St Marys High School - Per Annos Yearbook (Cortland, NY)

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ln Memoriam RIGHT REVEREND NIONSIGNOR PATRICK J. DONOHOE Pastor at St. lVlary,s from 1907 to 1934 Born March 17, 1863 Ordained December 22, 1888 Died August 6, 1952 These things he loved: St. lVlary's Church, with its lofty spires stretching ever heavenward in constant prayer, St. lVlary's Convent, with its endless procession of excellent teachers, wise counselors, and understanding friends, St. Mary's School, with its welcoming doors, drawing children of all ages to the sanctifying knowledge of Cod. t5l

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llur Bishop His Excellency, MOST REVEREND WALTER A. FOERY, D.D Bishop of Syracuse LH

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History of t. Maryts Sohool ln 1928, under the direction of the Right Reverend Monsignor Patrick Donohoe, St. Mary's School first opened her doors to the children of Cortland. The Right Reverend Monsignor Daniel Doody, V. G., blessed the new school in August, and in September of the same year, classes began. The first year St. Mary's consisted of a kindergarten and the first four grades, under the direction of the Sisters of St. Francis The total registra- tion in 1928 was 178. Today it has in- creased to 436. The first principal, Mother M. lnnocentia, with her first faculty, worked indefatigably to achieve the success which St. Mary's now enjoys. 1 During each of the two successive years, a grade was added. ln September, 1935, the grammar and high school grades were open for registration. Then with a four year high school course in operation, the Board of Re- gents registered the school. Even at this early date in the history of St. Mary's, the school possessed a splendid library, which has increased through the years to its pres- ent capacity of over five thousand volumes. Furthermore, St. Mary,s has one of the best- equipped laboratories in New York State. In the fall of 1932, under the direction of Reverend Martin Watley, sports, including football and basketball, were introduced. At the close of the 1934 football season, Sl. Mary's football team, under the tutelage of Mr. Robert Martin won its first football tro- phy for an undefeated season. St. Maryis early basketball teams, coached by Mr. Harold McEvoy could also boast of many successful seasons. In 1935, the first senior 1 class of seventeen had the singular privilege of becoming the first graduating class of St. Mary's. Now, on her silver jubilee, St. Maryis finds that she has much for which to be grateful. Her wise and considerate pastor, Father Horan, recognizing the necessity for new equipment, installed new desks in the grammar grades, and he also purchased new typewriters and desks for the typing room. New sections of shelves were built in the library to accommodate the influx of books given by many friends. In the not-t0o- distant future, St. Maryis will boast of a new gymnasium, which is now in the plan- ning stage. U Those who have graduated from St. Maryis have proved many times that they have not forgotten her. The swings and teeter-totters which enrich the playtime of the grammar school pupils, and the public address system which is most useful for bas- ketball games and social events, are ever- present reminders of the thoughtfulness and generosity of her Alumni. To the founder of St. Mary's School, the late Monsignor Patrick Donohoeg to the present pastor of St. Mary's, Reverend Law- rence Horang to the assistant pastors, Father John Quirk and Father ,lohn Harrison, to the Sisters of St. Francis, to the Alumni, and to the parishioners of St. Mary'sg the students of St. Mary's School extend their heartfelt thanks and appreciation for the op- portunity to attend and to be a part of St. Mary,s.