Alumni Newsletter

Summer 2019

St. Mary Catholic School A MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL

This upcoming school year marks the 145th Anniversary of St. Mary Catholic School. On August 24, 1874, St. Mary Catholic School opened her doors and started a tradition of offer-ing a Catholic-centered education to all children in order to fulfill the mission of the Church. For 145 years, students have received a faith-based education that challenges them to become the best that they can be by promoting the spiritual, intellectual, social, personal, and physical development of the students. This is definitely a year that we will be celebrat-ing—celebrating our history as well as celebrating our present and future. The commitment of SMCS in promoting academic excellence and in providing students with a technology-rich environment was influential in St. Mary Catholic School being rec-ognized as a 2017 National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence by the U. S. Department of Education. Following this designation, as part of the school’s strategic plan, SMCS widened its focus to include improving the current physical activity space. Finally, after all the years of waiting and praying for SMCS students to have a gym, our prayers were answered. After four long months of construction, the lower level of the school was completely transformed by converting Pangborn Hall into a gymnasium, converting the Msgr. Passarelli Room into a dining hall, and modernizing the kitchen with new appliances and redesigning it to ac-commodate a new flow pattern for serving students, since the students eat across the hall from the kitchen instead of in Pangborn Hall. The kitchen has been named Sister Corda’s Kitchen. The Pre-K classroom and lower hallway were freshened up with new ceilings, flooring, lighting, and paint. Air conditioning the Msgr. Passarelli Dining Hall and the Pre-K classroom was included in the scope of the project. When the time finally arrived to un-veil the gymnasium, the smiles and cheers from our students and their families indicated that the finished product certainly met or exceeded expectations. St. Mary Catholic School finally has a gymnasium. Personally, I think it is the prettiest gym I have ever seen! In addition to the renovations on our campus, our technology initiatives continue to chal-lenge our students to become expert users of technology. Middle school students participat-ed in the first Technology Showcase hosted by SMCS. Sixth graders designed 3D images of ancient civilization structures; seventh graders created animations; and eighth graders shared their work on Lego Robotics. All who attended were impressed with the skills and knowledge of our students. Although there are changes in technology and cosmetic upgrades to our facilities, our mis-sion, St. Mary Catholic School empowers children in their faith journey and promotes academic excellence and life-long service inspired by the Gospel of Jesus Christ in a nur-turing community, remains constant. Please plan a visit to your Alma Mater for our 145th Anniversary Celebration on September 21, or during Catholic Schools Week, January 25 through January 31, 2020. Catholic Schools Week is rooted in so much tradition, beginning with the Pancake Breakfast on January 25, and ending with our First Friday Mass at 10:30 A.M. on January 31. Please join us!

May God Bless you!

Patricia A. McDermott

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Celebrating 145 Years!..............................................................2

Archdiocese of Baltimore

Elementary School Teacher of the Year……………………...……...3

Year of Service……………….……………...…………………………….….4

Year of Service (cont’d)…………………………………………………….5

In Memoriam………………………………………………………………….5

SMCS Graduating Class of 2019………………………………………..6

Annual Fund 15 Letter from Alumnus……………………………….6

Annual Fund 14 Honor Roll of Donors……………………………...7

Keep in Touch………………………………………………………………...8

St. Mary Catholic School

218 W. Washington St.

Hagerstown, MD 21740

301-733-1184

www.stmarycatholicschool.org

SAVE THE DATES...

Saturday,

September 21, 2019

SMCS 145th

Anniversary

Homecoming

Celebration

Start planning now! Break out your BBQ

equipment for a traditional tailgate and

start recruiting your friends for a round

robin basketball tournament in the newly

renovated Pangborn Gymnasium. All

events will be completed in time for

Saturday evening Mass. Would you like

to be a part of planning this special

event? Contact

cstumpf@stmarycatholicschool for addi-

tional information. Stay up to date with

more details here: http://

stmarycatholicschool.org/support/

alumni/

Saturday,

November 16, 2019

SMCS HSA

Fall Fundraiser

Enjoy a night out and be a part of a

thrilling murder mystery while bidding on

silent auction items. Contact

smcshsa@gmail.com for information.

