2017–2018 Annual Magazine & Donor Report

“Father, there’s graffiti!” Three moments at the end of last school year gave me a lot of insight into what it means to be the pastor of a parish with a Catholic school! Can I share with you three of them?—values, timeless beauty, and fun.

First of all, the graffiti. It was a breathtaking June day when I stepped out to the playground to see energetic kids impersonat-ing monkeys (from the jungle gym) and Wayne Gretzky (playing street hockey) when a horde of little ones ran to me. They want-ed to make sure that I saw and disapproved of the local “artist’s” gratuitous public display of creativity. (You’ll be happy to know, that we figured out who the young culprits were, and with the support of their parents, had the “artist” wash the charcoal drawings off the school wall.) There is no question that the kids at St. Mary’s are taught good values and want to act on them.

Second, timeless beauty. We are blessed with a stunning church here at St. Mary’s including our Stuart organ from A.D. 1861. The day after the “graffiti incident of 2018” our 2nd and 3rd graders got treated to a tour of the choir loft and an introduction to the

workings of the organ. Lukas Gruber, one of our local seminarians studying for the priesthood, is an accomplished organist, and volunteered to give them a mini-class. From what I heard, the students and teachers loved it—especially being able to try out the massive instrument themselves. St. Mary’s students develop an appreciation for the arts and are empowered to share beauty with the world.

The following day, was the Dairy Princess Parade. Who could miss the FUN that the school kids and families were having—all donning their cow-ears. (We are part of the greater “COWmunity,” after all!) St. Mary’s kids have fun and clearly the world is a better place with their joy being shared.

Underpinning all of this, the values, the beauty, and the fun of the school family is one thing: the Love of Jesus Christ and His Church. May His love and that of His blessed Mother, our holy patroness, be with each of you and your families. Thank you all for the ways you have supported our school through the St. Mary’s Fund and continue that support in the future.

Fr. Bryan Stitt, Pastor

Since 1930

Dear Families, Friends and Alumni of St. Mary’s School:In the closing of my first year as principal, I would like to share the celebrations I have experienced. First and foremost, the students! The students are the reason I am here, and the reason that you have generously supported us. We have a diverse group of young people who have grown in the intellectual and human dimensions that Pope Francis discussed in his address on Catholic education on June 7th: learning to be magnanimous and learning to be of service.

Of course, the teachers! Our teachers give selflessly on a daily basis to their students, to our families and to both the faith community and the social community. I have also experienced the giving spirit of our families, the shared faith opportunities, and the connections with the larger society of our Diocese.

Further on in his address, Pope Francis states that spiritual formation is the foundation to learn to be of service. He asked students to “…open yourselves to others, especially to the poorest and most in need, to work to improve the world we live in.” He also urged them to “…always love Jesus more and more! Our lives are a response to his call and you will be happy and will build your lives well if you know how to answer that call.”

St. Mary’s School is built on carrying out the admonishments of Pope Francis. Our most important mission is to develop well-rounded young people who hold Christ-centered values. Your generous support enables this to happen.

Thank you for your contributions and for your prayers. May God bless each one of you.

Michele Meyers, Principal

ST. MARY’S SCHOOL2 Powers Street Canton, NY 13617Office: 315-386-3572Parish: 315-386-2543Pastor: Fr. Bryan StittPrincipal: Mrs. Michele Meyers St. Mary’s Fund Coordinator: Mrs. Amanda Conklinwww.stmaryscantonny.com

MISSION STATEMENT:Our Philosophy is to create and cultivate an environment in which the Faith Life of our students might be strengthened, supported, and nurtured. We strive to provide an excellent academic program under a dedicated, qualified staff, surrounded by an atmosphere of faith, where learning is characterized by understanding, sensitivity, and fairness.

Principal: Mrs. Michele Meyers

Pastor: Fr. Bryan Stitt

I recently had the pleasure of working on a commercial TV project for St. Mary’s and needed to take pictures of the inside of the church. When I entered through the front doors I found the church to be completely empty. Without the “distraction” of a church full of people, an overwhelming sense of nostalgia came over me. The smells and the sounds were most vivid, the eternal echo of the church ambiance forever entrenched in my mind. With those remembered senses also came the flooding of memories of my childhood, one that was deeply impacted and influenced by attending St. Mary’s school. The lessons I learned as a child there have never left me. I am certain I still have a lot of growing to do, but I know that without my St. Mary’s education I would not be the person I am today.

