Consolidated education in Cohoes celebrates its silver jubilee

Twenty-five years ago, the Catholic schools of Cohoes had a problem: Many of the individual parishes to which they were attached could no longer support them financially.

In order to continue the availability of Catholic education in the small town, the parishes decided to band together to support the schools.

The resulting "Consolidation of Cohoes Catholic Schools," the first consolidated school system in the Albany Diocese, is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.

Most of the parishes of Cohoes took part in the Consolidation: St. Agnes, St. Bernard, St. Marie, St. Joseph, St. Patrick, Sacred Heart and St. Rita. The Consolidation provided a boost to the participating schools' enrollment: During its heyday, enrollment in Cohoes Catholic schools rose to more than 500 students.

Changes

Unfortunately, "that has changed dramatically over the years," said Sister Sandra Tripp, CSJ, principal of Cohoes Catholic School. The school, a merger of St. Agnes' and St. Marie's schools into one building, is the last of the Catholic schools in Cohoes.

"With Keveny [a Catholic high school] and St. Michael's [a Catholic elementary school] being closed, and the Harmony Hill School [a private elementary school] being built, there was concern about the stability of the schools," Sister Sandra explained.

Enrollment in Cohoes' Catholic schools dropped, until most closed, and St. Agnes' and St. Marie's decided to share a building.

Seeking more students

However, "we are still considered a consolidation, because of all the parishes' support," said Sister Sandra. "If there had not been a consolidation, there would not be a Catholic school in Cohoes today."

This year, Cohoes Catholic School, with an enrollment of 187, is working aggressively on recruitment of students.

The Nov. 3 celebration of the consolidation was marked with a Mass concelebrated by Bishop Howard J. Hubbard and the pastors of Cohoes parishes. The homilist was Rev. John Waldron, superintendent of the consolidation during its inception. Former teachers, administrators and pastors were invited to the celebration, which included a reception with a display of memorabilia of the consolidation.

Teachers honored

During the event, three teachers from Cohoes Catholic School were publicly recognized for their inclusion in Who's Who Among America's Teachers.

Students who nominate such teachers for the award must themselves be members of Who's Who Among American High School Students -- which, Sister Sandra said, proves that Cohoes Catholic School is still turning out quality graduates, with 25 years of support from the consolidation.

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