CELEBRATING 145 YEARS!

For one hundred forty-five years there has been a Catholic school in Hager-stown. On Au-gust 28, 1874, the Sisters of Saint Joseph arrived to open the first school. Named Saint Joseph Academy, it was the first mission

of the Sisters of Saint Joseph in Maryland. Although there was little ready money in the parish, Father Jones raised funds and purchased property for $6,750.00 on March 31, 1874. This property was used for both the convent and the school. Later in the same year additions were made to the second and third stories. The Sisters of Saint Joseph departed the parish in 1885 due to financial difficulties. On August 10, 1885 five School Sisters of Notre Dame arrived at Saint Mary from Baltimore. School opened with the new Sisters in charge on September 4, 1885 and ninety children regis-tered. Enrollment steadily increased each year. By 1914 a total of 262 pupils in grades one through eight were taught by Sisters. The school was not restricted to Catholic chil-dren. A commercial school was added and the graduates of this school were always in demand by the business community of the town.

In 1930, Archbishop Michael J. Curley recommended that high school grades be added to the school. This was accom-plished by the addition of several rooms to the original building. In 1931 the name of the school was changed from Saint Joseph Academy to

St. Mary Catholic School. The high school opened on September 12, 1932 with elev-en juniors, twenty-three sophomores, and thirty-one freshmen. In 1943 a kindergar-ten was started in the Hamilton House adjacent to the school. Because of in-creased enrollment in the school, in 1955 a new Catholic high school, known as St. Maria Goretti, was built in the north end of Hagerstown on property purchased by Monsignor Francis Leary. In 1959 an addition was attached to the original building. It housed a cafeteria, kitchen, all-purpose room, kindergarten, and four primary classrooms. This addi-tion was built on the site of the Hamilton House and Gordon Building. A renovation on the original building was undertaken in 1980. The classrooms were reconfigured; the first floor of the convent was converted into school offices and a library. The convent was moved to the second floor of the building.

The final addition to the primary building was completed in 2002. A third floor was added to the existing building housing four new classrooms. In 2012, SMCS add-ed a pre-kindergarten program for four-year olds. After the success of last year’s extensive renovations to the gymnasium, cafeteria kitchen, dining hall, and brick wall, SMCS is looking forward to an updated library space for our students for the start of the 2019-2020 school year.

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Dr. Donna Hargens, Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Archdiocese of Baltimore, made a surprise visit to St.

Mary Catholic School in Hagerstown on June 4, 2019 to deliver the news that Mrs. Jennifer Karn, St. Mary Catholic

School middle school language arts teacher, has been named the 2019 Archdiocesan Elementary School Teacher of

the Year.

ARCHDIOCESE OF BALTIMORE ANNOUNCES

MRS. JENNIFER KARN

THE 2019 ARCHDIOCESAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

TEACHER OF THE YEAR

TEACHER OF THE YEAR

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Image courtesy of The Herald-Mail Media

Mrs. Karn was chosen by the Archdiocese of Baltimore’s Teacher of the Year Committee, which included Department

of Catholic Schools staff, Archdiocese of Baltimore School Board representatives, and a representative from the Vi-

cariate Office. The committee selected Mrs. Karn from a pool of 39 Archdiocesan elementary school Teacher of the

Year nominees, all of whom were the recipients of their school’s 2019 Teacher of the Year award. The decision was

based on each nominee’s demonstration of Catholic identity, innovative instruction, professionalism, and leadership,

as well as classroom observations, and interviews.

“Mrs. Karn teaches, as her mother did, with gentleness and faith ensuring that each of her students at St. Mary Cath-

olic School feels safe to learn and benefits from personalized and innovative instruction,” said Dr. Hargens, Superin-

tendent of Catholic Schools.

Mrs. Karn has 22 years of teaching experience and loves teaching literature and grammar. She holds a Bachelor of

Arts degree in English and Secondary Education and a Master’s in Education with a concentration in Instruction-

al Technology from Mount St. Mary’s University.

According to Mrs. Karn, “Teaching and integrating my faith into daily lessons is quite honestly the best part of being

a Catholic educator.”

SAVE THE DATE...

