St. Mary’s Catholic SchoolSt. Mary’s Catholic School The Place with a Heart, A Family of Faith, The Place with a Heart, A Family of Faith,

Our Light for the Future...Our Light for the Future...

2016 Annual Newsletter &2016 Annual Newsletter & Donor ReportDonor Report

our school. Re-member that do-nating to St. Mary’s School is always a win – win!

Through the sincere generosity of the many contributors to past Annual Fund Appeals, some of the things that we were able to achieve are: an on-going upgrading and advance-ment in technology (additional computers in our classrooms.)

Thank you for your support!

Blessings,

Pamelia Neal, Principal

Dear Families, Friends and Alumni of St. Mary’s School,

Our children are the building blocks of our community, and we celebrate being an important part of the educational ministry of the church.

Pope Francis addressed a group of students attending a Catholic School by stating, “School is one of the educational environments where one grows by learning how to live, how to become grown up, mature men and women… following what St. Ignatius teaches us, the main element in school is to be magnanimous…this means having a big heart, having a great-ness of soul. It means having grand ideals, the desire to achieve great things in response to what God asks of us, and

precisely because of this, doing everyday things, all our daily actions, commitments and meet-ings with people well. It means doing the little everyday things with a big heart that is open to God and others.”

Pope Francis’s words echo in our school - A Light for the Future, A Place with a Heart, Our Faith for the Future. When walking through the hall, one can hear Catholic ideals being integrated throughout all curriculum areas. This is what sets us apart from any other educational setting.

Please keep St. Mary’s School in your prayers as you consider how to help us. Your financial gift will help us say “yes” to those that need tuition help as well as meet the operational expenses of

Dear Friends of St. Mary’s School,

St. Mary’s School has been instru-mental in forming the children of Canton and its surrounding com-munities both academically and spiritually for over 76 years. As the School Song states:

O, St. Mary’s, ever be, Beacon of our faith for me. And our patron, ever near, Keep us safe from harm and fear.

Without you, our benefactors, this beacon could not shine. We thank you most sincerely for all

the support you show in helping the youth of today to be faithful citizens of God’s Kingdom.

Even with the challenging eco-nomic climate, our Annual Fund’s third year closed successfully with generous contributions from friends of St. Mary’s School both far and near. Please know of the gratitude and appreciation of our parishioners for what you do on behalf of this “noble” educa-tional institution rooted in the mission of spreading the Gospel.

Yes, St. Mary’s School, we love you! Please re-member St. Mary’s School in your thoughts and prayers. Know that we will do the same asking God to keep you safe from harm and fear!

Gratefully yours in Christ,

Rev. Douglas J. Lucia

Pastor

Principal’s Corner

A Note from the Pastor...

The Place with a HeartThe Place with a Heart Mission Statement: Our Philosophy is to create and cultivate an environment in which the Faith Life of our students might be strengthened, sup-ported, and nurtured. We strive to provide an excellent academic program under a dedi-cated, qualified staff, surrounded by an at-mosphere of faith, where learning is char-acterized by under-standing, sensitivity, and fairness.

St. Mary’s School 2 Powers St. Canton, NY 13617 Office: 315-386-3572 Parish: 315-386-2543 Pastor Fr. Douglas Lucia Principal Ms. Pamelia Neal

Advancement Coordinator:

Mrs. Amanda Conklin

Front Cover: Students- Emily Quinell, Eleanor Bailey, & Everett Palmer

“Our children are the building blocks of our community…”

The Place with a HeartThe Place with a Heart Young Alumnus ProfileYoung Alumnus Profile Francesco Palumbo is a 2008 St. Mary’s School graduate and currently in his third year at SUNY Canton as a Sports Manage-ment & Business Major. He recently received the prestigious SUNY Association of Council Members and College Trustees annual award for Excellence and Student Initiative Scholarship.

What I was taught in my time at St. Mary’s continues to have an influence on the way in which I study and helps me strive to do the best I can in both my education and employment obligations. Today as a third year collegiate student-athlete, I still recognize how the lessons at St. Mary’s were not only what my family believed in, but also what I truly stand behind when it comes to my pre-sent learning and morals. Help others. Be honest. Work hard, and treat others with respect.

As a sixth grader, I recall choosing a historical figure with exemplary values for a project. I chose to read a book on legendary baseball player Jackie Robinson. One of the passages in the book contained this memorable quote: “A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.” I think this statement by Jackie Robinson summarizes exactly what St. Mary’s School teaches.

The smaller class sizes at St. Mary’s and the great teach-ers who always cared and took extra time with each and every one of us helped to ensure that these same values were truly understood during every experience we shared. It made my classmates and me appreciative of one another in a lasting manner.

