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St. Paul School - A Tradition of Excellence for 92 Years
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St. Paul School was established on September 8, 1919, in the building previously used as the church. On opening Day in 1919, the school had 100 students, and the Sisters of the Humility of Mary were the school's instructors.
The school was the vision of Fr. Joseph Schmit; the Sisters lived in a spacious home within the grounds of the school. The first year of operation featured two instructors, Sister Dorothy Goodman (grades 4-7) and Sister Vida Stein (grades 1-3); Sister Alma Mullaly took care of the cleaning duties for the school.
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During his research for the source book of this page (Historical Review Part II Daring Books, 1986), Steven C. Espenschied quoted early St. Paul instructor Sister Miriam Therese, in reference to the St. Paul students of her day: "The children of St. Paul [are] good, all well-behaved, eager to learn, [and come] from good homes where the parents are glad to see them have such opportunities. the parents [are] kind and cooperative and generous, often bringing food from their homes and farms, which we really appreciated during the Depression and the war years" (143).
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In the mid 1940's, St. Paul School began to be staffed by Sisters from Holy Ghost of Pittsburg. The school children were instructed by Sisters until 1975; God bless the Sisters who served St. Paul School children for 56 years.
Due to an increase in enrollment, an addition to the original school building was constructed. It was completed in 1956 and is now called B Building; it houses what is now the fourth and fifth grade classrooms, as well as the computer lab. Lay teachers were added to the staff with the addition of the new facilities.
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Just a few years later, demand required the construction of a third building on the growing St. Paul School campus. What is now C-Building was built in 1962 near the church cemetary; today, it houses grades K-3.
C-Building Today
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St. Paul School flourished and grew with the community throughout the years, consistently providing Catholic guidance and education to its students.
During the 2000-2001 school year, the administration and staff went through the rigorous examination that is required of a school wishing to be considered one of the best in the nation. They met those goals with flying colors, and became a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence, a rare distiction only bestowed upon the highest quality schools.
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In 2003-2004, in keeping with the times, a spacious and modern Parish Life Center was built behind the school campus. It contains a gymnasium, stage for performances, two large atrium areas, and its own kitchen and concession area.
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Distant St. Paul School Memories
St. Paul School Class of 1924 |
St. Paul School Class of 1925 |
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Our original church |
First Communion Class of 1921 |
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