Beyond academics, St. Mary’s taught me most about empathy—having an awareness of the struggles of others—some-thing I think the world could use a bit more of these days. The morals and values that were instilled in me by loving fac-ulty have stayed permanent within me; even through times when I feel lost, they guide me back to goodness, my moral compass in life. I am grateful for all of this and the family-like atmosphere that made me feel welcome at St. Mary’s.

I am a third-generation St. Mary’s legacy. My Father and his father before him both attended. The Catholic faith has always been a major influence for my family. I am thankful for the lessons not only that I have learned from St. Mary’s, but that my parents learned. I was raised in a loving home, one not without its struggles, but which always kept an eye towards goodness. Because of this, St. Mary’s had a hand in my entire upbringing, not just my schooling.

Today, I do my best to employ the moral lessons I long-ago learned at St. Mary’s. After graduating from Plattsburgh State with a degree in Video Production, I started my own freelance business called Ridge 44 Productions and began working as the Video Production Coordinator at SUNY Canton. The school I now work for preaches inclusion, diversi-ty, and the acceptance of our neighbors. Through my video storytelling, I try to capture these sentiments and spread goodness to others just as it was spread to me.

As I move forward in my filmmaking career I hope to tell stories that demonstrate empathy, understanding, love, and kindness. I believe that all of these qualities are available to anyone who will open their heart to them. And for anyone who has the chance to attend St. Mary’s will find, it’s a little easier to open your heart when you’ve got an entire school behind you showing you how.

With sincerity and appreciation,

Morgan Elliott

Assumption Society $5,000 +1 Anonymous Donor

Msgr. Service Society $3,000+Thomas Fiacco, Sr.

Irene Krenceski

John J. & Mary P. Maroney

Little Flower Society $1,000+1 Anonymous Donor

Patricia Collins

Patricia MatsuiIn memory of Pauline Proulx

Jack & Michele Meyers

Nash & Palm, Attorneys at Law

New York State Council Knights of Columbus

Bernard ProulxIn memory of Pauline Proulx

John RossiIn memory of Marco & Irene Rossi

Lisa Rotelli

James Smith ‘65In memory of Lloyd and Betty Smith

Dan & Margaret Sweeney

Mr. & Mrs. Gerard teRiele

Kevin P. Maroney

Family Donation In memory of Marie Saucier, former librarian at St. Mary’s School

Charlotte Mahoney ‘61 Frank Saucier ‘79 Gary Saucier ‘70 Kenneth Saucier ‘63 James & Sharon White ‘68 Roy Saucier ‘72

Msgr. O’Neil Society $500-$9994 Anonymous Donors

2 in memory of Pauline Proulx

Congregation Anshe Zophen

Ellen Chapman ‘77

John and Christy Collins ‘82

Mr. & Mrs. Kevin Feuka

The Fund for St. Mary’s SchoolLawrence Funeral Home

In memory of Sami Curtis, Jack Klemens, James Wood, Rose Soulia, Wilbert Lennon, and Linda Boise

Paul & Melissane Schrems

Marian Society $250-$4994 Anonymous Donors

1 in memory of Floyd Firman, 1 in memory of Pauline Proulx

A Dear FriendIn honor of Fr. Timothy Canaan on the occasion of the 25th Anniversary of his Ordination to the Priesthood

Michael Alzo In memory of Maria Alzo and Nicholas Spadaccini

Alan Cunningham

Dan & Linda Fay

Edward Fay ‘87

Joan FirmanIn memory Floyd Firman

Mike & Pat Furgal

Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Gilbert

Rita Goldberg

Patricia Hall

Sheila HarringtonIn memory of Mick Harrington

Edward Jacot

Mrs. Beverly KearingIn memory of Sister Rita Frances Brady

Mary Krenceski ‘69

Mr. John LawrenceIn memory of Rita M. Lawrence

Nancy Layhee In memory of Dale and Dean Layhee

David & Nelida Lucht

Mr. Richard Manning In memory of Marty Manning

Cathleen O’Horo

John Pezdek In honor of Fr. Doug Lucia

Reverend Bryan Stitt

Blue and White Society $100-$2496 Anonymous Donors

1 in memory of Floyd Firman, 3 in memory of Pauline Proulx

Paul & Debra Backus

Mary Bailey In honor of Eleanor E. Bailey

Mr. & Mrs. Timothy Baker

James & Dana Barry

Mrs. Ellie BeauvaisIn memory of Bill Beauvais

Cheryl Canfield ‘65

Lawrence Casey

John & Janet Coloton

Peter and Terri CoseoIn memory of Robert and Jeanne Coseo

Thomas ’62 & Donna Coseo In memory of Robert & Jeanne Coseo

Robert and Lauren Cruikshank

Mr. & Mrs. Charles DeanIn honor of Lauren, Kathryn, & Patrick Dean

Nancy E. DemoIn memory of Richard C Demo Sr.

