mischool

End of the first "first day of school" - September 14, 1956. The school, designed for 100 pupils, began with 46. Once all eight grades were operational, the low enrollment was 71 (1971) and the high 130 (1980).

The school was certainly Father Kenny's work. Construction was begun by Philip J. Mihalevich on November 2, 1955, and
the first classes began September 14 of the following year. The new building was dedicated Sunday, December 16, 1956, by Bishop Marling of the newly formed Diocese of Jefferson City.

In the foreground, Master of Ceremonies Fr. Joseph O'Rourke, pastor at Memphis and Adair. The Ministers of Ceremonies (left to right): Sub-Deacon the Rev. Fr. Patrick Gilfillan, pastor at Macon; His Excellency the Most Reverend Joseph M. Marling, Bishop of the Jefferson City diocese, and Deacon, the Reverend Fr. Michael O'Rourke, pastor at Chillicothe.

Fr. John F. Kenny, pastor, at the dedication of the school in 1956. But we don't know whether he's coming or going.

"The School Sisters of St. Francis taught for five years at Mary Immaculate and were withdrawn at the end of the scholastic year 1960-61. The Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word taught the school from the year 1961-62 to the 1967-68 school year. Since that time the school has been taught by lay teachers until 1977 when the Sisters of Mercy from Ireland became part of the school. At the present time (1982) Sister Doreen Whitney serves as principal and Sister Evelyn Moran teaches first grade. The school has an enrollment of 132 children in eight grades. The parish convent was purchased in 1979 and is located at 902 East Washington."

At the school's dedication banquet: Left to right: Mrs. Ed Goeke, Mrs. C.E. Moore, Mrs. Joe Horan, Mrs. Mary Crnic. Waitresses (in caps): Mary Jane Noll, Barbara Moles

In June of 1963, one of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word then teaching at the school wrote a sketch history of the parish, including the following detailed account of the school's founding; note the signs of the times -- now-quaint references to the "pagan communistic philosophy" and "the new frontier," and also a refreshing tone of unapologetic, forthright piety.

Father J. F. Kenny replaced Father P.J. Barrett in 1948, and it was during his pastorate that plans for a Catholic School in Kirksville were conceived and brought to a reality. In a letter written to Father Kenny by Most Rev. C. H. LeBlond, D.D., Bishop of St. Joseph, Mo. and Most Rev. John P. Cody, Coadjutor Bishop of St. Joseph, dated February 12, 1955, we read: [in part]

“With the growing number of children in your parish, it has become increasingly urgent that provisions be made for their training in a Catholic School. It is the duty of Catholics to provide for the Catholic education of the little ones; this duty concerns not only those who have an obligation as parents to provide for the training of their children, but it is a very important part of the teaching works of the Catholic Church, as enjoined by its Divine Founder…‘Go forth, therefore, teaching all nations..’…”.

Soon after the wishes of Bishop LeBlond were expressed a building campaign was inaugurated. In a brochure published at that time we find these words:“ Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not..” “ We are following this admonition of our Blessed Savior when we help to provide school facilities for our children. For we, as Catholics, believe that God must be in the classroom. We firmly believe that knowledge of God and His ways are necessary to a well-rounded education; that a sound spiritual foundation is more important than temporal knowledge.”

“It is very evident in the increasing pressures and tensions of our world that strong leadership will be needed – men and women equipped for great responsibility. The Christian world faces an unprecedented challenge today. The choice of many peoples is being made between Christian principles and the pagan communistic philosophies, under which millions in other lands are suffering physical and spiritual slavery. We have an obligation to prepare our children and future generations to meet such challenges. The Holy See constantly exhorts the Faithful to make sure their children receive a Catholic education, but it is of little use for the Holy See to exhort them if there are no Catholic Schools.”

“The Faithful of Kirksville have long felt the need for a Catholic School – a school with facilities to give to our children that which is rightfully theirs. It is a very real need – and an urgent one – so that we must unite our efforts now, and fulfill our obligation to our children and to our Faith.”

Ground-breaking ceremonies were held October 30, 1955 for the new Mary Immaculate parochial school next door to Mary Immaculate Church on East Washington Street. The ceremonies climaxed six months of planning for the new school. Dr. Clifford Henry, chairman of the building committee, turned a spade full of dirt during the ceremonies. Others taking part included the Very Rev. John F. Kenny, pastor, Very Rev. Monsignor P. J. Gilfillan, Vicar-General of the diocese of St. Joseph and Rev. Richard Carney, assistant priest at Mary Immaculate. Mr. P. J. Mihalevich was the General Contractor.