I strive to uphold those values instilled at St. Mary’s in my everyday encounters. In the summer of 2014, I de-cided to join the Knights of Columbus. This is one of the most beneficial and rewarding organizations within our community of Canton. Since starting my member-ship, I earned my 3rd Degree. Last year I was the first participant of our Council #1059 to have been awarded the Shining Armor Award. This award is for outstanding commitment to the ideals of the K of C through com-munity service.

I am already considering working toward my Masters Degree in Business at Clarkson University in 2018. It has always been my goal to work in Major League Base ball. This spring my teammates and I traveled to Puerto Rico to compete in the Inaugural Roberto Clemente Cup. My coach allowed me to help with the planning and coordination of the trip in conjunction with my Sports Management Major. I wrote press releases for the event and then contacted every NCAA Division III baseball coach across the United States to garner inter-est. As a result of the success we all experienced in March 2016, the tournament in 2017 is being extended and additional teams have been included on the tourna-ment roster.

The most rewarding part of this entire process was be-ing able to work alongside family members of Roberto Clemente. They all continue to carry out Roberto’s legacy and display his true love of the game of baseball. I was especially honored to find out when I arrived home from our trip to Puerto Rico that Mr. Luis Clemente, the son of the legendary Hall of Famer, in-tends to pass my work related to the 2016 Clemente Cup on to Major League teams and their professional offices. A photograph of our Canton Roos Baseball 2016 Team has been displayed in Cooperstown at the National Baseball Hall of Fame for having taken part in the Roberto Clemente Foundation Cup.

My future career and life path are directly connected to my time at SMS. My advice to others is, always try to represent your community, friends, church, and family in a manner that reflects how you have grown through them and learned from them.

“Why I Chose St. Mary’s School…” “SMS has a tradition of providing a strong academic program. The students are well prepared for the rigorous secondary education that our public schools provide. More impor-tantly, however, our children’s day always includes Christ. Just as we feed their bodies at home, and school feeds their minds, SMS feeds their souls. They learn about Jesus in a set-ting of their peers where religion isn’t something “extra”. It’s something that is a part of their everyday lives. They learn about being called by God to serve others and to live their lives by following the teachings of Jesus. They share the journey of life with friends who share a common bond through Christ. The ability of our children to speak of God and to pray to God in a safe environment will give them strength as they grow in a world filled with so much compla-cency.

We are so blessed to have a small school that truly has be-come family. Our children are comfortable and secure enter-ing SMS. The love that is instilled in them from the very first day of nursery school through their last days of 6th grade is immeasurable. They will carry Christ’s love and His teachings with them as they begin 7th grade as pre-teens and keep His love with them throughout their entire lives.” ~ Matthew & Debra Gainey

“The class sizes are smaller than public schools. From the first day that we walked into the school for a tour we were treated like family and continue to be to this day. This was one of the most important decisions that we have made and the right one at that. We sent our youngest child to St. Mary’s this past fall.” ~ John Friot Jr

Shelly Breen with daughter and granddaughter, Karley Breen (4th grade) and Mareena Testani (K.)

Sixth Grade Student, Emma Gainey and her mom Deb ride the SMS Dairy

Princess Float

“From the first day we stepped through the doors to visit, our entire family from parents to toddler has al-ways been welcomed warmly by all the teachers and staff. We love the caring atmosphere, the wonderful teachers, the small community, and the fact that as we teach our kids to love God at home, this is something that is being supported and reinforced at school.”

~ Luke and Cara Rumbaugh

“We chose St. Mary’s school for Naomi because we wanted a school with small class sizes and a place where our daughter could be challenged academically. We wanted a school where children could remain young just a little longer. St. Mary’s was a wonderful place for Naomi to grow and learn!” ~ Robin and David Crowell

I am so impressed with the teachers, staff, and principal at St. Mary's School. Their efforts in educating and helping children grow in character are amazing. They are very pa-tient and caring, taking each individual where they are at. It is more than a job to them. I am impressed with the atten-tion that is given to my children to assess how they are do-ing academically. The teachers are always readily available to assist if I need anything. My children come home happy from school each day and I know they are surrounded by a good environment. Lastly, I'd like to attest to the trans-forming grace of what a Catholic school provides. I see my children developing beautiful qualities that stand out. The Mass, daily prayers and being surrounded by people who are nurturing, give them daily opportunities to grow in faith. This is the greatest gift I believe we can give our chil-dren, and St. Mary's provides just that. ~ Christina Tartaglia

The Palmer Family-Parents Martha and Ted and children Sky (K) and Everett (1st Grade.)

