Students, Teachers Say Goodbye As Braddock School Closes Its Doors

BRADDOCK (KDKA) -- Students and teachers at a school in Braddock are packing up today, not only because it is the last day of classes, but also because the school is shutting its doors for good.

Friday morning marked the last mass that students of Good Shepherd Catholic School would attend as classmates.

"As one door closes, there's a new door that's opening," said Fr. Tom Burke, of Good Shepherd Catholic Church. "A new chapter, a new journey that we are all about to take."

The school is being closed for financial reasons and lack of enrollment. Only 102 students were enrolled this past year.

Next school year, three schools will consolidate.

With the help of six local parishes in the East Hills, they will work together to financially support one new school, called East Catholic.

Parents, while upset over the closure, hope this move keeps Catholic education alive in the area.

"It's either have the schools close on their own, or put all the schools together," said Lisa Yezovich, a parent. "But, we're gonna miss this school."

While some faculty will be a part of the new school, like Principal Jacqueline Fazio, it's been difficult because many others are now out of a job.

"With some of the positions at the new school, they are going to fill them with some of our teachers; but unfortunately, they're not all going to be able to go up there," said Fazio.

Some students though are trying to take Fr. Burke's words seriously and be optimistic about a new beginning.

"It's gonna be hard to say goodbye today, but you gotta move on," added Michael McAllister, a seventh grader.

RELATED LINKS:
Pittsburgh Catholic Diocese Announces Closures, Changes (3/25/12)
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