The Last of the Pioneers

By Marshall De Lonay

As Newman Catholic High School continues on its first year as a combined middle school and high school, there should be time for remembrance of those who came before us.  Many of the students at Newman Catholic High School do not even know the rich history that we have always had.  Many students do not even know that we were not always at the location we are today.  In fact our school was actually at St. Mary’s school while our current building, which was being built at the time, was being finished.  The last class that came from St. Mary’s has a great story to tell all of us newcomers.

Joanne Schlaefer, previously known as Joanne Acheureiner, was a member of the class of 1959, the class everyone called “The Last of the Pioneers.”  This class was called “The Last of the Pioneers” because they were the final class from the St. Mary’s school. They actually went to St. James for their freshman year because the school at St. Mary’s was so packed already; then they were moved up to the new building their sophomore year, thus making them the class of the Newman Catholic Pioneers.

“When we did the crossover to the new building it was like we crossed over to Cali,” stated Joanne Schlaefer in her interview.  “We were all so happy to be starting at a new school and we did not even come up with the name for ourselves, they just always deemed us “The Last of the Pioneers.” Of course we did not mind the attention.” 

When asked about the environment of the school, Joanne stated, “The classes were much bigger, that’s for sure.  We also bought the picture of Cardinal Newman that now stands in our entryway and no one stepped on the “N” either.  Back then there wasn’t a gate or anything blocking someone from walking on it, but everyone just kind of parted around it.  The classes were all a decent size and for the most part everyone got along.”

It seems that some things will never be forgotten and the Class of ’59 is a classic example of that.  A special thanks to Joanne Schlaefer for the insight and history she provided, and remember that she and her class will never be forgotten.  When we walk down the halls and see the Class of ’59, we will all know their story, how much this building meant to them, and how much they did for this school.  How will we leave our mark on Newman Catholic High School?  Only time can tell.