Catholic schools across the country are celebrating a special week while one in St. Petersburg looks back on a big milestone.
St. Raphael's School is preparing to commemorate its 50th anniversary. As a matter of fact, one family remembers what St. Raphael's was like five decades ago.
“We moved to northeast St. Petersburg and attended St. Raphael's for the first year they opened,” said Pat Walsh, St. Raphael's alumnus.
Pat Walsh and his sister Mary Jane were some of the school’s first students.
Pat sent his daughter Darlene to the school, and then Darlene did the same. Her daughter is in second grade.
“It means so much to us, you know, my grandmother worked here for 13 years in the rectory," said Darlene Henwood, St. Raphael's alumna. "When I was Kate’s age she used to take me over to the rectory and I would stuff bulletins -- you know, it’s home for us.”
Pat and his family said they truly value that community feel they get at St. Raphael's. They also value the education, because bottom line, they pay for it.
Principal Kathy Bogotaj is there to make sure they get it.
“Families that are making the commitment to put their child in Catholic school, they are there 100 percent and they are there to help with homework, they are there to read with their children, they are there to be very involved,” said Kathy Bogotaj, St. Raphael's School Principal.
When parents put forth the money to pay for a private school or Catholic school they want their children to get something out of it.
“Well life’s really all about making choices and it helps you make the right choices throughout the rest of your life,” said Walsh.
Pat and his family plan to send their kids to St. Raphael's for the next 50 years.
Parents toured St. Raphael's Saturday as part of an open house.
The church and school will celebrate its 50th anniversary next Saturday.