The End of an Era

The End of an Era June 18, 2020, was a historic day as Vincentian Academy hosted its last graduation ceremony and as students graduated during a pandemic.

Though the sky was gray much of the day, the rain held off as hundreds came together for one last celebration. Graduation was organized with COVID-19 safety standards in mind, including being held outside with families viewing from individual cars, students wearing masks as they marched out, and with seats socially distanced in front of the main stage. In February, the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth announced the private Catholic high school in the North Hills of Pittsburgh was closing after 87 years. The academy, like many other Catholic schools in Pittsburgh, and in other areas of the United States, has experienced multiple challenges including declining enrollment.

Top left: Vincentian Academy Principal Rita Canton congratulates a Class of 2020 graduate. Bottom left: students shared a rich prayer life with Mass frequently celebrated together. Right: Vincentian Academy, in the North Hills of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, welcomed students from throughout the Pittsburgh area.

Once the pandemic began, students transitioned to virtual classrooms to complete the school year. The Congregation is grateful to the faculty, staff, parents and students for coming together during such a difficult time, and for the many ways they made Vincentian Academy a vibrant learning community and an outstanding high school experience.

During the June graduation, the academy bestowed diplomas on 63 students. Principal Rita Canton reflected on just how close she felt to those graduating. “Most of you know the Class of 2020 and I entered Vincentian Academy at the same time,” reflected Principal Canton. “You were new to high school and this was my first time being principal in a high school. In essence, we grew up together.” She added, “There is so much that I want to say to you... You are entering adulthood during a tumultuous time, but your time with families and your time at Vincentian Academy have prepared you. This is my charge to you - don’t put a period where God has put a comma.”

Olivia Schoppen gave the valedictory address. “If we look beyond these past few difficult months, these four years at Vincentian Academy were filled with memorable moments that truly defined our time here. WPIAL championships were won by the cross country, baseball, and girls and boys basketball teams. Homecoming, prom, and snowball, all organized by students, faculty, and administration, were fun times with friends. The musicals during our time here were outstanding crowd-pleasers. Students also participated in the Mass and service projects, such as the polar plunge and the Red Door Mission. This class used their God-given gifts, talents, and abilities to reflect just what Vincentian Academy stands for. Vincentian Academy develops students who exemplify respect, service, and leadership, and this class embodies all of these qualities.” Megan Hoelke with her salutatory remarks, echoed Olivia. “Once a Royal, always a Royal. No matter what trials you are going through, you will always have family and without a building, our school lives on through each of us.”

In his closing speech, Class President Matthew Solar was spurred on by cheers, “I believe each and every person who is graduating in the class of 2020 will be the change that the world needs. I find it absolutely exciting to see what will happen in the future. You are a group of talented, motivated, shy, loud, smart, funny and quirky people that made Vincentian Academy special. I am proud to call every one of you my classmates.”

A number of students received awards, and faculty and staff were recognized for their years of service. Julianne Petricini is the longest-serving lay instructor with 26 years at the academy. She is much loved and deeply

Top left: Mary Denise Hibel, SCN, had a lively discussion with students at Vincentian Academy, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Bottom left: The Vincentian Academy student body is a tight knit family of students from across Pittsburgh. Right: School counselor Lauren Petricig hugged a student at the Class of 2020 graduation.

respected by students. Words of gratitude were also offered for two SCNs, former principal and current instructor Camille Panich, SCN, and former teacher, coach, and school counselor Rita Gesue, SCN. Sister Rita recalls how she began teaching at the academy after entering the Novitiate. She was in her early twenties and was instrumental in introducing a number of sports to students, including field hockey and tennis. Sister Camille was a constant presence at the school for over 47 years. She taught a number of disciplines, and was principal for many years, supporting the students outside of school as well, at countless athletic events and musicals.

Vincentian High School, founded by the Vincentian Sisters of Charity in 1932, began as a school for young women aspiring to religious life. In 1939, the first lay student enrolled. By 1973, the school became co-ed. And, in 1995, the school entered a partnership with Duquesne University and introduced the International Baccalaureate Program. The partnership with Duquesne ended in 2010.

For nearly nine decades, Vincentian Academy, with over 4,000 alumni, has inspired students to achieve academic success, nurture their faith, discover and develop their talents, and live Christian values. For the Class of 2020, 55 of the 63 Vincentian Academy graduates report that their total scholarship/grant awards are more than $10,721,585.00. Students have been accepted to dozens of universities this year including University of Pittsburgh, University of Southern California, New York University, St. Louis University, Purdue and University of Virginia.

“To all of our students, we will remember the mark you have left in the classrooms, the halls, on the stage, on the field and most important in many hearts,” says

Mary Elizabeth Miller, SCN, Provincial of the Congregation. “Congratulations to the graduating seniors! We pray abundant blessings on each of you,”

With the school officially closed as of June 30, plans are now underway to ensure that all records are archived as well as memorabilia. The 63 graduates will begin classes at their respective colleges this fall, and 103 underclassmen will transfer schools.

“As hard and as sad as it is for us that Vincentian Academy has closed, we believe that together we can move forward from this difficult moment, proud of the history and accomplishments of this much loved Academy,” reflects Sister Mary Elizabeth. “Together let us pray for God’s guidance for the graduates, for the other students as they transition to new high schools, and for the faculty and staff as they begin new opportunities.”