submitted by Amanda Goyer
St. Mary’s Academy celebrated 125 years of Catholic Education in Hoosick Falls this past weekend. The Sisters of St. Joseph opened the school doors on August 28, 1891 to 600 children!
[private]The School is proud of the Sisters and the accomplishments of its Faculty Staff and especially the Students over these many years.
The annual Golf Scramble at Hoosick Falls Country Club was held Friday August 5 with 18 teams competing. Low Gross was won by Team DeGraaf and Low Net was won by Team Smith/Henry. Closest to the pin and longest putt prizes for Male and Female were awarded. Closest to the pin was won by Josh Case and Terry Henry and Longest Putt was won by Tim Murphy and Trish Bloomer. Hoosac School provided cool refreshments on the course, and lunch was provided and donated by Joanie James in memory or her brother Bob Burns, Class of 1955. A wonderful Lite Fare dinner was provided by Jeff Babson and his staff. Chinese Auction prizes were all donated by our very generous community and folks went home with some great treasures!
Saturday evening a Mass was held at Immaculate Conception Church, Father Tom Zelker, Pastor presided. The Choir led by Richard Cherry opened mass with the tune “The Bells of St. Mary’s” a very nice way to start a fabulous evening. The Alumni Banquet followed at St. Mary’s Academy where the gym and school was beautifully decorated and given a festive atmosphere. Over 172 alumni, family and friends attended and enjoyed a delicious dinner catered by Tim and Donna Hopkins.
As always the emcee for the evening was Jim Shaw, Class of 1961, who welcomed all and introduced the Principal, Mike Piatek and Father Zelker, who then gave the blessing. Following dinner we began our tradition of the
Roll Call of Classes beginning with the Honorary for 2016. This year’s recipient was none other than Father Tom Zelker, who in his younger years was not allowed to attend his home parish school of St. Ann’s, it was only fitting that during this most auspicious occasion of the 125th we celebrate Father Zelker for all that he does and is to St. Mary’s Academy and the Immaculate Conception Parish. He will now and forever be a St. Mary’s Alumnus.
Also during our Roll Call we recognized and awarded a Diploma to June Millett Baker, who in 1949 had to leave school and was unable to graduate. June has been a very supportive member of the SMA family, sending her children here, and they in turn have sent theirs, so we now have her great-grandchildren attending. Because of illness, June was unable to attend but her family accepted the award in her place and was sure June would be thrilled. She did post a picture with the Diploma on Facebook next morning. Congratulations June!
Dancing and memories followed with music by the band: The Oldies Show, a perfect choice for the evening[/private]