The Parish Committee responsible for the construction of the new $175,000 building were: Philip Mihalevich, John Snyder and Fred Zucchi. Vice-Chairman of the campaign organization were Edward Goeke and John Giovannini.

Dedication ceremonies of Mary Immaculate School were held Sunday, Dec. 16, 1956. The Kirksville Daily Express gives this account.“ A milestone in the progress of the life of the Kirksville Roman Catholic Church is the dedication of a new parochial school. An impressive procession of school children, Knights of Columbus, priests, nuns and the robed Bishop of Jefferson City, His Excellency, the Most Reverend Joseph M. Marling in whose diocese the parish is now in, was led by the Processional Cross to the west entrance of the new school where the Bishop blessed and dedicated the school. The procession then led the parishioners into Church where they heard the congratulations of the Bishop who explained to them the basic concepts upon which their parochial school system was founded. Then Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament was given. The adult choir sang directed by Dr. Paul Strub, and Margaret Ann Snyder, now Sister M. Lucille, C.C.V.I., was organist.”

“At 5:00 o’clock a banquet was held in the auditorium of the new school. The invocation was given by Bishop Marling. Father Kenny, pastor, expressed his gratitude to the attendants at the banquet and recognized the many representative guests. His Excellency, the Most Rev. Joseph Marling, then spoke for a few minutes congratulating the parish and priests of Kirksville on their fine work here and commending the parishioners and expressing his hope for the continuation of their lay activities, counseling them to remember their duty to God and their community as Catholic parents.”

“Following Benediction, an open house was held in the church, school and convent, and guided tours gave the parishioners, visitors and general public the opportunity to enjoy the $175,000 brick, glass-faced building thus ending the day which marked a milestone in the life of the Kirksville Catholic parish.”

The unnamed sister continues her 1963 narrative:
Before we went to Kirksville to meet the needs there, the school was staffed by the School Sisters of St. Francis whose Provincial Motherhouse is located in Savannah, Mo.

A number of religious orders served the school during its history, although a decline in vocations made it difficult to maintain a steady supply. Parish files contain desperate letters requesting more teachers and regretful replies from mothers superior. At times, the pastor would take over teaching and other duties. Fr. John Buchanan "served as the school's plumber, repairman and cook..."

At the time Kirksville was a part of the St. Joseph, Kansas City diocese. The Sisters opened the first and only Catholic School in Kirksville in September, 1956, at the request of Rev. John F. Kenny, pastor, following a recommendation of Bishop J. P. Cody to this effect. Sister M. Fidelis, O.S.F. and Sister Stephanie, O.S.F. were appointed to open the school each teaching three grades. There were no lay teachers the first two years.

According to the Kirksville Daily Express, Sept. 10, 1956, seventy-five pupils were enrolled. The article stated that Father W. Ludwig, the assistant priest at Mary Immaculate reported “that classes were held on the second floor of the building, but that next year a larger enrollment is expected as the new building is completed, and a third teacher is expected to be added to the faculty.”

In 1957-1958 Father N. Adelmann, G.P.P.S. taught the seventh grade consisting of five pupils. The following year Mrs. Ed Siefer taught grades three, four, five and Sister Cecilia, O.S.F. was appointed Principal, teaching grades six, seven, and eight. Sister Raphael, O.S.F. taught grades one and two. Mrs. Siefer was the first lay-teacher to be employed and has been an exemplary and loyal teacher through the years at Mary Immaculate School. In 1960 – 1961 two lay teacher were employed. That year each teacher on the staff taught two grades.

The School Sisters of St. Francis taught for five years at Mary Immaculate and were withdrawn at the end of the scholastic year 1960-1961. Mother Concordia, O.S.F., Provincial and Foundress who was responsible for sending her Sisters to Kirksville, found it necessary to withdraw the Sisters because Sisters were needed desperately to continue their studies, and since Kirksville was the last school they opened, they requested Father F. J. Yehle, present pastor, to get another community of Sisters to replace them.

A new frontier for the Congregation was opened in Kirksville August 21, 1961. Three Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word arrived in Kirksville to staff the school at the request of Bishop Joseph M. Marling, Bishop of Jefferson City, in whose diocese the school is located. The first Sisters appointed to labor for the glory of the Incarnate Word in Kirksville were Mother Mary Rose Foeck, Sup., Sister Mary Jude Eveler and Sister M. David Luebbert. Mother Mary Clare was our Reverend Mother at the time and Mother Scholastica was Provincial of the St. Louis Province.

