Immaculate High School Dedicates New Front Walkway with Special Tribute Pavers

For the past 52 years, Immaculate High School (IHS) has seen thousands of students walk through its doors and, once alumni, they love to support the school they feel is family to them.

Last spring IHS alumni, several who now teach and work at Immaculate High School, were given the opportunity to contribute by purchasing personally inscribed pavers for the school’s new front walkway. To celebrate the generous efforts of its alumni, IHS held a dedication ceremony. “The response to the campaign has been overwhelming and we wanted to invite the over 300 donors to join us for this special dedication,” said Denise Suarez, IHS Director of Alumni.  “The project not only improves the aesthetics and traffic flow of the front driveway, but also tells a story of Immaculate’s rich history via the various paver inscriptions. Each day our guests stop to read the hundreds of messages of remembrance and gratitude inscribed on the bricks,” she said.  

The dedication included the laying of the signature stone which honors the Class of 1966, Immaculate’s first graduates, who through their reunion class gift raised over $20,000 and allowed the launch of the IHS Pave the Way campaign. At the ceremony Jo-Anne (Tomanio) Price ‘66 of Ridgefield spoke about the tremendous outpouring of support from her fellow alumni for this project. “The Class of ‘66 paved the way 50 years ago and continue to do so today,” said David Cappiello ‘86 of Newtown, Chair of IHS’ School Advisory Board, and he also thanked the alumni, faculty and administration for their support of the campaign. Mary Maloney, IHS President, and Dr. Patrick Higgins, IHS Principal, joined the alumni in this special commemorative ceremony.

On the same day as the dedication, IHS welcomed graduates from 1966, 1967 and 1968 for a special Golden Mustangs Alumni Mass and Brunch, and took the opportunity to celebrate the 90th birthday of Immaculate High School’s first Principal, Monsignor John Hossan. After enjoying brunch, current students sung “Happy Birthday” to Monsignor Hossan.

“We have had many alumni, parents, staff and members of our community ask if we might again offer the opportunity to create a personalized brick for the walkway. We are excited to announce that we have decided to hold a second Pave the Way campaign during Catholic Schools Week (January 28 - February 3, 2018),” said Mrs. Suarez, noting that more details will follow soon.

Immaculate High School is a private, non-profit Catholic college-preparatory institution serving students from 28 communities in Connecticut and New York. Founded in 1962, Immaculate High School also allows students to focus on their spiritual development, personal moral commitments and service to others.  Located in Danbury, CT, Immaculate High School is part of the Diocese of Bridgeport’s parochial school system.

PHOTO CAPTION: Members of the First Graduating Class of Immaculate High School, the Class of 1966, with Immaculate’s first Principal Monsignor John Hossan: From L to R: Elaine Schmeltz '66, Patricia Gaudiest '66, Doris Peterson '66, Vickey Hickey '66, Monsignor John Hossan, Jo-Anne Price '66 and Carol Guertin '66.

 

 

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Submitted by Danbury, CT

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