Edmond Life and Leisure 2010-08-05 : Page 3
Edmond Life & Leisure • August 5, 2010 • Page 3 Cover Article An ongoing Edmond success story Catholic elementary school now the largest in state By Kacee Van Horn St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic School, 925 S. Boulevard, is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. Starting as a modest school of only 85 students in 1990, St. Elizabeth's is now the largest Catholic grade school in the state with just under 470 enrolled from grades pre-K to eighth. That includes two classes for each grade. From its inception, St. Elizabeth's has been dedicated to fostering an environment of quali-ty academic and spiritual education. Formed in association with the Catholic Parish of St. John the Baptist, plans for the school actually began in the early 1980's. St. John's parishioner Peter Kierl was part of a group of early supporters of the school. He gives credit to two dedicated, inspirational men for getting the school started. "Herman Himes and Frank Dunlap were the real leaders of the group," says Kierl. "They were persistent and saw this project through to the end." Approval from the Oklahoma City Archdiocese to start the school was granted in 1989. Firm plans began to develop when the late Rev. John Petuskey was appointed pastor at St. John's that same year. Thanks to Petuskey's strong belief in Catholic education and the commitment of dedicated parishioners, the dream became a reality. A Board of Christian Education was formed in the spring of 1989 and the parent group, Seton Educational Alliance, was organized. John Erbrick, former Chairman of the Board at Bishop Kelly in Tulsa, was recruited as Chairman. Start-up funds were raised and used to con-vert the existing Parish Learning Center to a day school during the week. The building still functioned as a religious education center dur-ing evenings and weekends and this unique partnership continues today. In the fall of 1990, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton opened its doors. Offering kindergarten through third grade classes, the school also pro-vided extended day services for before and after school care. Ellie Seward, then a teacher at Christ the King School in Oklahoma City, was brought on date a second all day kindergarten classroom, restructure the school office and add a sick room. A new gymnasium, state of the art science laboratory, music room, art room, two addi-tional classrooms and a teachers work room have since been added. A band was formed in 1993 with the addition of a jazz band in 2004. St. Elizabeth Ann Seton students participate in basketball, volleyball, soccer and a spring track meet through the Catholic Grade School Association. When coaches are available, the school also sponsors a golf and tennis team for middle school students. A 20th anniversary celebration last weekend kicked off with the Mass at St. John's. Current Pastor Rev. John Metzinger recognized stu-dents, their families and the staff. All three principals who served the school were present and participated in the service. The school's administrative assistant, Susan MILESTONES PHOTOGRAPHY The Ross & Kirsten Cash family are among the hundreds who have benefited from the education offered at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. board as the first Principal and did double duty as a third gradeteacher for the first year. The following year saw the addition of a pre-kinder-garten class and fourth and fifth grades. Each successive year, an additional grade was added and another grade was double tracked. A new addition to the school was construct-ed in 1996 to house the library and computer lab. That same year, an annex was converted into six classrooms for the middle school. The kitchen was remodeled to serve a full hot lunch program, and students began to use Seton Hall, site of theoriginal church, as their cafeteria. Additional properties to the south and west of the school have been purchased over the years, some of which has been converted into playground space and a parking area. In 2006, the school underwent renovations to accommo-Raymer, was visibly moved as she watched the altar servers bring up the gifts at Mass. "Two of the servers, Tripp Kenworthy and Kirk Brown are the same kids who brought up the gifts 20 years ago at the Dedication Mass for the school," said Raymer. "St. Elizabeth's is very much a family," Raymer continued. "Everyone looks after every-one." Following Mass, a reception was held in the new gymnasium. Rev. Metzinger opened the ceremony with a prayer and blessed a painting of the school's patron saint done by art instruc-tor John Hayes. Also blessed was an antique crucifix that was purchased for the Teachers Workroom. The Pastor says his favorite part of being associated with the school is watching the kids grow. "Not just physically, but intellectually, athletically. Not just in age, but in grace and wisdom." Current Principal Angie Howard agrees. "I love the involvement here at St. Elizabeth's," says Howard. "It's a family." Seeing the growth of the school Rev. Petuskey envisioned and helped create, former Principal Seward stands in awe. "The growth is See Cover, Page 5
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