St Thomas High School - Retrospect Thomasonian Yearbook (Braddock, PA)

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Table of Contents Seniors 5 Senior Activities 19 Underclassmen 31 Faculty 41 Clubs Organizations 51 Sports TIP 69 End of a Tradition 87 Advertisements 103

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In relating the history of any long-established institution there is always the quiet fear that someone’s most important memory will be missed. Many memories have been crammed in the 76 year existence of Saint Thomas High School and this is not an attempt to try and recall the maximum number, but to savor the highlights of a tradition of education of which thousands of students have been a part. A few years after ground was broken for the construction of Edgar Thomson Works in 1873, Saint Thomas parish had the foresight to build a frame school and parish hall for the expanding community under the direction of Father Peter Hughes. By 1881, five Sisters of Mercy were needed to staff the school which had been steadily increasing in enrollment. And by 1883, with Father Hickey as pastor, a new brick building was erected and dedicated. This was noted as one of the most innovative and ambitious school projects in the diocese at the time. Shortly after his arrival in 1905, the r w pastor, Father Robert McDonald, driven by vision, concentrated on his school. Through his efforts, Saint Thomas estab- lished the first parish academic high school and launched the diocese into a new educational era. Due to other community obligations, the Sisters of Mercy withdrew and the Sisters of St. Joseph assumed the teaching responsibilities. Saint Thomas High School began as a three year chool with ten students, graduating seven girls and three boyV; in 1911. In 1915, Father McDonald invited the Dominican Sisters of St. Mary of the Springs, Columbus, Ohio, to staff the school when the Sisters of St. Joseph asked for a release from their teaching assignments. Under the direction of the Dominican Sisters the educational programs of the school soared and the Saint Thomas tradition of educational excellence was firmly established. During the 1950’s the condition of the old Saint Thomas school showed great need for constant repair due to age and a lack of space due to increased enrollment. At this time plans began and were financially supported through the bequest of a generous Catholic businessman, W. W. Vilsack, for a new school building. A new era for Saint Thomas High School began in 1962 with the evolution of the parish school to a district high school. This move required a reorganization of the educational system which reduced it to a four year school. A new expanded facility complete with numerous classrooms, labs, a chapel, and a multipurpose area, named in honor of Fr. McDonald, was built on the same site as the previous school. Ten years later, under the guidance of Father Robert Duch, Saint Thomas once again led the diocese in innovative educational endeavors with a program of learning based on student needs, which went beyond the traditional classroom modes. The pioneering educational spirit which had begun six decades before was not dimmed. This brief historical account cannot possibly acknowledge individually all those who have been a part of the traditions, achievements and character of Saint Thomas Parish and District High Schools. The lives of so many have been touched by a host of dedicated people including various religious orders, lay faculty and staff, parents, benefactors, and students (including 3,272 graduates) whose contributions are the spirit of Saint Thomas School.

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Seniors Seniors Seniors Seniors Seniors Seniors Seniors Seniors Seniors Seniors Seniors