St. Mary Catholic School Kicks Off 75th Year with Record Enrollment

St. Mary Catholic School (SMS) welcomed students back for the 2024-25 school year on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, marking a significant milestone in the school's history. Dr. Michele Alday-Engelman, Principal, and Mrs. Michelle Huizinga, Assistant Principal, are excited to lead the school as it celebrates its 75th year of delivering a comprehensive Catholic education.
This school year is particularly momentous, as SMS has reached the highest enrollment in its history. The strong interest in the school reflects the community's trust in the academic excellence and faith-based environment that SMS has consistently offered throughout its rich school history.

"We are happy to welcome our students and their families back to SMS for what promises to be an exceptional year," said Dr. Alday-Engelman. "As we celebrate our 75th anniversary, we look forward to continuing our tradition of fostering both academic rigor and spiritual growth."
Mrs. Huizinga added, "Our record enrollment is a testament to the vibrant, supportive St. Mary community, which also includes St. Mary Catholic Church. We are honored to partner with families in the education and formation of their children."

The entire SMS community is eager to celebrate this landmark year, filled with new opportunities for learning, growth, and reflection. From exciting academic initiatives to community-building events, students, teachers, and families alike are coming together to honor the rich history of SMS while looking forward to a bright future. This year promises to be a time of deepening connections, fostering innovation, and embracing the values that have always been at the heart of St. Mary.

St. Mary Catholic School, founded in 1949, is dedicated to nurturing students' academic, spiritual, and personal development in a Christ-centered environment. For 75 years, SMS has been a cornerstone of the community, offering a comprehensive Catholic education that prepares students for success in life and service to others.
For more information about St. Mary Catholic School, contact Danelle Bernas, SMS Marketing & Enrollment Coordinator, at dbernas@stmarymokena.org or Michelle Huizinga, SMS Assistant Principal at mhuizinga@stmarymokena.org