St. Raymond School celebrates 70 years
St. Raymond School welcomed special guests for a 70th Anniversary Rededication event on Thursday, Sept. 26. Attendees included Mount Prospect Mayor Paul Hoefert, Greg Richmond, superintendent of schools Archdiocese of Chicago, former administrators and faculty, alumni, and Mount Prospect library, fire and police officials.
The celebration began with opening speaker remarks by Richmond, who spoke about the rich history of Catholic schools in Chicago, dating back to 1846. He recognized parents in the audience that were also alumni.
“We are all a part of something much bigger than ourselves when you are part of Catholic schools, when you are a part of the Catholic Church,” said Richmond. “And that’s what makes this special, to gather here today to think of the folks, the kids like you, who were students 70 year ago at St. Raymond. Now you are at St. Raymond and the legacy continues.”
Following Richmond, author Jean Murphy and Emily Datillo, St. Raymond Class of ‘97 and director of the Mount Prospect Historical Society, told the history of St. Raymond School. Students in the audience were shocked to hear that at one time there were more than 1,300 students in the school, with the grades so populated that half the students attended school in the morning and half in the afternoon.
The program continued with the kindergarten students presenting flowers to Sister Elaine Campbell, who was administrator from 1992-1999, and other former St. Raymond School faculty members and community officials.
Mayor Paul Hoefert spoke next of the importance of making change by stating “that there is only one way out of any problem and that is education.” He challenged all the students to “pay attention in class.”
Mayor Hoefert, together with village Trustee Colleen Saccotelli, Principal Mary Eileen Ward and Assistant Principal Melisa Sadalski, proceeded to commemorate the rededication with a ribbon-tying ceremony symbolizing St. Raymond’s recommitment to the Mount Prospect community at large. The Rev. Jerry Jacob concluded the ceremony with a school blessing.
Students then performed a St. Raymond School rap composed by Cheryl Rebman Burt, general music teacher, with input by students. To close the program, a big cake was brought out and the school community sang happy birthday to St. Raymond.
Throughout the school year, students and faculty will continue to celebrate each decade with special upcoming events.
A National Blue Ribbon School, Saint Raymond School is a parish elementary school, PK-eighth grade, and an integral part of the faith community of St. Raymond de Penafort in Mount Prospect. For information, call (847) 253-8555 or visit st-raymondschool.org.