Midnight at the

Masquerade

Saturday, November 3, 2018

St. Mary Catholic School

Pangborn Hall

ARCHDIOCESE OF BALTIMORE

DESIGNATED THIS

2018-2019 SCHOOL YEAR AS A

YEAR OF SERVICE

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The 2018-2019 Year of

Service for the Catholic

Schools of the Archdio-

cese of Baltimore high-

lights the good works of

our students, educators,

and broader school com-

munities.

“For we are his handiwork,

created in Christ Jesus for

the good works that God

has prepared in advance,

that we should live in

them.”

-Ephesians 2:10

In support of the designation by the Archdiocese of Baltimore as this being the Year of Service,

SMCS faculty and students aimed to incorporate the corporal and spiritual work of mercy into

their daily classroom routines.

In August 2018, SMCS Faculty started out the new school year with a service project. Under the

leadership of Mrs. Patti Jones, SMCS School Board President, and her mother, faculty members

took part in making hand-made rosaries which were donated to local nuns at St. Joseph’s Place in

Emmitsburg, Maryland.

As part of their religion class,

SCMS middle students organized

a coat drive in October 2018.

These coats were turned in by

families with students of all ages.

The middle schoolers then made

a prayer tag that was attached to

each coat. These coats were do-

nated to the Salvation Army.

In memory of Sister Corda, SMCS’s

youngest group, the Pre-K 4 students

put together Halloween treats for

REACH shelter visitors.

Students participating in the Rever-

end George A. Limmer chapter of the

National Junior Honor Society

(NJHS) collected gently used/new

sporting equipment. The NJHS offic-

ers presented these donations to

Leveling the Playing Field, a group

that aims to serve low-income com-

munities.

Each November, all SMCS students participate in a Read-a-Thon. This year $2,840.56 was

earned to purchase Christmas gifts and meals for families adopted through the Salvation Army.

Looking towards Christmas, all faculty and students worked on creating special Christmas cards.

These cards were delivered to local veterans living in assisted living facilities.

A school-wide day of service

was held on December 18,

2018. Each grade level partici-

pated in creating bagged

lunches and personal hygiene

kits for the 48 REACH shelter

residents. Not only were

sandwiches prepared with

care, but they were delivered

in lunch bags covered in inspi-

rational messages and pray-

ers.

Before Christmas break, NJHS students spent an evening at the Valley Mall wrapping presents

in support of the Red Cross.

In the spirit of Catholic Schools Week, a donation collection drive was held at the school. Local

restaurants also participated by allowing SMCS to use their building as a drop-off location. Over

650 items including diapers, wipes, clothing, blankets, etc. were donated to Mary’s Center, a

Catholic pregnancy center in Hagerstown.

During a school day in February, each student decorated an inspirational place mat. These place

mats were then laminated and carefully cut by parent volunteers. The staff at the Washington

County Commission on Aging was so appreciative and couldn’t wait to share these place mats

with their Meals on Wheels recipients.

SMCS 8th graders made presentations on the importance of the work by the Catholic Relief

Services. In conjunction with Lent, donations were received in support of Operation Rice Bowl.

All families had the chance to bring in new/gently used toys and play equipment during April in

support of the Bester Community of Hope. All donations will be used for a new family at a local

extended stay hotel.

Ms. Ward’s middle school religion

students ended the year with a

baby shower! Students celebrated

the birth of the babies which they

spiritually adopted at the begin-

ning of the school year. The cele-

bration included games, food, and

donated items for Mary’s center.

The student council members

efficiently conducted numerous

TAG Day collections. The funds

collected during these days were offered in support of Dooey’s House, Catholic Charities—

Hurricane Relief, Children’s Village of Washington County, and Camp St. Vincent.

5

MRS. JACKIE SWARNER

Mrs. Swarner passed away October

6, 2018 during her third year as the

second grade teacher assistant at St.

Mary Catholic School. Prior to her

time at SMCS, she had spent 12

years working with 3 year olds at

John Wesley Preschool. She certain-

ly enjoyed the independence of the

second grade age group!

Mrs. Swarner was involved with

SMCS as a parent for 14 years. Her

two daughters attended SCMS from

Kindergarten through eighth grade.

