In back, from left, Principal Margaret Drew, Communications Director Jennifer Roberts and teacher, Susie Adams, pose with Adams’ kindergarten class. Adams has been teaching at the school for 39 years. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)

BY SHERI TRUSTY

This year, Immaculate Conception School (ICS) in Port Clinton is celebrating 100 years of providing Catholic education in its current school building. Although Immaculate Conception Church hosted a school longer than a century, the building was built in 1923, and the first class was taught in 1924.

“Prior to that, school was taught in the church loft,” said ICS Principal Margaret Drew. “There were a few nuns working up there with the children.”

The school’s cornerstone reads “1923,” and when the school opened in 1924, it was staffed by one lay teacher, three Ursuline nuns and a principal who oversaw the school’s 50 students. By 1940, enrollment increased to about 250 students, so the basement was converted to add more classrooms.

ICS Principal Margaret Drew talks with third graders in Christine Taylor’s class. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)

It’s difficult for a small, private school to survive 100 years, but Drew believes the school’s longevity it due to the support of the parishioners.

“We have a very strong parish and a very strong group of church families that just believe in Catholic education and educating the whole child – mind, soul and spirit,” Drew said.

ICS Communications Director Jennifer Roberts said the school has a “tremendous support system.”

“We have parishioners who truly want our school to last, and they stand behind that. Whatever we need, they are there,” Roberts said.

For some parish families, ICS has been a tradition for generations. The late Mary Alice (Wolf) Streeter graduated from 8th grade at ICS in 1934, making her one of the school’s first students.

ICS Communications Director Jennifer Roberts talks with students in Christine Taylor’s third grade class. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)

Her daughter Patty Soderberg, a current parishioner at the church, graduated from 6th grade at ICS in 1965. Soderberg’s daughter Annie Phillippe, also a current parishioner, graduated from 6th grade at ICS in 1998. Philippe has three children attending the school now.

The family stayed with the school because each mother enjoyed being a student there.

“Grandma had a good experience. My mom had a good experience, so she had us go as well. I had a good experience, so I send my children there,” Phillippe said. “It always felt like a family. I have good memories from there.”

Phillippe and Soderberg are grateful that the school provides exceptional academic teaching and a spiritual foundation as well.

“It’s well-rounded,” Soderberg said.

Immaculate Conception School is celebrating its 100th birthday. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)

The spiritual lessons teach life lessons like kindness and gratitude.

“They try to lay that foundation for the kids,” Phillippe said. “Wherever life takes them, they have that to lean on.”

ICS will kick off its yearlong birthday celebration with a 100th Birthday Bash on Sept. 15. The public is welcome to attend.

The celebration will begin with mass that will include music by the 100th Birthday Choir led by Greg Fox. After mass, famous pancake partiers, “Chris Cakes,” will host a pancake breakfast. The breakfast costs $8 and includes orange juice and sausage. The 100th Birthday Bash also includes a Family Fun Day featuring bounce houses, a caricaturist, a balloon artist, a photo booth and birthday cake. Family Fun Day is free and open to the public.

“Everyone is welcome to join us, and we’d love to see some of our alumni,” Drew said.

ICS is located at 109 W. Fourth St. in Port Clinton. For more information, call 419-734-3315.