Holy Spirit High School celebrates 100 years.
ABSECON – Holy Spirit High School will reach a milestone in when it begins a yearlong celebration in honor of its 100th anniversary with a Mass celebrated by school president, Father Perry Cherubini, followed by a delicious brunch Sunday, Sept. 25. The Mass will begin at 10:30 a.m. in the Holy Spirit High School Auditorium and the brunch will follow in the cafeteria.
“A lot of things have changed at Holy Spirit High School since we first opened our doors 100 years ago,” Father Cherubini said, “but, what hasn’t changed is our strong family atmosphere and how we continue to educate and inspire the entire person, mind, body, and spirit, while fostering academic success and a culture of service.”
Holy Spirit High School first opened its doors on Massachusetts Avenue in Atlantic City in September of 1922 with 45 students enrolled in 9th grade. The school was founded by Monsignor William F. Dittrich, who at the time was the pastor of Holy Spirit Parish in Atlantic City, which included a church, rectory, convent and grammar school grades 1-8. Sister Mary Augustine of the Sisters of Mercy of Watchung, was appointed principal, and in 1926, the first senior class graduated.
During those very early years, the school would introduce the rich athletic traditions of boys’ and girls’ basketball, baseball, tennis, track, and the annual Holy Spirit-Atlantic City High School Thanksgiving Day game. Also during these years, the tradition of the annual Broadway musical production began.
As enrollment steadily grew after World War II and through the 1950s, Holy Spirit needed a bigger facility. Through the generosity of the Falivene family of Absecon, property on Route 9 was donated to the Diocese of Camden. In June 1963, Archbishop Celestine J. Damiano broke ground for a new Holy Spirit High School and the new high school would open its doors in September 1964, becoming a diocesan high school with priests assigned to be both administrators and teachers, along with the continued presence of the Sisters of Mercy and lay faculty.
The school’s smaller environment fosters family spirt, Father Cherubini said.
“Our smaller size makes our school a very special community. We work harder to give all our kids the opportunities of a bigger high school through our academics, athletics and arts program. Because of our smaller environment, everyone knows each other and looks out for one another. We truly are a family,” he said.
Today, Holy Spirit High School is a regional academic, athletic and artistic powerhouse that serves all of Southern New Jersey. Graduates are accepted into the finest colleges and universities and go on to become successful members of society. The core values taught at Holy Spirit High School are carried on throughout the student’s lives.
Current students, alumni, friends and family are encouraged to attend. Holy Spirit High School alumni are also encouraged to contribute memorabilia or send a message in celebration of 100 years of educating students.
Other celebratory events to look forward to throughout the year will be Spartan Auction Night on Nov. 5, Thanksgiving Game Tailgate on Nov. 24, Salute to the Spartans Hall of Fame Induction and Gala on Feb. 10, the second annual Beach Bash on June 9 and more.
For more information and event updates, see www.holyspirit100.com, or email smccarron@holyspirithighschool.com.