Our religious habit was somewhat familiar to the parishioners and children because our Sisters had taught religious vacation school in the summer for a number of years.

August 21, 1961, the day the C.C.V.I.’ pioneers arrived in Kirksville was a memorable one. Sister M. David, scribe, wrote in the community diary that “we were met by the pastor, Father Fred J. Yehle, and his assistant, Father Paul Bobay, C.C.P.S. as soon as we stepped from the car in front of the School and Convent building. They welcomed us and after bringing in the luggage they served as guides on a tour of the convent. A beautiful, yellow chrysanthemum plant on the community room table, an ice box chucked full of nice things to eat, and beds all made up were signs of welcome from the Home and School Association. Mrs. Paul Strub, president of the Home and School Association came at 5:30 p.m. with a delicious meal she had prepared for us. Our Convent home was made complete a few days later when our pastor, Father Yehle, brought the Blessed Sacrament over to our Convent Chapel.”

Sept. 6, 1961, was the opening day of school ushering in 126 pupils looking docile and anxious. Sister M. David was assigned grades one and two, Mrs. Ed Siefer grades three and four, Sister Mary Jude grades five and six, and Mother Mary Rose grades seven and eight. All the children who enrolled live here in the city of Kirksville. Due to mixed marriages or other problems some of the Catholic children do not attend our school.

Mary Immaculate Parish also consists of two missions; Adair, 13 miles east of Kirksville, from which Kirksville stemmed in its early history, and Novinger, 9 miles west of Kirksville. On Saturday afternoon religion classes are conducted by two of the Sisters for the children who do not have the opportunity of acquiring a Catholic education. Saturday class enrollment the first year was thirty-eight. The Sisters deem it a pleasure to share the treasures of the Catholic Faith with these eager children. May the Incarnate Word made us worthy instruments in His Hands...

1956: that car was brand-new, and so was the school. The architect was John Benya of Quincy, Illinois. Father Kenny and his parish council organized a truly impressive fundraising campaign. In the year the school opened, classes went through the fourth grade, adding another grade each year until the eighth grade was provided-for in 1960-61. Things were precarious in the early days. Former school board member Jim Thomas recalled "the first job of the new school board was to convince the parish that there would be school next year." The parish remains committed to the principle that every child has a right to a Catholic education, and the school is a responsibility to the future which the community gladly shoulders.

...The school in Kirksville is a two story, fire-proof building. Scientifically designed, it provides maximum efficiency and space according to the latest ideas on school structure. On the first floor are two classrooms, office, parlor, health room, auditorium-gymnasium combination facilities, janitors room, heating plant and rest rooms. The second floor includes two more classrooms, a Chapel and living quarters for the Sisters with every convenience. The classrooms are attractive, practical and well equipped.

The children attending Mary Immaculate School have every advantage of a good, Catholic education. Due to the College of Osteopathy and the 790 Squadron Radar Air Force Base located in Kirksville the school enrollment is transient. The children are friendly and docile and usually put forth 100% effort in their application to studies. Though a number of parents already know the value and fully appreciate a Catholic education, for others this realization is slow in coming.

The school has always depended on the hands-on participation of parents. Getting ready for the first day of classes are (l-r) Phil Mihalevich, Major Ronald J. MacGillis, Paul Salazar, Ronnie MacGillis, Terry Hawkins, Warren Ashby, Tom McCable, Gerald Pickett, Ray Swartz, Fred King and Jerry Schaefers.

There are many years of profitable work yet to be done for souls in Kirksville, work which began for us on August 21, 1961.

Row 1: Sister Stephanie, Kenny Bounds, Karen Platz, Timmy Treasure, Nancy Garrett, Jim? David? Heaberlin, ?, Larry? Glen? Garrett, Marcia Crnic.

Row 2: ?, Pam ?, Mike Schwartz, John Williams, Debbie Craik, ?.
Row 3: Cynthia Welgoss, Richard Ball, ?, Edith Ann Strube, Glen? Larry? Garrett, Theresa Kelly.

