St. John Neumann marks 40th anniversary

St. John Neumann Regional School’s faculty, administration, students and parents celebrated the institution’s 40th anniversary on Thursday night.

Following a ribbon cutting to commemorate the event, members of the school and community mingled and discussed the institution’s history and contributions to education and religion.

The Carbon Chamber and Economic Development Corp. also presented the school with a certificate of congratulations on the anniversary.

Principal Sister Virginia Stephanie provided a bit of history about the institution, which was and continues to be supported by the parishioners of Sacred Heart Parish, St. Nicholas Parish, and Assumption Blessed Virgin Mary Parish.

“The name St. John Neumann was given to this school when the three parishes came together to form one school, a regional school, and it was the same year that the person, St. John Neumann, was canonized in the Catholic Church,” Stephanie said.

“We’re a very small school supported by the prayers and finances of wonderful people.”

The school, which encompasses kindergarten through eighth grade, has always focused on a well-rounded education based on the fundamentals of the church. Parents and faculty have always contributed greatly through fundraising events, as well as extracurricular activities, including chess, dinner and upcoming STEM clubs, track and field, and other sports.

“There are many wonderful things that really physically and mentally take care of each child,” Stephanie said.

Additional celebratory events are planned throughout the month, including a gathering of parents past and present on April 27, and a community gathering with refreshments and school tours on April 28.

Monseigneur Thomas A. Derzack, noting the difficulty of maintaining a Catholic education system in the modern era, thanked everyone for their hard work that keeps St. John Neumann Regional School strong.

“Even though we’re small, we’re mighty. It’s the dedication of the parishes, Sister, the faculty, the parents. We all work together well, and I think that keeps the school going. We have a good thing going here, and I think that people recognize it, and that’s why we’re still here after 40 years,” Derzack said.