She felt her daughters received a

great education and she enjoyed

being involved in their school and

belonging to such a great communi-

ty. It was no surprise Mrs. Swarner

ended up working at SMCS.

SMCS is a great community because

of people like Jackie. She was al-

ways willing to help out anyone in

need and never needed recognition

for doing so. The SMCS community

continues to hold Mrs. Swarner and

her family in our prayers.

IN MEMORIAM...

WHAT IS THE ANNUAL FUND?

The St. Mary Catholic School Annual Fund is the “cornerstone” of all fundraising

campaigns held at the school. This campaign extends to faculty & staff, current

families, alumni, parishioners, and community members. The annual fund serves

our SMCS families as the number one way we keep tuition affordable for all fami-

lies. Tuition alone does not cover the school’s operating expenses. We rely on

our generous donors to help offset this difference. Gifts to the annual fund also

benefit technology maintenance & support as well as other enrichment pro-

grams.

Annual Fund Fast Facts:

Goal (by June 30, 2019): $50,000

Raised during last annual fund: $48,968.98

Annual Fund Cycle: April 1, 2018—June 30, 2019

The Annual Fund allows us to keep tuition affordable for all families.

Otherwise, an increase of $598 per family would be required to fund

the school’s operational budget.

SMCS 15TH ANNUAL FUND CAMPAIGN

6

Each contribution to our Annual Fund should be considered a silent scholarship to each student.

CONGRATULATIONS

TO SMCS CLASS OF ‘19

Michelle Beck

Brooklyn Cathor

Pascal Echibe

Brianna Ellis

Paul Jenny

Noah Karn

Austin Latimer

Connor McCardell

Isabella Muto

Quynh Nguyen

Sofia Qaum

Otto Rice

Jillienne Smith

Paige Smith

Jillian Sommerville

Lucy Strama

Erica Weaver

Evan Weaver

Daisy Zheng

7

Pastor’s Circle

Gifts of $1,000 & up Anonymous Mr. & Mrs. Kevin M. Beck (in memory of Mary Beck, mother of Kevin) Mr. & Mrs. Wayne Becker (in memory of Robert L. Palla & Ron Kinsey) Mr. Howard B. Bowen Rev. Ernest Cibelli Mr. & Mrs. Franki Corsi Dr. & Mrs. J. Ramsay Farah Mr. & Mrs. Robert Grimsley (in honor of James J. Gray & Robert L. Grimsley) Knights of Columbus, Ladies Auxiliary Knights of Columbus, Pangborn Council 1365 Reverend George A. Limmer (in memory of Aaron & Dorothy Limmer, parents of Fr. Limmer) Monsignor Joseph S. Lizor, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Satya Mangalapati St. Michael Mission Church Dr. & Mrs. Neil O’Malley (in honor of unborn babies) Mr. & Mrs. Robert Rankin (in memory of Margaret Rankin) Mr. & Mrs. Michael Tedeschi (in memory of Sister Cor-da) Dr. & Mrs. Joseph Wilson (in honor of Father Lim-mer)

Saints

Gifts of $500 to $999 Ms. Candi Byrne (in honor of Corrina & Jillian Byrne) Mr. Joseph S. Jacques (In memory of Jean Ann Jacques) Dr. & Mrs. Francisco Japzon Dr. & Mrs. Jeffrey Jones Mr. Christopher Litzinger Mr. & Mrs. Michael McDermott Mr. Jeffrey Ortiz Drs. Tara Rumbarger & James Schiro Mr. James Sellgren

Archangels

Gifts of $250 to $499

Mr. & Mrs. James Marshall Mr. & Mrs. Michael McGinley Mr. & Mrs. Carl Moats Ms. Marie Nowakowski Ms. Lois Potter (in memory of William Potter) Mr. & Mrs. John Reiter Mr. & Mrs. Stan Smith (in honor of Jillienne Smith)

Guardian Angels

Gifts of $100 to $249

Ms. Teresa Angle (in memory of Helen & Hubert Karn) Mr. & Mrs. Richard Bowers (in memory of Debra Ann Bowers) Mr. & Mrs. William Breichner (in memory of Ethel E. Breichner) Mr. Timothy Butts Mr. & Mrs. Gregory Capone Ms. Loretta Carpenter (in memory of Connie Susi)