Row 4: Wayne Hawkins, Theresa Chiarottino, Bob Higgins, Janet Croarkin, Eddie Crnic, ?, Jon Schwartz, Becky Quinn, Leslie Camp.
Row 5: Claudia Minor, Sandra Kriegshauser, Lynn Mihalevich, Patty Kriegshauser, Linda Miller, ?, Patty Mihalevich, Ray Snell.
Can you fill in some of the names?

row 1 Sister Fidelis, Mike Wilson, Cynthia McGillis, Chuck Snyder, Patty Brown, Jim Lyle, Becky Bounds, and Bill Crnic.

row 3 ? , Tom Higgins, Joyce Helton, Chris Bohon, Kathy Kelly, Tom Minor, Gaylene Mihalevich, John Kauzlarich.

row 4 Joe Mihalevich, Curt Camp, Tony Mihalevich, Lynn Dodson, Tom Hawkins, Mike Kelly, Jack McGillis.

May 24, 1960

Row 5: Sister Stephanie, Kenny Bounds, Karen Platz, Timmy Treasure, Nancy Garrett, David Heaberlin, ?, Glen Garrett, Marcia Crnic.
Row 4: ?, Pam ?, Mike Schwartz, John Williams, Debbie Craik, ?.
Row 3: Cynthia Welgoss, Richard Ball, ?, Edith Ann Strube, Larry Garrett, Theresa Kelly.
Row 2: Wayne Hawkins, Theresa Chiarottino, Bob Higgins, Janet Croarkin, Eddie Crnic, ?, Jon Schwartz, Becky Quinn, Leslie Camp.
Row 1: Claudia Minor, Sandra Kriegshauser, Lynn Mihalevich , Patty Kriegshauser, Linda Miller, ?, Patty Mihalevich, Ray Snell.
Can you fill in some of the names?

1^st row: ?, Dave Thomas, Kathryn Mihalevich, Pate Fuge, Kara Moses, Charles Crnic, Carolyn Mihalevich, Steve Chandler, ?

2^nd row: ?,?, Patricia Williams, Dempsey Schwartz, Pat Higgins, Debbie Higgins, ?, Jan Kriegshauser, ?, Alan Kropp, ?

3^rd row: Charles Kelly, Marilyn Mihalevich, J.B. Lorey, Teresa Schwartz, ?, Elliot Hicks, Diane Manarelli, Patrick Ball, Kate Farrell, Dannie McGuire

4^th row: Jim Miller, ?, Jerry Selby, Janet Hopkins, Randy McKim, Diane Eddy, Tom Moore, Genita Giachino

1^st row: Nick Piazza, Theresa Chiarottino, Bob Higgins, Patty Hatfield, Jim Wilson, Phyllis Mihalevich, Rayburn Snell

2^nd row: Mary Jo Moses, Rebecca Hix, Patty Thomas, Becky Kelly, Janet ?, Connie Williams, Lynn Mihalevich

Top row: Antonio Gill, Sharon Klataske, Joseph Snyder, Lisa Fugle, Geoffrey Craik, Susan Helton, Michael Farrell, Lori Stringer, James Higgins, Sister M. David.

Second row: Judy Croarkin, Louis McKim, Kathy Browning, James Crnic, Patricia Martin, Dennis Thomas, Theresa Namey, Norman Ehlinger, Robin Mihalevich, James Wilson.

Third row: Teresa Schwartz, Elizabeth Siefer, Mickel Bielat, Julie Marsh, John Lorey, Janet Hopkins, Charles Kelly, Patricia Piazza, Michael Ball, Debbie Higgins.

Fourth row: Brenda Pallone, Jerry Selby, Dianne Mannarelli, Lee Martin, Mary K. Farrell, Gerald Namey, Cynthia Eddy, Patrick Marsh, Debbie Kropp, Stephen Chandler.

Bottom row: Genita Giachino, Carolyn Mihalevich, Marilyn Mihalevich.
Absent when picture was taken: Randy Autry, Mary L. Cooper, John Wood.

1^st row: Elliot Hix, Kathryn Mihalevich, Thomas Pallone, Debbie Hatfield, Dan McGuire, Debbie Craik, Richard Still, Dorothy Siefer, Teacher

2^nd row: Patricia Williams, Dempsey Schwartz, Barbara Hogenson, Jerry Helton, Mary Marsh, James Miller, Mary Kelly, John Crnic

3^rd row: Jana Kay Klataske, Matthew Farrell, Patrick Higgins, Michael Ehlinger, Alan Kropp, Patrick Ball, Randy McKim

4^th row: David Thomas, Charles Crnic, John Hopkins, Philip Wilson, Tom Moore, Raymond Schwartz

1962-63:
Mary Immaculate Grades 3 and 4 (mislabelled in original?) - Top row: Elliott Hix, Kathryn Mihalevich, Thomas Pallone, Debbie Hatfield, Danny Maguire, Linda Craik, Richard Still, Mrs. E. Siefer.

