Holy Family Alumni News

Volume 2, Issue 1 March, 2000

Greetings from South Park and Tifft Sts. Good things happening here remind us that we are alive and well! The great spirit of Holy Family School continues to light the way for our young students today as it did for you in years past,

Some notable "firsts" happened this school year; our first alumni All Years Class Reunion held just before Thanksgiving - it was a great evening and in the midst of the fun and laughter were clear calls - "Let's do it again next year" (it's fine with me if Tom Brinkworth '49 will organize it again next year); the efforts of our first real Development Committee have bode well for our school; our first use of the new computer lab and computers secured through Oshei Foundation. Good things are happening at our first Alma Mater.

In January 2000, we celebrated the funeral mass of Joe Keeves, Jr. who is a 1956 graduate. His brothers and sisters were also graduates and, while they have not lived in the area for a number of years, they requested to have Joe's funeral here. In talking to the family, it was wonderfully evident how much they all valued their years at Holy Family School. They spoke joyfully and lovingly about their teachers, classmates and memories. It is my hope that we can continue to provide the kind of Forever experiences for the class of 2000 and beyond.

One of the ways we are trying to provide the HFS experience into the future is to develop a "tuition assistance" program for those families who may not be able to afford the full payment of the annual tuition. This year it is $775.00 per student and it will surely increase in the years ahead. Our Development Committee is working on ways to establish a fund which will provide monies for this most worthwhile and necessary effort. Please read the newsletter carefully, rekindle the rich memories you have and be alert as to how you might want to be a continuing part of sharing a rich future with our present students. May God bless you all!

On Sunday morning, the Class gathered for mass at Holy Family (they all sat on the boys side.) After mass they shared breakfast in the school and Sister Pat Collins, principal, led them all on a "tour". Stories were flowing fast and humorously in every classroom they entered.

In addition, the class donated $1600 to the school! ... a testimony to their affection for a time and place that had a profound affect on their lives.

We recently celebrated Catholic Schools Week and have been very busy. All had a very enjoyable week filled with many activities.

Father Bill celebrated a beautiful liturgy with all parents, children and faculty. Children from each class participated and the Folk Group helped with the music. Mr. Brian Higgins, Erie County Legislator visited Holy Family School and proclaimed Catholic Schools' week. He spoke to all our students and encouraged them to follow their dreams. General Mills provided the cereal and all students enjoyed a healthy breakfast. Pajama Day and Crazy Hat Day provided fun for children in K-4. Career and Casual Day was a big success for students in 5-8.

Elections were held by the class of 2000, with the following results:
President, Laura Goodfellow,
Vice President, Michael Reyes,
Treasurer, Valerie Lenk and
Secretary Jessica Quinn.

Buffalo News Spelling Bee contest was held during the week. Michael Reyes, 2000, is our Champion and Andrew Potaczala, 2000, is runner-up. 6th, 7th and 8th graders participated while 5th graders cheered them on.

Most of the eighth graders have received their acceptance letters for High School. Michael Reyes and Alex Miklos are winners of the Crowley Scholarship Award to Bishop Timon-St. Jude. Andrew Potaczala won a scholarship to Canisius and is named an Ignatius scholar. Kandance Hurysz won a Scholarship to Villa Maria Academy. Congratulations! We are very proud of you.

Holy Family School will be represented at Mt. Mercy, Immaculata, Timon-St. Jude, St. Francis, Canisius, Hutch, McKinley and South Park. Good luck to all and thanks to their teachers.

Our Computer classes are going quite well. We always appreciate any help in our Technology Program. So if you have some time and talent to share (or software) please do not hesitate to call me at (716) 826-6017. Our thanks to Jay Diggins who will be sharing his expertise in this field. Your support of our school and our Children is truly a blessing!

Sincerely, Sr. Patricia Collins

Every little bit helps: Save your Tops Tapes, Box tops from General Mills products for Education, labels from Campbell soup products... . send them to Fr. Bill at the Rectory. The school will benefit greatly!

The committee was encouraged by the Diocesan Development Director, Larry Carroll, who attended the last meeting. He remarked that the committee was a role model for elementary schools and pledged his support.

A special thanks to all of you ... your interest and enthusiasm has been terrific! If you care to support any of the programs mentioned above or have any ideas, talents or gifts to share, call Father Bill, (716) 822-0308. He's a good listener! Holy Family SChool is blessed by your encouragement and generosity.

Where are those pictures?

Father Bill, Tom Brinkworth and myself have made every effort to contact him and find out where the pictures are. Unfortunately we can't find the pictures or the photographer. This is a very serious matter that we are continuing to pursue with the proper authorities. We will make every effort to resolve this situation as quickly as possible and ask your cooperation in this regard. If you paid for a picture, please call the rectory and leave your name, address and phone number. This will help us determine the dollar amount involved in this Issue and will give direction toward resolving this matter. It is truly a shame that the spirit of such a great event is dampened by this misfortune. Your patience is greatly appreciated and I pray that we will see positive results in the very near future. Pat Crowley

Always Searching

Don't worry about duplicating what we already have. We will check each form that comes in against the current data base..

Graduates currently living out of town are particularly hard to find.

Thanks again for all your help!

HOLY FAMILY GRADUATES
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