Conn-Area Catholic School to celebrate its past and future
CONNELLSVILLE — For 100 years, Conn-Area Catholic Elementary School, located in the Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church building on Prospect Street, has provided the educational foundation for thousands of students.
On Sunday, former students, administration and others will celebrate the centennial anniversary of the landmark and begin a new chapter in its school history.
When Conn-Area students resume school in September, they will have new classrooms at the Geibel Catholic Middle/High School Campus on East Crawford Avenue.
Teachers and administrators are currently packing text books and supplies to be transported to the new location in conjunction with preparing the Sunday ceremony that will allow visitors to tour the long-standing school building, take part in a memorial ceremony and then participate in a parade to the Geibel campus.
Although separate buildings and with different names, Conn-Area and Geibel have always maintained “a family” relationship, said Kristin Baker, Conn-Area business manager.
“Whatever has been necessary to maintain Catholic education, we have worked together to do that,” she said. “We’re not resistant to change if it results in a future.”
Both schools draw students from Fayette and Westmoreland counties. In addition to the elementary program, Conn-Area added a preschool program in 2006 when grades seven and eight moved to Geibel.
Immaculate Conception church initially constructed the three-story, brick building for the purpose of schooling its youngest members and those of the community.
According to church history, the school initially provided education for grades one through eight with classes taught by the St. Joseph Sisters from Rutland, Vt.
In 1921, a two-year high school course was added to the curriculum offerings.
A few years later, two additional years were included in the program with the first senior class to graduate in 1930.
The anniversary celebration, meanwhile, will begin at 1:30 p.m. at Conn-Area with visitors encouraged to tour the building, meet old friends and view pictures that have been collected throughout its history. Also, a time capsule, buried in 2006 as Connellsville City celebrated its bicentennial will be unearthed and opened followed by a memorial prayer service.
Participants will then take part in a parade to Geibel where visitors will be able to tour the new location.
For additional information, call Conn-Area at 724-628-5090.