“The ECCHS community was delighted at the report of the visiting Middle States evaluating team some forty years ago. It began with this observation: ‘Elk County Christian High School is a Catholic school; Elk County Christian High School is a happy school!’ Thanks be to God that the same observation can be made honestly today — Catholic and happy. What a blessing for the Elk County community!”
– Msgr. John Hagerty, Headmaster, ECCHS, 1972 – 1977
*The picture to the left displays Fr. Michael Ferrick, president of Elk County Catholic School System, and Msg. Hagerty, former Headmaster of ECCHS.
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ECCHS Celebrates 50 Years of Success!
This past Labor Day weekend, the ECCHS 50th Anniversary Celebration took place at locations throughout St. Marys. The 2012-2013 school year marks the fiftieth year of the high school’s existence.
On Thursday, the annual Family Picnic and Bonfire took place at ECCHS. Mass kicked off the celebration, and a picnic-style dinner followed. Games and activities were available for kids, the band and cheerleaders performed, the fall athletes were introduced, and the bonfire was lit.
Friday began with school tours of ECC, given by members of the Student Council. Memorabilia, photos and yearbooks from each decade were displayed, and refreshments and cookies were provided. Later that night, a social was held at Gunner’s Restaurant. Besides socializing and catching up with one another, a decade-themed Chinese auction, music, and other giveaways kept everyone busy for the duration of the evening. Approximately 125 people attended the social.
Saturday morning and afternoon brought golf, a tailgate party, and a football game. Relaxed games of golf were held at the Bavarian Hills Golf Course for those interested in playing a round or two to start off the day. Complimentary bags full of tees, balls, and other items were presented to those playing, and a special rate was given to alumni hitting the links. At the tailgate party, the ECCHS Alumni Association offered 50th Anniversary items to attendees while the ECCSS Advancement Office raffled off several door prizes. The football game saw a great start to the Crusaders’ season as they defeated the Smethport Hubbers in their home opener by a 33-6 score.
On Sunday morning, mass was concelebrated in a full ECC Chapel by Fr. Michael and Fr. Ross. Fr. Michael spoke about the importance of Catholic education in Elk County as well as the dedication of so many of the founders, administrators and teachers in the beginning years at ECCHS that still continues today. In the most notable portion of his homily, he read the speech given by student speaker Tom Daniels, Class of 1963, in the original dedication ceremony of ECCHS on September 23, 1962. A continental breakfast was then served in the cafeteria following mass.
The entire weekend, which was sponsored by the ECCHS Alumni Association and the ECCSS Advancement Office, was a fantastic success. Many alumni, parents, friends, faculty and staff came together in celebration of 50 years of success in a very memorable way.
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ECCHS Celebrates 50th Anniversary with Special Mass and Rededication Ceremony
This year, Elk County Catholic High School celebrated a “golden” milestone in its history – the school turned 50 years old! Monday, September 10, 2012 marked 50 years to the day that the school opened its doors to students. A special mass was celebrated with the Most Reverend Bishop Donald Trautman presiding. In addition to the students, faculty and staff of the Elk County Catholic School System, other attendees included alumni from the high school’s first graduating class as well as members of the original faculty and staff.
Following the mass, John Zelt, a graduate of the Class of 1963, the first senior class at ECCHS, presented a violin to the school on behalf of his entire class. The violin, which John crafted himself, is inlaid with ivory and adorned with garnet gems. ECC junior Corey Koss was the first to try out the violin, playing “Amazing Grace” for attendees.
A rededication ceremony then took place. A tree was planted in honor of the 50th anniversary to symbolize “new life and growth for the school,” and a time capsule was started. Items will continually be added throughout the school year to provide future classes an idea of what was happening at ECC 50 years prior. Bishop Trautman also blessed the crowd and school building as part of the rededication ceremony.
Fr. Michael Ferrick, president of Elk County Catholic School System, offered closing remarks for the ceremony: “We thank God for giving us the opportunity to celebrate this wonderful occasion of the 50th anniversary of Elk County Catholic High School. Thank you to all who are present. May the graces of this event help carry Elk County Catholic into future years.”
ECCHS will continue to celebrate these 50 years of success throughout the entire school year.
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