Mr. Richard F. EnsbyIn memory of Lois M. Ensby

Marsha Evans

Mary FayetteIn memory of David Fayette

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Fiacco, Jr.

Mr. & Mrs. Robert Grandaw ‘45

Mr. & Mrs. Leo Grant

Ms. Frances J. GrembowiczIn memory of Sr. Rita Francis Brady and Frank Shields

Mr. & Mrs. Robert Hays

Dick & Helen Hilts

Mr. & Mrs. Paul Howard, Sr. ‘51

Mr. William LauberIn memory of: Father Service/ St. Mary’s Church and Brother Andre Bessette/St. Joseph’s Oratory

Sue Law ‘70In memory of Richard Burke, Jr.

2017-2018 ANNUAL REPORT

Mr. & Mrs. Jian Li-Zheng (Asian Buffet & Grill)

Mr. & Mrs. Michael MaguireIn memory of Albert Maguire and Anne Phillips

Lita MaroneyIn memory of R. Mike Maroney

Mr. & Mrs. Andrew McKinley

Ester McKnight

Brian Merrill & Kelly Howard

Anita Miller

Karen MousawIn memory of Lloyd and Betty Smith

Christina Muller

David & Kathleen Murphy

Mr. & Mrs. Edward NeeIn memory of Nee and Crean families

Catherine “Kay” Peggs ‘37In memory of Msgr. Service

Dr. Carolyn Pierce

Michael Pinckney

Mrs. Avis Ragan

Beverly Robinson

Mr. & Mrs. Ronald Romano

Lee Rudel ‘57In memory of Michael Levato

Joan Ryken ‘69

Michael & Stephanie Schuckers

Nicholas † & Gloria Spadaccini ‘46In memory of Lillian and Donald Shoulette ‘50

Mr. & Mrs. Ronald Spadaccini

Ms. Anne Storrin

Vivian E. SwiftIn memory of John Swift

Mr. & Mrs. John ThompsonIn memory of Bruce Thompson

Mr. & Mrs. Leo Villeneuve

Mrs. Shirley Washburn

Mr. Daniel WillmartIn memory of Don Wilson

Judy WilsonIn memory of Don Wilson and in honor of Mara Wilson

Mr. & Mrs. Robert Wilson

Joan YoungIn memory of Lloyd and Betty Smith

Contributor $1-$9918 Anonymous Donors

1 in memory of Father Cotter, 5 in memory of Floyd Firman, 6 in memory of Pauline Proulx

The Stadium Sports Bar

Mary AikenIn memory of Father Lawrence Cotter

Mrs. Elizabeth Ames †

Patrick & Patricia ArduineIn memory of Jack Regan

Patty Ashlaw

Mr. & Mrs. Willard AshleyIn honor of Father Shurlete

Dr. & Mrs. Robert Austin

Dave BabcockIn honor of the Students of St. Mary’s

Mr. William BackusIn memory of Connie

Julia Bailey

Lana Barr

Mrs. Robert BarrIn memory of Robert J. Barr

Tony Beane, DVM

Rollin & Janet Beattie

Mr. & Mrs. Keith Benman

Mrs. Rita Blevins

Mrs. Patricia BradyIn memory of Sister Rita Francis Brady, GNSH

Kathleen BrenonIn memory of Eugenia, Francis, & Jim Finnegan

Daniel & Patricia BronsonIn memory of Gary Bennett

Barbara BuckIn memory of Harold Buck

Mr. Richard Burke

Mr. & Mrs. Donald Burns

Mrs. Shirley A. BurnsIn memory of Frank and Gertrude Richardson

Gail ButlerIn memory of Francis Butler, Jr.

