(PCM+) Adapting to Community Through 125 Years:

St. Mary’s Catholic School

The following article appeared in the print issue of Ponca City Monthly magazine, which includes hyperlocal stories about Ponca City. Get full access to all online articles, videos, and content by becoming a paid subscriber. We offer free and paid subscription plans. Find rack locations to pick up your free print copy here, or subscribe here to get online access plus exclusive content.

“Let us thank all those who teach in Catholic schools. Educating is an act of love; it is like giving life.”

~former Pope Francis

St. Mary’s Catholic School was founded in 1901 and operated by a group of religious sisters to serve the growing Catholic community in Kay County. Over the last 125 years, there have been moves in location with the current Italian Renaissance-style school built in 1954. A community celebration that included alumni, staff and community joining in sharing their memories of a stable past and celebrating hope for the future was held on Feb. 14 at the Marland Mansion. Plans for the event were handled by the Advancement Team in collaboration with Chandler Brown of Something Blue Weddings. Brown is an alumna of the school.

According to Rachel Friess, Director of Marketing/Physical Education instructor, as well as being on the Advancement Team for this celebration, “This milestone is a reminder of all the generations who built our school and all that our school has endured to remain steadfast in providing quality education in a Christian environment.” She explains that the “school and our community have literally grown up together.”