St. Ignatius Loyola School in Hicksville celebrated its 100th anniversary with a Gala Dinner Dance at the Milleridge Cottage March 29. More than 200 people attended the festive event, which raised spirits as well as funds for the oldest Catholic school in the Diocese of Rockville Centre.

During his Opening Prayer, St. Ignatius Loyola Parish Pastor Monsignor Donald T. Bennett thanked God for the gift of Catholic education, and then, in his address to the guests, identified the role that education has played in forming the consciences of the students. Many former students were present for the gala and among them could be counted priests, religious, healthcare professionals, teachers, members of the Armed Forces, firefighters and police officers.

While the world is a better place because of the Catholic education received by students at Saint Ignatius Loyola, it was quite a different place when it first opened its doors to 104 children in September 1907. Saint Pius X was Pope of the Catholic church, Theodore Roosevelt was president of the United States and Father Fuchs was pastor of St. Ignatius Loyola.

According to the brief history of the school provided by the co-principals Sister Mary Ann Noonan, RSM, and Sister Mary O'Donnell, OP, it was Father Fuchs who "had a dream" about a Catholic School in Hicksville and it was the Sisters of Saint Dominic who helped make his dream come true, and with the help of the Sisters of Mercy and a dedicated lay-staff, continue to help make dreams come true for each of the 300 plus children enrolled at St. Ignatius Loyola School today.

And what a vote of confidence was given to all of us when at the gala, Sister Joanne Callahan, OSU, superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Rockville Centre, spoke not only of the good things that have occurred at St. Ignatius Loyola School in the past; but the good things that will occur there in the future!

The gala provided an opportunity for many to rekindle old friendships and form new ones; enjoy a delicious four-course dinner and dance (as well as sing) to live music performed by Rhapsody. Classy Candid Photographers took hundreds of photographs and gala attendees had the opportunity to win dozens of donated raffle prizes. It was a 'non-donated' prize however, that brought the greatest joy to the celebration and it came when Monsignor Bennett presented flowers and a commemorative St. Ignatius Loyola School sweatshirt to Marie DeMonaco, a member of the school's Class of 1927 and the oldest alumnus in attendance.

The gala celebration was just one of the many events that took place during the school's Centenary Year, but it is not the last. Join the Friends of St. Ignatius Loyola School at the May 27 Golf Outing at the Town of Oyster Bay Golf Course. Additionally, a Closing Mass and Reception with Bishop William Murphy will take place at St. Ignatius Loyola Church on Sunday, June 8 at 12:30 p.m.

For more information about St. Ignatius Loyola School, visit www.stignatiushicksville.org or call 931-0831.