Sheila Harrington Irene Krenceski John Maroney Lisa Rotelli Knights of Columbus, Sarto Council # 1059

2 Anonymous Donors Denise Nash Mary Krenceski Michael & Pat Furgal

1 Anonymous Donor Will & Joanne Fassinger Floyd & Joan Firman Anita Miller On Behalf of Thomas Phalon

3 Anonymous Donors McFadden Dier Leonard Agency Inc. Michael Alzo Mary Bailey On Behalf of James and Eleanor Bailey James & Dana Barry Tony Beane Cheryl Canfield Nancy Demo James Edzwald Nelson & Joan Fadden Dan & Linda Fay On Behalf of Kelley, Edward, & John Edward Fay Andrew Gilbert

Paul & Maureen Howard Beverly Kearing Norma Jean LaPoint Carol LaSala Susan Law Nancy Layhee In Memory of Dean & Dale Layhee Class of ‘77 Lita Maroney Thomas Maroney Ester McKnight In Honor of Sister of St. Joseph of Carondelet St. Mary’s School Little Falls, NY Agnes Norton Michael G. Pinckney Avis Ragan Leon & Rita Robert Beverly Robinson Ronald & Brandi Romano On Behalf of Nathaniel & Alexa Romano Joan Ames Ryken Gary Saucier In Memory of Marie Saucier Fr. Jay Seymour Timothy Savage Josef & Barbara teRiele Leo Villeneuve Shari Worthington

The Fund For Saint Mary’s School The Fund For Saint Mary’s School The Fund For Saint Mary’s School 201520152015---2016 Annual Report2016 Annual Report2016 Annual Report

Little Flower Society

$1,000+

Msgr. O’Neil Society

$500 - $999

Marian Society

$250-$499

Blue & White Society

$100-$249

Paul & Maureen Howard Beverly Kearing Norma Jean LaPoint Carol LaSala Susan Law Nancy Layhee In Memory of Dean & Dale Layhee Class of ‘77 Lita Maroney Thomas Maroney Ester McKnight In Honor of Sister of St. Joseph of Carondelet St. Mary’s School Little Falls, NY Agnes Norton Michael G. Pinckney Avis Ragan Leon & Rita Robert Beverly Robinson Ronald & Brandi Romano On Behalf of Nathaniel & Alexa Romano Joan Ames Ryken Gary Saucier In Memory of Marie Saucier Fr. Jay Seymour Timothy Savage Josef & Barbara teRiele Leo Villeneuve Shari Worthington

The Fund For Saint Mary’s School The Fund For Saint Mary’s School The Fund For Saint Mary’s School 201520152015---2016 Annual Report2016 Annual Report2016 Annual Report

More Ways To Support St. Mary’s School

St. Mary’s School also has a small endowment that helps provide a source of income to our school. If you would like to contribute to it, the Diocese of Ogdensburg Development Office provides Planned Giving vehicles in which you can list St. Mary’s School as a beneficiary. Charitable Gift Annuities, Life Insurance Policies, Real Estate, Bequests, and gifts of Stock and Endowments are just a few ways of ensuring the future of our school. If you are interested in learning more about any of these opportunities please contact Amanda Conklin, 315-386-2543.

Contributor $1-$99

B. Patricia Barbalich In Honor of Nora O’Gorman Marjorie A. Barber Rollin & Janet Beattie Gail Bisonette Kim Bisonette Donald Bonno Helen Butchino Lawrence Casey Robert Connelly Patrick & Susan Dean On Behalf of Lauren, Kathryn, & Patrick Dean Nancy E. Demo Joseph DiGiovanna Michael F. Lahendro Mary O’Horo Loomis Brian MacDougall Catherine Peggs Glen & Doni Peters Jack Planty Colleen Regan Phil & Mary Shatraw Jerry & Nancy Sullivan Vivian E. Swift Gretchen Warner Janet Warner On Behalf of Gretchen, Emma, & Abby Don Wilson

Tom Alzo Marianne Augenstein Jamie Burns Amanda Conklin Richard Crawford Lauren Cruikshank Terry Feuka Cassie Kotz Catherine Leggue Rev. Douglas Lucia Pamelia Neal Cindy Niles Jennifer Palumbo Mike Preston Paul & Melissane Schrems LouEllen Smithers Rev. Todd Thibault Meg Trainor Betsy Turner

Faculty/Staff/Administration Donors

St. Mary’s Catholic School 2 Powers St.

Canton, NY 13617 Phone: 315-386-3572

Fax: 315-386-8870 www.stmaryscantonny.com

Be sure to “Like” our St. Mary’s School Canton page on Facebook!

*We would LOVE to know where our Alumni are and what you are doing! If you or a loved one are a SMS Alumnus/a, please send us your updated info at aconklin@stlawu.edu or by calling the rectory at 315-386-2543!