Second row: Patricia Williams, Dempsey Schwartz, Barbara Hogenson, Jerry Helton, Mary Marsh, James Miller, Mary Kelly, John Crnic.
Third row: Jana Kay Klataske, Mathew Farrell, Pat Higgins, Michael Ehlinger, Alan Kropp, Patrick Ball, Randy McKim.

Bottom row: David Thomas, Charles Crnic, John Hopkins, Philip Wilson, Tommy Moore, Raymond Schwartz.
Absent when picture was taken: Jane Cooper, Barbara Lincoln, Kevin Spencer.

1962-63:
Mary Immaculate Grades 5 and 6 - Top row: Nick Piazza, Theresa Treasure, James Wilson, Rebecca Hix, Dennis Schwartz, Phyllis Mihalevich, Stephen Selby, Sister Mary Jude.

Second row: Patricia Thomas, Sammy Namey, Rebecca Kelly, Steve Treasure, Patricia Hatfield, Tony Moore, Connie Willams, Tony Marsh.

Third row: Gail Chandler, John Croarkin, Mary Kay Mihalevich, Michael Maguire, Marcia Schwartz.

1^st row: Richard Ball, Cathy Moore, Bob Higgins, Mother Mary Rose, Janet Winchester?*, Kenny Bounds, Debbie Craik

2^nd row: Linda Miller, Wayne Hawkins, Kathy Chandler, Karen Platz, Joseph Namey

*I can't remember Janet's last name. She is the one to the right of Mother Mary Rose. However, her dad worked for the phone company, I'm pretty sure. And if I were in Kirksville, I could take you right to the house she lived in. I know... contact Phyllis Helm. She also worked for the phone company. She may remember or be able to tell you someone that might.

Janet's dad was transferred. Jack Trusler transferred in and moved into their house. (Their house was just north of Normal Street.) Actually, it seems like if you walked out of the Catholic School's back door, cut across the lawn (to the south) and to the street that runs North & South behind the school that you would be on their street. And Janet's house was on the east side of this street. There was an alley. Her house was on the south side of it. The first street to the south from this alley is Normal Street.

I guess what I am saying is... if you can find out where Jack Trusler lived in 1966 and then find out who had the house just before him -- you have Janet's last name. In the meantime... if the light bulb comes on and I remember her name -- I'll let you know. :-)

~Karen

1^st row: Sister Mary Hugh, Michael Belate, Sandra Klataske, Michael ?, Helen Healy?,?, Lisa Fugle, Jim Crnic

2^nd row: Margaret Wilson, Jim Higgins, ?, Robin Mihalevich, Dennis Thomas, Sharon Klataske, Joe Snyder, Melinda Lorey

3^rd row: Patrick Williams, Connie(?) Debloy/DeBlois?, Madonna Moore, ?, Patricia Martin, Ricky ?, ?, Danny Selby

4^th row: Ricky Sayre, Janet Higgins, Jesse Hix, Beth Perkins, Randall Hindman, Penny Vogler, Tony Schwartz

1^st row: Mother Mary Rose, Rayburn Snell, Margaret Wilder, Terry Athon, Lynn Mihalevich, Bob Higgins, Rebecca Hix

2^nd row: Karen Platz, Gail Chandler, Jim Wilson, Becky Kelly, Barbara Cooper, Janice Spencer

First communion class, about 1956-7: partial list of names
Row 4: ?, Patty Brown, Laverne Yardley, ?, Patty Mihalevich, Janet Croarkin.
Row 4: Bob Spooner, ?, Cecil Moore, David Moore, Gary Chandler, Mike Wilson, John Kauzlarich, Terry Smith.
Row 3: Marsha Crnic, ?, Sheila Moore, Kathy Chandler, Becky Quinn, Sue Nugent, ? Sandy Kriegshouser, ?.
Row 3: ?, Ed Ball, Mike Doland, Charles Snyder, Tom Minor, Bill Bennett, Ed Crnic.
Row 2: Teresa Kelly, ?, Karen Platz, Edith Ann Strub, ?, Ronna Evans, Pam ?, Theresa Chiarottino.
Row 2: John Williams, ?, Glen Garrett, Frank Grgurich, Tim Treasure, Leslie Camp, David Heaberlin.
Row 1: Patty Kriegshouser, ?, Cathy Moore, Linda Miller, Lynn Mihalevich, Claudia Minor, Karen Dolen, Nancy Garrett, ?.
Row 1:Wayne Hawkins, C.A. Pack, Richard Ball, Kenny Bounds, Larry Garrett, Ray Snell, Bob Higgins.
Can you fill in some of the names?