Mr. & Mrs. Euclid CadretteIn honor of Austin Cadrette SMDA

Mr. & Mrs. Charles Carvel

Mrs. Mary Caryl

Judith Chase

Mr. & Mrs. Glenn Clemmons

Mr. & Mrs. Eugene Coller

Mr. & Mrs. Andrew J. Connelly

Robert ConnellyIn memory of Ed Degaw

Mrs. Rose CrupiIn memory of Mike Levato and Tony Crupi

Mrs. Catherine Denny

Matthew & Kelly Deschamps

Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Digiovanna

Mr. & Mrs. Henry L. Dominy

Mr. & Mrs. Timothy E. Dupree

Mary Evans

Mr. & Mrs. Douglas Ferris

Alan & Sally Finnegan ‘42In memory of Mr. & Mrs. F.D. Finnegan

Eugene FinneganIn memory of Mr. & Mrs. F. Finnegan

Mr. & Mrs. James Fitzgerald

Jerome & Jane Forcione

Lisa Guccione

Delaney Hays ‘12In memory of Michele Christy and Teri Whitman

Mr. & Mrs. Peter HaysIn memory of Hays and Cady Families

Kathleen Hepburn

Mrs. Letty A. HocklerIn honor of St. Pio

Mr. & Mrs. Melvin Jaskowski

Mrs. Barbara KellyIn memory of James J. Kelly

Mrs. Joyce Kelso

Mr. & Mrs. Brian D. Kidwell

Cassie Kotz

Michael Lahendro

Norma Jean LaPoint

Mrs. Patricia Larose

Mr. & Mrs. G. Edward Lashomb

In Memory of Phyllis and Joe Lashomb

Mary Leib ‘52 In honor of the Sisters of Charity; Halifax, NS

Ms. Ann Lesperance

Mary Long

Joseph & Sue LongshoreIn memory of Charlene Longshore

Mrs. Michael MaceIn memory of Mike Mace

Thomas Maroney

Francisca Medina

Brad & Marilyn Mintener

Mr. & Mrs. Albert Montroy, Jr.

Mr. & Mrs. Leonard A. Montroy

Mr. & Mrs. Lloyd Moore

Agnes NortonIn honor of Fred Norton

Mr. & Mrs. Christopher H. O’Brien

In memory of John, Marion and Myrna Jordan

Reverend Kevin J. O’Brien

Ms. Jane O’Gorman

Mr. Michael J. O’NeilIn memory of deceased O’Neils

Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Phalon ‘01

Mr. & Mrs. Ronald Pitts

Mr. & Mrs. Jack Planty

Mr. & Mrs. Kent Pratt

Mike Preston

Ms. Julia Regan

Sara Ricalton In memory of Uncle Mark Richardson

Mr. & Mrs. Neal Riggs

Sharon L. Burke-Rosenbarker ‘69

Mrs. Anne Ryan-RuudIn memory of James Ryan

Mrs. Brenda SandersonIn memory of Michael Sanderson

Mr. & Mrs. James Sanderson

Pat & Rosa Sergi and FamilyIn memory of Nicholas Spadaccini

Sam SergiIn memory of Nicholas Spadaccini

Rosamond Sharlow & Children

In memory of Donald Sharlow

Phil & Mary Shatraw

Bryan Shea

Robert SheridanIn Memory of Bert and Nora Bessette

Mr. Robert Shelly

Robert Shurtleff

Mr. & Mrs. Nelson J. Sholette

Maureen Slate

Mr. & Mrs. Gerald Smilgin

Mrs. Hilda O. Smith

Mr. & Mrs. Paul J. Smith

Gerald Soulia ‘65

Mr. James Spadaccini

Jerry & Nancy Sullivan

Mrs. Kathleen Testa

Mr. & Mrs. William P. Tiernan

Mr. & Mrs. William Tisdell

Mrs. Patricia A. ToddIn memory of Rita Lawrence

Mrs. Mary Trippany †

June TuckerIn memory of Frances and Eugenia Finnegan

Jana TupperIn memory of Pauline Proulx

Gretchen Warner ‘14

Janet Warner

Esther WhiteIn memory of Pauline Proulx

Mr. & Mrs. Ronald Wilcox

James & Kathleen Williams

Mr. & Mrs. Neil Willmart

Mr. & Mrs. Paul Wilson

Mr. & Mrs. Richard P. Wilson

Mr. & Mrs. Ted Wisner, Sr. ‘61

Anne Marie Zeyher

Faculty and Staff DonorsThomas Alzo

Marianne Augenstein

Jamie Burns

Seth & Amanda Conklin

Terry & Kevin Feuka

Catherine Leggue

Jack & Michele Meyers

Pamelia Neal

Cynthia NilesIn memory of Donald Sharlow

Paul & Melissane Schrems

Reverend Bryan Stitt

Meg Trainor

Alan & Betsy Turner

† Deceased

Two siblings; one’s life cut tragically short, the other, our oldest known living alum. Born on Miner Street and a life-long Cantonian, Catherine “Kay” Peggs,

is 94 and remembers her time fondly as one of the first St. Mary’s School students, “I remember Sr. Aloysia was lovely and tall, or at least I thought she was because I was 6 years old. She was very nice. I wanted to be a nun, partly from my time at St. Mary’s School, that would be my chosen ‘career,’ but that changed as the years progressed. I liked to go out and go dancing.” Kay jokingly shared.

