Grade Unknown, Class of 1952

Today the STA Blog received the following email and the photos included in this post and the next post.

I noticed your blog and I had some family members that went there. I am attaching some photos I thought you might like. They are both of my sister Suzanne Walsh. The class photo I am not sure of the date, she graduated in class of '52. I have also a shot of the back side which has some class members names on it.
Richard Walsh

Thank you Richard - What a great photo from your sister Suzanne Walshes' class at STA.  Perhaps others will be able to identify individuals in the photo.  Actually, I believe the young man in the second row, second from the left, is Jimmy Laughlin.  He still looks the same!  I'll ask his sister if it is him.

Writing on back of photo above

Photos courtesy: Richard Walsh brother of Suzanne Walsh, Class of 1952.

1947 Music Class

Another great photo from Richard Walsh.  His sister, Suzanne Walsh, Class of 1952, is somewhere in this photo.

Does anyone know who the music Sister is?  It is great STA had an all school music class.

Thanks, Richard, for sharing the wonderful photos from your sister.

Generosity of STA Alums

The Peanuts creator, Charles Schultz, once wrote “Christmas is doing a little something extra for someone.”  At this Christmas time we wanted to thank all those STA Alums for “the little something” that made a “big difference” to our former Church and School.

The generosity of the STA Alums at the September 30^th reunion was exceptional.  In addition to all the refreshments provided, signs designed, photography taken, and time given for set-up and clean-up, you also contributed $1,027!

After covering parish and school staff expenses and some paper goods, we were able to distribute $517 to St. Martin de Porres Church and $100 to the Plato Learning Academy.  Included with the checks were thank you notes noting how much STA Alums appreciated the warm welcome received and the ability to visit the Church and school of our youth.

We received the following responses:

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We wish to acknowledge your kind letter of October 3, 2012.  We will publish it in our Sunday Bulletin.  Thank you very much for the generous donation of $517.  The alums were generous also at Church as our collection more than doubled that Sunday.

Former St. Thomas Aquinas students and parishioners are always welcome at St. Martin de Porres.

May the Lord bless you and such wonderful friends.

Sincerely,

Rev. Peter Premarini, MCCJ

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On October 9, 2012 my school received your donation in honor of the alumni of St. Thomas Aquinas.  I want to thank you for your generosity.

Please be assured that your donation will be used to help my students who come from families that struggle financially.  At Plato Learning Academy we are striving for excellence and we thank you for your support in that effort.

Respectfully,

Vanesa Scott-Thompson, Ed.D

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May The Spirit Of Christmas Bring You Peace, 

The Gladness Of Christmas Give You Hope

Patrick Reardon's New Book

Patrick Reardon, class of 1963, just published a book entitled Woven Lives: One Hundred Years in the Story of the St. Gertrude Faith Family, 2012.

At the presentation today, Pat read excerpts from his book and in a lively Q & A took questions about his research, St. Gertrude's Parish and the history of Edgewater and the larger Lakeview area.  Coffee and donuts were supplied by the Edgewater Historical Society, who hosted the event. 

Pat sharing information about St. Gertrude's Parish

As an example of MORE Woven Lives .... As I sat listening to Pat's reading, I realized my first cousin, twice removed, was one of the founders of St. Gertrude's parish, a fact previously unknown to me.  Thanks, Pat, for enlightening me with more about my family history.

Elaine McIntyre Beaudoin (class of 1960) with author, Pat Reardon

Photos: Courtesy: Elaine Beaudoin

Video of September 30 Mass

At our STA Reunion on September 30, Dan Carr set up his video camera in the Church's choir loft and proceeded to record the entire Mass.  Thank you Dan.  He posted the service on his Aquinasville blog page.

If you would like to view the Mass, click on Aquinasville and it will take you to his eight part video.

You are wonderful, Dan.  Thanks for recording our reunion Mass.

Mary's Page - March 27, 1958

Merikay Fogarty (Class of 1958) attended the September 30th reunion and brought several issues of her Mary's Page, a "school newspaper" she wrote while at STA.  One of the issues was scanned and is presented below.  Wouldn't we love to have Merikay scan the rest?  If so, comment below -- perhaps Merikay will oblige.

Click on image and it will enlarge

This March 27, 1958 issue identifies many STA classmates.  I see the names Belmonte, Parry, Hickey, Flavin, McGuin, Kernaghan, Redding, Cotter, Loech, Mullins and Dutra.  I also notice a short article about JM in Miss Delaney's classroom -- could this be John McGuinnis?

Merikay, thanks so much for sharing this bit of nostalgia.  We'd love to see more.

"Our Father" Sung at Mass

At our September 30 Mass, Erice McKee, a graduate of STA, sang the "Our Father".  It was most beautiful as it echoed throughout the Church.

Dan Carr (Class of 1960) captured the moment on his camera.  Enjoy.



In case you couldn't see Erice from where you were sitting in Church, here he is in the Canteen after Mass.

Erice McKee, STA Graduate c1970s

Video: Dan Carr; Photo: Elaine Beaudoin