Reader Feedback: Reaction to Impending OLPH School Closure

This week Lindenhurst learned from the Diocese of Rockville Centre that will be on Long Island closing this coming June, forcing parents to seek schools.

While Father Anthony Trapani, pastor of , was saddened to receive the news earlier this week, just as the parents, students, teachers and faculty were, he felt it wasn't surprising.

He Lindenhurst Patch that although everyone worked hard to fight the declining enrollment and keep a steady flow of income through tuition and fundraising, the inevitably fell victim to the harsh economy.

"It's sad because it's a great school," said Father Trapani. "I don't think we failed. I think we're a product of the times."

Lindenhurst Village Mayor Tom Brennan, along with Deputy Mayor Kevin McCaffrey and Village Administrator Shawn Cullinane, had similar reactions when they heard the news Tuesday night. They, too, said it was sad, but not surprising because had been struggling for a while.

However, when Lindenhurst residents and readers of Patch learned of the news Tuesday, they took to Patch, Facebook and Twitter to share the and express their sorrow and surprise - especially since many have either graduated from the school or had religious instruction through .

In fact, when the school closes it'll be one year shy of it's 100-year anniversary, so it - along with the 140-year-old - has been a fixture in the heart of the Village for decades.

Here's what readers and residents had to say:

duffy: "I am so sad to hear that they are closing OLPH school. My son attended the school from Pre-K through eighth grade. I firmly believe that OLPH school with their caring teachers and staff helped to reinforce all of the values and principles that my husband and I instill at home.

"The school, led by Sr. Catherine and then Mrs. Lubrano (current principal), and all of the wonderful teachers and staff, became part of our extended family. I appreciate all of their efforts over the years, and wish them luck in their future endeavors. They will be in my prayers. Thank you and God bless."

Johnny: "That's a shame."

SUE: "Sorry to hear this. The school has been there my entire life! My siblings and I, as well as our mother, graduated from OLPH. It is a sad commentary of the extremely tough economic times."

Dave: "Being a parent of children at this school since 1999, I can honestly say the news hurts. We've seen first-hand the decline in enrollment, but thought the school had another couple of years left.

"Our two eldest graduated (2009 and 2011), but our youngest is in the third grade, and I can't fathom her making her confirmation with another school/parish. Heartfelt prayers go to all those affected by this decision."

@dentaldiva1 (Donna): "Oh my goodness, that's my old grammar school, no!"

@LongIslandGrl (Lisa Patto): "I'm shocked about OLPH...this is crazy!"

@AroundLindy (Around Lindenhurst): "I just saw this. It's very upsetting, especially for kids currently enrolled. Wonder what the church is going to do with the building?"

Richard Burke: "Now what will Lindy School District do to absorb its share of those students?"

Christian Minucci: "If people knew that Bower and OLPH was closing why couldn't parents just send their kids to Bower if they wish not to go to another Catholic school? And possibly keep Bower open?"

Vicky Cianci: "So sad."

Carol Cantwell Schwager: "Now that Bower is closed I see overcrowding in the elementary schools! This is not good."

Michael Radzicki: "Why would people who send their kids to a private school send them to a public school because OLPH closes? Wouldn't they just send them to another private school?"

Aimée Allison: "Since we've had declining enrollment, absorbing these students into our public schools would be welcome!"

How do you feel about the OLPH School impending closure? Share in the comments below, or on Facebook and Twitter, or e-mail barbara.loehr@patch.com.

Editor's Note: If you're an alum or parent of a current student, then Lindenhurst Patch would like to get your reaction to the impending OLPH school closure and your favorite memories of the school. Post here in the comments or e-mail barbara.loehr@patch.com. Thank you.

And look for more details about the closure they unfold on Lindenhurst Patch.