The words on a stairwell plaque greet visitors to Saint Margaret School thusly, “Be it known to all who enter here that CHRIST is the reason for this school.”
Displayed in memory of Reverend Monsignor Joseph M. Gleason, the recognition of “Caritas Christi Ducit” continues with an anonymous quote, “HE is the unseen but ever present teacher in its classes. HE is the model of its faculty and the inspiration of its students.”
We marvel at this deeply spiritual reason for the momentous longevity of the Saint Margaret School centenary and at the outpouring of support during the 5:15 pm Mass followed by a sold-out “100 Years” Celebration in the transformed school gym.
In celebration of these very significant 100 years, alumni, current and past parents, friends of St. Margaret School, and parishioners, participated in the special celebration on Saturday evening, April 22, to share memories and to enjoy the initiation of the Saint Margaret School Hall of Fame.
Year 2023 inductees are Charles Friel, Class of ’54, parent and grandparent; Margaret Quinn Garofolo, Class of ’57, teacher, parent, and grandparent; and James McNulty, Class of ’78, parent and coach.
Memorial Awards were designated for Coach Jack and Mary Mullarkey together parents of SMS students; for Sister Corinne Ritchie, RSM, former Principal; and “in gratitude” for the Community of the Sisters of Mercy, Founders of the School and faithful administrators and teachers.
A picture is worth a thousand words, each showing smiling faces and happy eyes with special guests Reverend Kevin Gillespie, S.J. 27th President of Saint Joseph’s University, his brother Reverend John Gillespie, and former President of the SJU Board of Trustees and longtime Saint Margaret parishioner Michael J. Morris in attendance.
Also enjoying the festivities were Sisters of Mercy representing their invaluable leadership from the beginning and over decades, who contributed indispensably to the life of Saint Margaret School.
Thanked profusely were SMS Principal Theresa Power and Anne Becker, SMS Director of Development, who coordinated the celebration.
At a penultimate moment in the celebration program, Saint Margaret Pastor Monsignor Paul Dougherty, Master of Ceremonies, announced a wonderful surprise and invited The Honorable Mary Jo Daley to the microphone.
PA State Representative Daley read the detailed wording of the April 17, 2023 Commonwealth of Pennsylvania House of Representatives Citation, concluding with a salute to “Saint Margaret School upon its richly deserved recognition,” and offering “best wishes for continued growth and success in the years to come.”