Mr. & Mrs. William Collins (in honor of Catherine & John Reiter and Peter, Philip, and Stephen) Mrs. Jennifer Dankmeyer Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Fahey (in memory of Leo & Mary Fahey) Mrs. Mary Grove (in honor of Doug & Alex Grove) Mr. & Mrs. Gerald Kamas Mr. & Mrs. Michael Kamas Mr. & Mrs. Carroll Keller Ms. Debra May Mr. Michael McCoy Dr. & Mrs. Mark Meany Mr. & Mrs. David Moats (in memory of Sr. Corda) Ms. Eileen Munson (in honor of Chelsea (Munson) Alford & Nicholas Munson) Ms. Julie Murphy (in memory of James Bussard, my father) Sister Aloysius Norman, SSND (in memory of Sister Corda Mullinex, SSND) Mr. Connor O’Malley (in memory of Jean Jacques) Ms. Kathleen O’Malley (in memory of Jean Jacques) Ms. Mary K. O’Malley (in memory of Jean Jacques) Ms. Tara O’Malley (in memory of Jean Jacques) Mr. & Mrs. William O’Mara Ms. Dorothy M. Palla (in memory of Robert L. Palla & Ron Kinsey) Mr. John Pensinger (in honor of Thomas R. McNeal) Mr. & Mrs David Pentony Mrs. M.E. Pontzer, Catholic Golden Ages Ms. Paula Radley (in memory of Sister Corda) The Family of Mr. Joseph Rafter Mr. James R. Ridenour Mr. & Mrs. Marvin Shives Mr. John Snyder Ms. Amy Sweeny Ms. Helen Walla SMCS Student Council

Cherubs

Gifts up to $99

Mrs. Mary K. Barger Mr. & Mrs. Brian Deveney (in memory of Mrs. Jackie Swarner) Mrs. Frances M. Eves Mrs. Tina Forsythe (in memory of Sr. Corda Mullinex) Mrs. Kristy Gross Mr. & Mrs. William Hamilla Mrs. Cheryl Hammond (in memory of Jack Weaver) Ms. Peggy Hellane Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Jada (in memory of Mrs. Jackie Swarner) Ms. Joanne Joseph (in memory of Mrs. Jackie Swarner) Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Kenny (In honor of Annabella Kenny) Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Martin Ms. Barbara Tisony Mr. & Mrs. Linda VanDyke (in memory of Mrs. Jackie Swarner) Ms. Pamela Ward (in honor of Rose Marion Arone Hade)

FOURTEENTH ANNUAL FUND CAMPAIGN

Honor Roll of Donors 2018

St. Mary Catholic School has a

long and rich tradition dating back

over 144 years.

Over the span of those years SMCS

has taught generations of students

exemplifying the dedication of our

families to Catholic educa-

tion. Several of those former

students are past or present staff

and faculty member of SMCS.

We would love to hear from

you. Please send any news, pho-

tos, or updates to address below.

Be sure to like our Facebook

page: @AlumniSMCS

ST. MARY CATHOLIC SCHOOL

MISSION STATEMENT

St. Mary Catholic School empowers children in their faith journey and promotes

academic excellence and life-long service inspired by the Gospel of Jesus Christ in a

nurturing community.

VISION STATEMENT

St. Mary Catholic School will continue to be a school of excellence with a strong focus on

its Catholic identity and academic distinction. A dedicated and caring faculty will be the

hallmark of its academic excellence.

St. Mary Catholic School will actively work to build a sense of rapport with the faith-based

communities and to encourage support from all local parishes for the school’s future

needs. It will be a strong spiritually-centered community, living the Catholic faith as

expressed through worship and service.

Mailing Address Line 1

Mailing Address Line 2

Mailing Address Line 3

Mailing Address Line 4

Mailing Address Line 5

PLEASE

PLACE

STAMP

HERE

Phone: 301-733-1184

Fax: 301-745-4997

E-mail: cstumpf@stmarycatholicschool.org

www.stmarycatholicschool.org

Facebook: @stmarycatholicschool.org

Twitter: @SMCSHagerstown

Instgram: smcs_hagerstown