Adapting to Community Through 125 Years:

“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.”

The school itself has grown in different ways and changed in ways that were what the community needed at the time. The school currently serves prekindergarten through eighth grade, but in the past it went through high school as well. Jim Parris, former Ponca City resident, attended from 1955-67. He was in one of the last graduating classes at St. Mary’s, even though his younger sisters Terri and Marilyn were unable to graduate from there. The school has always been filled with strong academics and numerous activities. Parris remembers playing basketball, being a member of the honor society and even being named “Mr. Irish” in one of his last years at the school. However, he and his siblings weren’t the first generation to attend St. Mary’s. His mother, uncles and brother Don also attended the school. Fond memories among the different generations.

St. Mary’s continues to be a school where students can achieve their education at an institution of faith that continues to be a generational tradition for many families. They currently have 30 staff members and 10 church employees in their school and parish. Principal Wade Laffey has been with the school for five years. Laffey, Fr. Alex Kroll, Enrollment Specialist Karen Hunt and Director of Advancement Lisa Simmons serve on the Advancement Team for the celebration project and advancing the mission of the school.

Simmons says, “Something I find so remarkable is that the school is actually older than statehood! Celebrating 125 years is more than marking time—it is honoring generations of faith, learning and lives shaped by St. Mary’s Catholic School.”

If you are interested in more information about the school, visit the website at stmaryspsok.com or call the school office at 580-765-4387.

The mission of this longtime institution is, “St. Mary’s Catholic School is committed to instilling academic excellence in a safe, nurturing environment following the teachings and virtues of Jesus for the development of the whole child.” With a successful 125 years of educating the children and youth of Ponca City, it would seem they are hitting their mission right on target.

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