A first-of-its kind 20th-century all-Columbus diocesan high school reunion took place this summer at the historic Valley Dale Ballroom the site of numerous Catholic high school dances, proms, senior nights and class reunions. The event included a souvenir program, memorabilia tables and a DJ.
The reunion luncheon,was held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., bringing together graduates of 14 of the diocese’s high schools, nine of which have closed. Schools include St. Charles Preparatory, Bishop Watterson, Bishop Hartley, Bishop Ready, St. Francis DeSales St. Mary of the Springs Academy, St. Joseph Academy, Aquinas College, St. Mary South, Our Lady of Victory, Sacred Heart, Rosary, Holy Family and Father Wehrle high schools.
“Most of us attended Catholic grade schools in our neighborhoods, were ably taught by nuns and then had to make a high school decision,” Nobile recalled. “In the ‘40s, ‘50s and early ‘60s, we had the choice of 10 Catholic high schools and many public schools. Most chose one of the 10; many picked the one a parent attended.”
Katy Ryan Paolini, a 1961 graduate of St. Mary of the Springs Academy, an all-girls high school in the diocese open from 1868 to 1966, offered remarks at the reunion. “I love it when people get together and have a good time and share stories,” said Paolini, who is on staff at Columbus Our Lady of Peace School. “It’s great fun to walk down memory lane.” Her father, Jack Ryan, was a long-time Catholic school teacher in the diocese. “He didn’t make enough money for us to attend the school, so I had to clean a classroom,” she recalled. “That was a great lesson. I’m glad that happened because I learned the value of hard work.
Total attendance was 232 alumni/ae and guests. Aquinas had the most – 42. The 9 closed schools plus St. Charles had a total of 145. The 4 new schools had 60. Other schools (spouses/guests) 27. Several came from Florida, one from Kansas City, several from Michigan, Indiana. The oldest alum was Aquinas’s Tom Mauer, class of 46.
Catered by Berwick Party House. Volunteer High School Students from St. Charles and Hartley were a great help with parking, assisting those with mobility problems, food and drink runs etc.