Times have changed a bit here at St. Mary’s. When Kay was a student she recalled they would have recess just in the yard, a bit different from the current playground with slides, swings and a jungle gym. “We didn’t have too many things to play with. We played with simple things like jump rope.”

There is a beautiful story passed down here at SMS about St. Therese of Lisieux appearing to one of the sisters who taught at the old school. That sister was Sr. Aloysia, the first grade teacher, and she remembers this exciting time as a student. “Sr. Aloysia had a very strong devotion to St. Therese, and I remember hearing the story of the apparition as a student, though of course we were not allowed upstairs in the sister’s chapel.”

“St. Mary’s School re-enforced my character and faith. I had a great upbringing to start with. My mother was a very devout Catholic. We were taught manners and respect, we always said prayers before class.”

This strengthening of her faith no doubt helped to get her through a tragic time in her life. Mrs. Peggs’ brother, 2nd Lt. John “Jack” Denesha, also an Alum of SMS was tragically shot down by Nazi forces while flying his P51-Mustang over Ploufragan, France during WWII. Jack studied

ÔClass of

1937

hard to become a fighter pi-lot in the Air Corps. Kay was very close with her brother, who affectionately called her “chicken legs.” “He wanted to be a fighter pilot. He used to build model planes when he was small.” The family, like so many others, received a telegraph that Jack, only 22 years old, was missing in action, Kay didn’t feel much closure for years because not much was known about the spe-cifics of the crash. Finally in 2011, an organization called the Lacy-Davis Foundation discovered some evidence of the crash and reached out to her. Mrs. Peggs was invited to France for a ceremony honoring her brother and was able to visit his grave in the St. James American Cemetery.

Kay has lived a full and joyful life at 94 years young. She worked for 39 years at St. Lawrence University, eventually as supervisor of student accounts. Through this position, she met many SLU hockey play-ers, often opening her house to them. She even remains friends with Jacques Martin, the current assistant coach to the Pittsburgh Penguins.

In a time when many struggle to make marriage last, Kay was blessed with not just one, but two beautiful marriages. Her first husband John Toomey was a medic in a tank battalion in WWII then worked as an elec-trician at SLU. He passed away tragically in 1973 from a heart attack. After 18 years a widow, a childhood crush, Dick Peggs, also widowed, asked her out and the two were lovingly married until 2006 when Dick passed away.

Kay has many friends and loves to laugh and enjoys drinking her Manhattans. “I’m going to live until I’m 100 and we’ll have a party down at Sabad’s in Norfolk” she shared, smirking. Here at St. Mary’s, we are happy to call her one of our own, another compelling, joy-filled life in a long-line of SMS alumni.

Golden Alum

2 Powers StreetCanton, NY 13617Phone: 315-386-3572www.stmaryscantonny.com

to SMS alumni, Ron Burke ‘82 on being named the Superintendent of the Canton School District and Jim Nee ‘89 on being named the Superintendent of the Colton-Pierrepont School District!

SAVE THE

DATE!St. Mary’s School SILVER SCREEN

GALA

APRIL 27, 2019

We would LOVE to know where our Alumni are and what you are doing! If you are a SMS Alumna/us,

please send us your updated info at aconklin@stlawu.edu or by calling the rectory at 315-386-2543

Did you know? The cost to educate one SMS student is $7,764. The average tuition is just under

$4,000. Where does the other $3,764 come from? Your generous donation to our SMS fund, along with smaller

fundraisers, helps to fill the gap! Thank you for helping to advance the future of Catholic Education!

Be sure to our St. Mary’s School and St. Mary’s Alumni page on Facebook!

facebook.com/CantonCatholicSchoolfacebook.com/groups/StMarysSchoolCantonNYAlumni

Ron Burke ‘82 Jim Nee ‘89

NONPROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGEPAID

Permit No.10Canton, NY