As we prepare for the Resurrection of Jesus on Easter Sunday, may we open our hearts to new beginnings and the be thankful for all of God’s blessings bestowed upon us. Happy Easter to all!
School News
Students Embark on Europe Trip
Several St. Mary’s students spent the first part of their Easter vacation in Europe! Spending the majority of their time in Greece and Italy, students were able to see many famous sites, including the Acropolis, the Basilica Cathedral of Saint Denis, and the Temple of Poseidon in Greece and explored Venice and Milan in Italy.
Providing our students with chances to travel and see the world is of the utmost importance at St. Mary‘s High School. Immersing themselves in other cultures helps our students grow and mature in so many different ways that you can’t find in a classroom.
Art Students Participate in Memory Project
Mr. Christian’s Art students recently completed their portraits for the Memory Project.
The Memory Project started in 2004 as a way to provide handmade, heartfelt portraits as special memories to children around the world facing many types of challenges. The goal is to use art to reach a distant destination: a kinder world in which all youth see themselves in one another regardless of differences in their appearance, culture, religion, or circumstances.
This year marks the fifth time St. Mary‘s has participated in the Memory Project. These paintings will now make their journey across the globe to their likenesses. We can’t wait to see the reactions of the children when they receive their portraits!
St. Mary’s Hosts Village of Lancaster Guest Speaker Series
St. Mary‘s was asked to play host for February’s Village of Lancaster Guest Speaker Series. As part of its 175th anniversary celebration, the Village has been hosting various events throughout the year.
St. Mary‘s – the high school, parish, and elementary school – have all played a large role in Lancaster’s history. This history was discussed by current St. Mary‘s High School Head of School, Kevin Kelleher ’89, along with fellow alumni, Don Monnin ’80 and Neil Connelly ’67. In 2004, St. Mary‘s celebrated its centennial, and Don Monnin wrote a book about the rich history of the school.
A wonderful audience was able to contribute their stories about St. Mary‘s and growing up in the Village of Lancaster in a true roundtable type of discussion.
Thank you to those who were in attendance and to the Village of Lancaster for the opportunity. We’re truly blessed to call Lancaster home!
Athletics
Basketball Teams Compete in State Championships
With a 57-42 win over Nichols, the Women’s Basketball Team advanced to the Class A CHSAA State tournament semifinal against Kennedy Catholic. After a win in the State Semifinals, the girls went on to compete in the State Championship at Hofstra University where they took home the Division A State Championship against Sacred Heart (Long Island) 57-48.
What a season!
The Men’s Basketball Team also extended their season another week with a resounding 70-51 victory over Cardinal O’Hara, winning the Class B final. Unfortunately, the boys then fell short in the Class B State Championship at Fordham University on March 8th.
Baseball Team Heads West for Spring Training
The St. Mary’s Baseball Team left the snow behind and headed to Arizona for spring training. With four games scheduled, and a couple of wins under their belt, the players will get some all-important work in before the start of their regular season back in WNY.
While in Arizona, the team will also catch a Diamondback-Yankees game and an Arizona State University baseball game as well.
Spring Sports Schedules Online
Want to support the Lancers this spring? Ready to catch some baseball, softball, lacrosse, or track and field? Head to smhlancers.org to see the full schedules for each team.
The Arts
Beauty and the Beast Debuts
The St. Mary’s Performing Arts Department put on their spring musical March 7-8, 2024. This year’s production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast debuted to near sell-out crowds over its four-show run. This year’s show is participating in the Shea’s High School Musical Theater Awards on May 25, 2024, where students will have the opportunity to participate in a day of workshops and could receive nominations for their performances, including the show’s overall nomination.
Congratulations to the entire cast and crew as well as the directors!
Along with the Performing Arts Department, the Hospitality and Event Planning Academy put on a tea party for fans of all ages prior to the matinee performance of the show. Belle and the entire cast of characters made their way around the party for some pictures, and guests enjoyed finger sandwiches, delectable desserts, and tea, of course, along with arts and crafts.
Alumni/Events
Lancer Gala is Rousing Success
It’s the luck of the Irish for The Lancer Gala! St. Mary’s largest fundraiser of the year moved back inside and took place on Friday, March 15th, so naturally a St. Patrick’s Day theme was in order. After months of preparation by committees, employees, volunteers, donors, and dozens of others, the Gala was a huge success!
If you donated to the cause, attended as a guest, volunteered, or helped in any way, we are truly appreciative of your support.
We’d also like to take a moment to recognize our Gala chaircouples: Neil ’67 & Trish ’71 (Kelleher) Connelly, Gerry & Ella (Milligan) Dunne ’87, Joe & Kate Callahan, and Kevin & Jen Dempsey
A special thank you also goes out to Kevin McCarthy for providing the music throughout the evening, the Irish dancers from Harris-Greico Academy, and our bagpiper, James Donoghue. This trio certainly helped add the Irish flare to the St. Patrick’s Day-themed Gala.
Of course, we’d also like to thank all of our sponsors:
Gold Sponsor: The Penfold Family
Table Sponsors: The Legend Group, Drescher & Malecki, The Galasso Foundation, the Chris Wanat Memorial Fund, ComDoc, ADPRO Sports, AssuredPartners, Personal Touch Food Service, Greater Buffalo Adaptive Sports, the Aquino Family Foundation, Pillar Real Estate, William E. & Ann L. Swan Foundation, Costanzo’s Bakery, St. Mary‘s Elementary School, and Performing Arts Music in Depew
Bar Sponsors: Elbers Landscape Service Inc., Outlet Liquor, Chef’s Restaurant, and Schaeffer Plumbing Supply
Coat Check Sponsor: Day & Night Plumbing and Sewer Cleaning, Drain Cleaning
Auction Sponsors: PCS Plumbing & Heating, Towne Automotive Group, Arcara Lenda Eusanio, & Stacey CPAs, and Extreme Sun Capsule
Photo credit: Natalie Wargo ’25
LANCERFEST– Save the Date!
It might not feel like it outside, but June is right around the corner! That means it’s almost time for LANCERFEST!
Come back home where “everybody knows your name!” Whether you graduated five or fifty years ago, we want to see you on Saturday, June 29th back at St. Mary’s. There will be food trucks, drinks, activities for the kids, and live music featuring some of the best alumni performers we’ve got. Stay tuned for more information on this year’s LANCERFEST!
St. Mary’s Golf Tournament – July 1st
Ready to hit the course? The kickoff-to-summer tradition is back! Join us on Monday, July 1st for the annual St. Mary’s Golf Tournament.
You can register yourself or a foursome and ask about sponsorship opportunities by contacting Beck O’Connor at [email protected].
Athletics and Arts Hall of Fames Induct Newest Members
Congratulations to the 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2008 Women’s Volleyball Teams and the offensive line and running game from the undefeated championship-winning 1983 Football Team – Mike Catalano ’84, Jim Kieffer ’84, Tim Labenski ’84, Eric Ozolins ’84, Bob Prindiville ’84, Tom Skalski ’84, Jim Szrama ’84, Craig Hirsch ’85, and Ken Schaefer ’85.
These men and women will be inducted in a ceremony at 4pm on Saturday, June 29th to kick off LANCERFEST.
Congratulations also go out to Pete Herr, Heather Ruhland ’01, and Brian Bernys ’99, as they will be inducted into the St. Mary’s Performing Arts Hall of Fame in a ceremony at 6 pm also on Saturday, June 29th during LANCERFEST.
If you have any questions or would like to RSVP to join us for one of, or both, of the induction ceremonies, please contact Lindsey (Fattey) DiGiacomo at [email protected].