How did Hill places get their names?

By Ewa Pekala

Madonna Hall is a place that every fellow Hilltopper is familiar with. It is a separate building on the school’s campus where Mrs. Laureno teaches her art classes.

It was named in 2009 in honor of the Virgin Mary.

The building is considered a hall due to its long rectangular structure where the art is hung on the inside walls.

The Sal Gerardi Sports Field is located near Madonna Hall on Hill’s beautiful campus. Elementary and high school students use this fields for sports such as basketball, baseball, and track.

The field contains a basketball court, a baseball area, as well as a track and longjump pit. Students are able to enjoy gym class outside on days when the weather permits it.

The Sal Gerardi Sports Memorial Field was named in honor of Salvatore Geraldi. He worked as a gym teacher at Hill for 28 years and passed away in March of 2015.

Mr. Geraldi was a role model for all of his students. His positive attitude and dedication to his job inspired them to do their best in sports and most importantly life.

Sister Ernestine Jeck Library: On November 28, 2022, Hill celebrated a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new library.

It has been named the Esternine Jeck library.

The goal of renovating the library was to create a learning commons that provides a sense of community.

Sister Jeck was a devoted member of the Daughters of Divine Charity and a member of the first graduating class in 1934. She was a teacher and longtime head librarian at Hill. It is named after Sister Ernestine Jeck who recently passed away.

Whenever students enter the new li- brary, they are reminded of the dedication that Sister Ernestine had to this school and most importantly to her faith.

The Golden Doors, or the doors to the entrance of Hill’s elementary school, were named after Mr. Golden, a supporter of the Catholic Church and particularly, Catholic Education. Mr. Golden and his wife, Maureen Moore, were generous benefactors to Hill and the Daughters of Divine Charity.

Their generous gift to the 1999-2001 building campaign provided the funding for the critically needed security school entrance doors. During the Centennial Year (1919-1920), the Goldens were philanthropic leaders as sponsors for scholarships and events.

Mr. Golden passed away on June 9, 2020 from heart complications. Now whenever somebody walks in through the Golden Doors, his memory will stay with the school forever.