SALUTE TO TEN YEARS OF EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE AT OLD ST. MARY'S CATHOLIC SCHOOL
WHEREAS, Old St. Mary's School in the South Loop neighborhood of this city, is commencing a year-long celebration of its milestone first decade; and
WHEREAS, When the third iteration of the first Catholic parish in this city, Old St. Mary's Church at 9th and Wabash, fell into disrepair and was demolished in 1971, the Old St. Mary's Chapel at Van Buren and Wabash became the new site for Old St. Mary's Church which has been staffed by the Paulist Fathers, the first American community of priests, since 1903. The new edifice, one of architectural beauty and distinction, was dedicated on July 21, 2002; and
WHEREAS, It soon became clear that there would be a need for a new educational ministry due to the the number of young families moving into the neighborhood and their expressed desire to have a faith-based, quality education for their children; and
WHEREAS, In September, 2004, Old St. Mary's Catholic School opened its first preschool class, with Barbara Spaniol-Smith as its first principal and teacher. A school board was formed and the reputation of the school grew in the neighborhood; and
WHEREAS, Today Old St. Mary's Catholic School serves more than 350 students in preschool through eighth grade and its staff is devoted to preparing students to be productive, responsible and effective members of the world community. To mark its 10th anniversary, the inaugural class and middle school grades are compiling advice for future students to be placed in a virtual time capsule. Words of wisdom and mementos for the school's future students as well as the South Loop community will be added throughout the 2013-2014 school year; and
WHEREAS, The Honorable Robert W. Fioretti, Alderman ofthe 2nd Ward, has apprised this august body of the significant milestone of this praiseworthy parochial school; now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED That we, the Mayor and members of the City of Chicago City Council, assembled here this 11th day of September, 2013 AD, do hereby salute the staff, students and parents of Old St. Mary's Catholic School on the occasion of their first ten years and extend our very best wishes for continuing success in performance of their most vital mission.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a suitable copy of this resolution be prepared and presented to the Old St. Mary's Catholic School principal, Julie Kadrich.