More pictures from the same First Holy Communion:

1^st row:Michael Helak, Marina Montgomery, Patrick Williams, Madonna Moore, Larry Montgomery, Janet Higgins, Michael Hagan

2^nd row: Vicky Hatfield, Roger Zucchi, Jim Crnic, Jim Higgins, Joe Snyder, Karen Thomas

4^th row: Marie Scharfenberg, Danny Selby, Rebecca Thomas, Randy Hindman, Beth Siefer, Rick Sayre, Penny Vogler?

5^th row: Father Buchanan, Sister Mary Veronica, Robin Mihalevich, Tony Schwarz/Joe Snyder?

Top row, left to right: Joseph Snyder, John Wood, Beth Ann Siefer, Louis McKim, Patricia Martin, David Cahoon

Middle row (names of children half a step lower are in italics): Dennis Thomas, Michael Farrell, Eddie Grgurich, Robin Mihalevich, Bruce Bengston, Debbie Grgurich, Geoffrey Craik, Jo Ann Sterner, Preston Barragan, Rhonda Flaspohler, Randy Wilson, Bradley Kutach, Theresa Kessel, Scott Willett

Front row: Carol Baum, Lisa Fugle, James Crnic, Sharon Klataske, James Higgins, Susan Helton, Lori Stringer

"Fun Night" was an October tradition for many years:

"A LARGE CROWD attended the Fun Night held at the Mary Immaculate school Friday night. Prizes were
awarded to Tom O'Donnell, left, as the ugliest costumed person; John Kauzlarich, second from left, prettiest
costume; and Mike Kelly, third from left, with hisdog, "Lum" most characteristic. Tom Minor, right, as an
African lad, was the photographer's choice for the most unusual. The other two children, second and third from
right, are Jem and Claudia Minor, brother and sister of the African lad."
-Kirksville, Missouri Express & News, Sunday October 20th, 1957.

1979 eighth grade graduation: Front row, left to right: Todd Pulis, Michelle Lewis, Debbie Stuck, Tom Richerson. Back row: Jeff Hatfield, Matt Reiske, Scott Srnka and Jim Osborn. Also pictured are 8th grade teacher Sister Brigid and Fr. Michael Flanagan, Pastor.

The faculty of the Mary Immaculate School in 1980: the school began its 24th year with 125 students. From left: Rosemay Land, Deanna Tarpein, Sister Doreen Whitney, Sister Evelyn Moran, Sandy Lammers, Loretta McClanahan, Betty Lyle and Peggy Bailey.

June 17 1984 -- Sr. Philomena Newman outside the house on Washington Street which then served as a convent, later as rectory. She taught at the school for a year before returning to Ireland. She liked everything about Kirksville except the climate: "rather extreme," she called it.

School faculty1986: Front row, from left: Danette Dudycha, first grade; Sister Ritamary Corso, third grade; Sister Mary Ann Seeker, principal; Janie Theobald, seventh and eighth grade. Back row: Mary Ellen Bishop, second grade; Suzanne Downing, sixth grade; Diane Christopherson, firfth grade, and Donna Klein, fourth grade.

The 1994 eighth grade graduates were (front row) Jennifer Maples, Erin Buckallew, Erin Lescynski, Megan Youngberg; second row: Principal Janie Theobald, Kisha Perrigo, Holly Burke, Karen Schulte and Fr. Bill Kottenstette; third row, from left: Chris List, Matt Powell and Adam Wehner (who would return as the computer teacher!) Fourht row, from left: Fr. John Prenger, Carlos DiStefano, Ben Breed and Fr. Dave Maher.

Twenty years a teacher at MI, and our principal since 1988, Janie Theobald receives the 2001 Sigma Xi award from the Truman State University chapter of the national honor society for science and engineering. The award recognizes excellence in teaching.

Mary Immaculate, graduating eighth graders, 2003. Front row: Sarah Boughton, Quincy Kreps, Jenny Schwend and Jennifer Hawkins; Back row: Martin DiStefano, Charlie Lemley, Luke Freeland and Clement Davis

Elfrieda James and Elsie Eddie dish it up. Elfrieda said kids at Mass used to whisper to her urgently: "What's for lunch next week?" Elsie served lunch for twenty years, beginning in 1976.