Marist High School is throwing an anniversary party, and you’re invited to attend.
The Catholic, coed, college preparatory high school on Kennedy Boulevard near the Bayonne-Jersey City line is celebrating its 60th year of helping its students grow, academically, physically, and spiritually, and wants you to join in the celebration.
The yearlong observance kicked off on July 1 with a gathering at the school, at which more than 60 people, including staff, faculty, Brothers, students, alumni, parents, and friends of Marist – all those who have played a vital role in the success of the institution – gathered in the high school quad to kick off the new fiscal year, which marked the school’s 60th anniversary.
The school year began in September with special-edition anniversary shirts that students are wearing on Fridays all year long in celebration of the milestone, according to Viannca Velez of Marist.
Since classes began, the school has been posting on all its social media sites “Throwback Thursday” statuses and photos to celebrate and promote 60 years of school pride and accomplishments.
“Throughout the year, fun facts will be shared with the Marist community about notable alumni and historical Marist moments,” Velez said.
The apex of the months-long activities will be the 60th Anniversary Gala on Oct. 18 at Casino in the Park, Jersey City, where homage will be paid to the institution’s history, not only at its current school site, but where it all began on 8th Street in Bayonne, Marist’s first schoolhouse.
Head of School Alice Miesnik promises the gala will be a night to remember, as graduates from all years will come together to reminisce. It will also be a night for honoring, as Marist pays tribute to those who have been special in its history.
The first ticket to the 60th Anniversary Celebration was ceremoniously given to former teacher Frank Anderson, symbolic of his importance to the school. Anderson, also known as “Mr. Marist,” served the high school for 50 years and will be honored with the first-ever Brother Leo Sylvius Award at the October event.
Miesnik is proud of all her school has done over the last 60 years, and she is looking forward to the years to come.
“When people say, ‘We are Marist,’ the teachers, students, and alumni understand what it means,” she said. “It’s not just Marist High School. It means a way of life. It means we’re influenced by the Marist brothers and founder.”
Marist High School is owned and operated by the Marist Brothers of the United States.
For more information, follow the school on Twitter: @marisths and on Facebook.com/MaristNJ.
To find out more about Marist High School’s 60 years in the Bayonne community, visit www.marist.org/60thAnniversary.
For tickets to the Oct. 18 event, contact the school at (201) 437-4544.
E-mail joepass@hudsonreporter.com.