Sandusky Central Catholic School marks 100 years of faith-based education

SANDUSKY

Past and future Sandusky Central Catholic School graduates took a trip Sunday down memory lane.

Hundreds visited the campus to celebrate the school's 100 years of Catholic education with an open house, ice cream social, choral performances, recognition of alumni ages 80 and older and re-dedication of the school's cornerstone, which was set in place on April 25, 1909.

Families made their way through each of the buildings, stopping to greet teachers, students and friends from their days of being a Panther.

"It's great that people can come back and remember the good times they had," freshman Allison Barnum said.

During the three-hour event, Barnum and several of her peers sold school-related items, pointed out various activities and ushered alumni to photographs and yearbooks of years past.

A table in the hall of the high school was chock-full of Panther Pride, from old and new jerseys, letterman jackets, clothing, sporting equipment and framed photos from as early as 1909.

Sheila Baumgartner said her grandmother Mildred graduated from the school in the 1930s and passed on several stories of the friendships and education she received.

"The amount of history in these walls is amazing," Baumgartner said. "What they say is true: A picture is worth a thousand words. Just look at these pictures, and you'll see what this school's really about."

David Noftz, class of 1960, reminisced about the Panthers going undefeated in the late 1950s, and "playing with the big boys."

"At that time we didn't fully realize the things that they do here," he said. "In time you start appreciating what you've been given. It's incredible to sit back and take a look at the old garb and know you were there when it was new. It's amazing to see old friends."

Mike Gocsik, executive director of development, said a dozen alumni older than 80 had RSVP'd for the event.

Superintendent Judy Monaghan said it was refreshing to see such a great turnout.

"April is such a bust time for everyone," she said. "We thought today would be a perfect time to have the celebration because the teachers are having their open houses and many of our families attend them."

Monaghan, who graduated from the St. Mary's campus in 1964, said the bonds she created while in school still hold strong.

"I've kept in touch with many of my classmates over the years," she said. "Every other month about 15 to 20 of us get together. There's such a big bond between students here because we're such a small school. We're like a family. Everyone sticks together."

Noftz concurred.

"It's like you never left," he said. "I'm proud of where I started and grateful for the friends I've taken along."