Seton in 1984  A Blast from the past!   [And then Back to the future.]

(By Jonathan Stine)

   Let us imagine that the year is 1984.  We will use the help of two Seton alumni, Mr. Stine and Mrs. Pogue, who were asked to share their memories of Seton.

               In 1984, if you walk across the halls to get to your classes, you’re most likely going to step on a big heating grille on the floor, which was the heating system for the now demolished “old building” of Seton.   Mrs. Pogue commented that “your shoes would melt if you stood on it for too long.”  Now that’s scary!

   Your academic classes at Seton would be mostly the same, with the only major differences occurring in the language department, French, German and Latin were the only languages offered.  Mrs. Haggerty and Mrs. Larsen were the foreign language teachers.

   During lunch, if you were to enter the gym, you would be in what is now the computer room.   The current gym did not exist in 1984.  The most noticeable feature of the 1984 gym would be the disgusting black carpet.  Mrs. Pogue commented that it was so dirty that your legs would be covered in grime after attending a Mass held in the gym.

   There was a smaller selection of sports in 1984, boys’ and girls’ soccer and girls’ and boys’ basketball, girls’ volleyball and cross-country were the only major sports teams.  Mr. Stine, however, recalls being the only person on the tennis team in his senior year in 1984.   “There was no coach or practice.  However, it looked nice on my college application (#1 on tennis team)!  Mr. Stine said.

    Other Seton difference (and quirks) included a sixth grade, senior class wills and senior class prophecies.   The yearbook editors published the senior wills…They were basically “letters” leaving various (often humorous) items to the remaining student body and faculty.   The senior wills consisted of gifts from awesome driving skills to coveted lockers.  The senior class prophecies were predictions on the future lives of all the graduating seniors of that year.  Prophecies included naming the students most likely to start a worldwide doughtnut franchise, have sixteen kids, become President of the United States and build the tallest building int heworld.  Other quirks included a gravel parking lot, the freezing of the girls’ toilets in the winter and no formal uniforms.

    Spiritually, the lessons of Seton carry on in its alumni, although the physical features have changed.   When Mr. Stine was asked how Seton affected his life, his response was “Seton provided an intellectual and rational foundation for my faith.  The sacrifices and dedication of the teachers inspired me to work hard and live out my faith.  The kindness of the student body helped me to know the types of people I wanted to be friends with.”  Mrs. Pogue’s response was similar, saying, “Seton gave me my faith.  You have to know God to love God, and the teachers at Seton gave me that knowledge through their example and words.  Of all my siblings, I’m the only one who regularly practices the Faith, and I account that to my four years at Seton.   My other siblings went to a Catholic school in Michigan, and it just wasn’t the same love of the Faith that was imparted to them.   My family moved to Michigan after I graduated in 1984.  

   Out of all the characteristics of Seton, the two most prevalent and enduring would be the quality of faith taught at Seton and the sense of community among the students and teachers.   It is these which make Seton a truly excellent school, and a warm thanks to all the teachers, present and past, for helping these characteristics to endure in the Seton student body.

   Now Back to the Future

    There are a couple opportunities for alumni singers to join students, faculty and parents to form the choir.   The first is May 5th, the pilgrimage to Emmitsburg.   Mother Seton's Shrine is a Year of Faith pilgrimage site.   You need to make one of the two practices held Arpil 29th after school and May 2nd at 7:30 both in Faustina in the Corpus Christi building.   The other is June 3rd for the graduation Mass said by Bishop Loverde.  Rehersal times are forthcoming.  Miss Sartor is the new choir director.   To sing at the Shrine is amazing.   The acoustics are unbelievable and to sing in the loft is a great experience.   Singing at graduation is also great, especially with the alumni among the singers.  

    Also, we are asked to pray for the Pogues' little girl Serena who is having eye surgery.  St. Lucy's intercession is being called upon.  

    Read about these and more in the current Sentinel.   Click on "News" and then April 25th edition of the Sentinel.

 

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