Graduations are always meaningful milestones for students and teachers. Each year, generations of students pass through school hallways, marking the end of one chapter and the beginning of another.
But for Sacred Heart Academy, this year marks a different kind of milestone, one that only comes once.
The Catholic elementary school is celebrating its 25th anniversary with a community celebration on Thursday (Sept. 4) from 5 to 7 p.m. on the school grounds. The event will feature games, activities, and food, and is open to all ages.
"[The school] came from a lot of hard work from parents and grandparents," said principal Paulette Chotowetz, reflecting on how Sacred Heart first began. "Before any of us came, there was a group of people, and through hard work and a lot of prayer, it came to fruition."
She credited Rita Sweere and her group for voicing the desire for private Catholic education in the area. Chotowetz revealed that three original members still remain on staff today, and in its first year, Sacred Heart welcomed 120 students.
In addition to the school's silver anniversary, Chotowetz also reflected on another, more personal, milestone.
"The big milestones are when we meet students who have gone through our school, and we meet them in the community with their families and see how successful they are," she said.
A more recent achievement for the community was the addition of the new Sacred Heart and Holy Cross parish church.
Chotowetz said the school's faith has helped build a strong, intergenerational community of students, teachers, parents, and grandparents.
"That's what makes it the special place. We have come to know and love God there together, we've shared things together, and we really do treat each other as a family," she said. "Everybody, we pray and hope, feels a part of a community and a sense of belonging to us when they're there, and also when they come back to visit."
Chotowetz also shared her reflection on becoming a principal, a role she initially wasn't sure she was ready for.
"I was willing to step forward and take it on. So, I guess in a way I did feel called, but not like I thought I was," she said, "God doesn't call the ready. He calls the willing."
Looking back, the role has brought her countless memories.
"It is a look back over 25 years of my life, and [I'm] very proud of what has been accomplished. [I've been] very blessed and fortunate to have met the people that I have worked with and the families that have gone through our school."
Alumni are especially encouraged to attend Thursday's celebration.
"When those 22- and 24-year-olds come back to visit, we can talk about what their experience has been, and we get to see them," Chotowetz said. "It's a great experience for every teacher."
Looking ahead, staff are excited for the new school year and remain committed to supporting students' growth while maintaining a reputation as a safe and caring learning environment.