
Regina Sears
Gerogiann Stewart
Lauretta Tantillo
Louise Tito
Sandra Tromotola
Lucille Valentino
Lynette Vivacqua
M. Denise Wallwin
Janice White

THE BOYS

Victor Amato
Roger Anderson
Patrick Arloff
Erwin Bircher
Thomas Blitsch
Arnold Carlstrom
Daniel Carr
Robert Collins
Dennis Czechanski
James Donzelli
Robert Dunphy
Charles Dutra
James Enright (1946-2007)
James Finn (1946-2000)
James Fitzgerald
Robert Hutchison
Philip Kelley
John Kivlehan
Richard LaRose
Michael Letson
Raymond Mangan
Alex Martini
John McAuliffe
Thomas McGrath
John McGinnis  (1946-2004)
Walter McNella (1946-2010)
Roger Miraldi
Patrick O'Connor (1946-2005)
Thomas O'Connor
Thomas O'Halleran
Francis Otto
Robert Parry
John Quinn
Raymond Redding
Walter Renaghan
John Rigney
Donald Rio
Patrick Roche
John Santoro
William Stocker
James Tracey (1946-2007)

The names and spellings have been taken from the 1960 St. Thomas Aquinas Class picture shown at the top of the Blog page.