As the new school year begins, St. Vincent-St. Mary High School in Akron has a lot to celebrate. More than 650 students were back in class by Aug. 25 as the school began its 50th year.
St. Vincent-St. Mary has deep roots in Akron stretching back 125 years. The coed school began as two parish high schools, St. Vincent High School, established in 1906 at St. Vincent de Paul Parish, and St. Mary High School, established in 1897 at St. Mary Parish, when it was founded as a mission. They merged in 1972 and the first class, which consisted of 237 students, graduated the following year.
Bishop Edward Malesic opened the festivities by celebrating Mass on Aug. 20 in St. Vincent de Paul Church, established in 1853, is the oldest Catholic parish in Akron.
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“Fifty years is a wonderful milestone. It is actually a milestone within a milestone,” the bishop said, pointing out the diocese is celebrating its 175th anniversary this year also. “So there’s a lot to be happy about this year: 175 years as a diocese, 50 years as St. Vincent-St. Mary High School.”
But the focus was on the high school Aug. 20. “A good plant always has strong roots, and St. Vincent-St. Mary is no exception. This school has a strong historical foundation,” he added.
During its history, St. Mary High School graduated 4,351 students and St. Vincent High School graduated 6,625 before the merger. As of 2019, 8,772 students are alumni of the combined school.
The bishop recalled how the Sister Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary from Monroe, Michigan guided students at St. Mary High School. He also credited Father Thomas Mahar for his role in establishing both schools. In addition, he pointed out that it takes many talented people – clergy, religious, laity, administration and faculty, plus alumni, parents and students working together to make the school vibrant.
“Today, St. Vincent-St. Mary High School is a unified thread of two great histories informed by the Marianist tradition of the Catholic Church,” Bishop Malesic said. “Let me be clear and say that this high school exists because of Christ, with Christ and for Christ. Jesus and his Gospel have always been the inspiration for educating our young people, forming them in the ways of the faith and wanting the best education for them that is possible. In its 50 years of existence, St Vincent-St. Mary High School has left an indelible mark on the hearts of its more than 20,000 (combined) graduates. St. Vincent-St. Mary remains an anchor for the community, a haven for our young to grow in wisdom and in age and a source of pride for all of us,” he added.
Referring to the Gospel, which focused on salvation, the bishop said the offer of salvation is universal but it us up to us to accept it. “It isn’t enough to just wear a crucifix. We must embrace the saving cross of Christ. It is not enough to say we are Christian; we must be a friend of Christ. It is not enough to rub shoulders with Jesus on occasion; we must allow him to live in us. They when it is time for us to seek shelter from God, Jesus will say to us, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant … Come share your master’s joy.’”
This is why St. Vincent-St. Mary must continue to have a mission of evangelization, the bishop said “with the message that Jesus was sent to us by God, he has shown us the way back to God, he died so that our sins might be forgiven, he rose from the dead and said that we would also rise again if we follow him with faith.”
He said those who support the high school believe in its mission to proclaim someone much greater than ourselves and they want to pass that faith on to the next generation. “This means we must love one another as we have received God’s love for ourselves,” he added. “We want to give them (the students) something that will last until eternity – the unmerited life of grace that Jesus offers to those who believe in him. This is the eternal happiness we offer everyone who walks in the doors of St. Vincent-St. Mary High School.”
Speaking frankly, Bishop Malesic said, “We are in the business of forming saints. And what better place to begin than with ourselves and our children … we ask him to give us the courage to proclaim his Gospel of salvation especially within the halls of St. Vincent-St. Mary High School, a place that is near and dear to all of us.”
After Mass, the bishop traveled the short distance to the school where a gala took place under a large tent on the athletic field. Despite some rain, attendees enjoyed dinner, brief remarks, information on the history of the school and singing of the alma mater. Ralph Trecaso, class of 1979, welcomed guests. Also making brief remarks were Ken McDonald ’76, chair of the theology department, and senior Aislynn McVicker, Kairos leader and Marianist Team Life. Senior Isabella Abucejo led the alma mater and Leo Hyland, school president, the school’s history.
Offering prayer before dinner, the bishop reminded those gathered that the thread of St. Vincent-St. Mary High School is strong because of the two threads – St. Mary and St. Vincent high schools – that came together to form the new school.
“We love our young people so much,” the bishop said, asking God to help transform their minds to grow in wisdom and age, their bodies to grow through sports and arts and their souls to be filled with the knowledge of the Gospel.
Members of the school’s executive board are Trecaso, chairman; Todd Bishof, Father Norm Douglas, pastor of St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Patricia Eickhoff, Tony Fitzgerald, Bill Hunt, Mary Ann Issac, ’82, Mike Montisano, ’92, Brendan O’Connor, Kris Murphy Rosenfeld, ’85, Lori Baker Tomaszewski, ’85, Maureen Cochran Thune, ’84, Jerry VanDevere, ’88, and John Weisensell.
Foundation board members are Deidre Hanlon, president; William Costigan Jr., St. Vincent High School ’67, vice president; Michael Piglia, treasurer; James Conlon, ’13; Cassandra Manna, ’08; and James Simon ’93.
“We eagerly await an exciting future for our school by embracing our new vision statement, ‘Building on the rich heritage of our founding schools and embracing the strength of the Marianist charism, STVM strives to leverage its diversity and compassion and inspire its students to become caring, active, innovative, productive and faithful followers of Christ,” Hyland said. “As we reflect this evening on achieving this milestone in the history of our school, we also commit to engaging all STVM advocates in supporting its mission and vision. Working together, we will continue to elevate the student experience – high atop a hill in Akron. Thank you for your prayers and all that you do for our STVM community. May God continue to bless you and your loved ones abundantly,” he added. “And Go Irish.”