Sacred Heart 1950-2010

erations of families. Sacred Heart Academy opened for the first time on September 18, 1950 with 241 students. The school’s mission has always been “to educate students in the message of Jesus Christ in the Catholic tradition and to nurture sound scholastic abilities in the academic subject areas.” The Pastor in 1950 was Reverend Edward F. Hannon. He was a native of Clashmore, County, Waterford, Ireland and studied for the priesthood at Mount Melleray College, Cappoquin, County, Waterford, and Saint John’s Seminary, Waterford. He was ordained in June, 1921, for the Old Diocese of Los Angeles and San Diego. In 1939, coming from Redlands, California, Father Hannon had succeeded Father Peter A. Connolly as pastor of Sacred Heart Church located at 2001 Sunset Cliffs Boulevard. Father Hannon approached a local Roman Catholic realtor, Ben A. Boeh, who owned Ben Bay Realty located at 4770 Voltaire Street with the idea that he wanted to start a school in proximity of the Church where children would be able to walk. Lots Forty-five, forty-six, forty-seven, forty-eight in Block fifty-four, of OCEAN BEACH, according to the map thereof No. 279 filed in the office of the County Recorder of San Diego County May 23, 1887 was bought from John S. and Alberta B. Martin by A.M. and Annie Jean Dade on January 14, 1948. The Dade’s then granted to “Roman Catholic Bishop of San Diego ‘a corporation sole” this same real property on January 15, 1948. (San Diego County Official Record Book #2623 Page #57-60 Date of Recording January 22, 1948). Groundbreaking for the parish school was in March 1950 with completion on the day it accepted its first students September 18, 1950. Father Hannon had the parochial school structure designed in a contemporary style of architecture by Frank L. Hope, AIA, architect and constructed by the C.A. Larsen Company. Campbell (mason contractor), Gould Hardware and Machinery Company, Widders & Wickham (tile contractors), Fred F. Antelline(contactor heating & ventilating), San Diego Glass & Paint, Robert McMullan & Son (painting contractor), Nelson-Thomas & Company (complete office outfitters), Henry Levy (fine furniture and interiors) and Charles H. Lentz (chalkboards/tack boards/aluminum windows/Donovan window hardware) were all influential in building “the most modern school in San Diego”. The school was especially designed to make it earthquake resistant as a two story reinforced concrete building with a one story wing of reinforced brick construction. The entire edifice, both from a planning and structural standpoint, had been designed to allow for future expansion. The ninth grade was to be added in September, 1951. The two story portion of the building contained six classrooms and corridors while the one-story section included the kindergarten, offices, rest rooms, storage, first aid and music rooms. A basement was used for the furnace room and storage. The classrooms were the new square- type with bi-lateral lighting and the entire school was heated and ventilated with a forced air heating system, gas fired. Floors of the entire school were asphalt tile and the ceilings, including those of the corridors, were of acoustical tile. On the exterior, the design was of a combination of plaster and brick, the brick being used to soften the square line of the building and to give it additional color. There was a total of 10,825 square feet. (The SOUTHERN CROSS, September 21, 1950 page six). In 1950 the Springfield Dominicans came to San Diego at the invitation of His Excellency, the Most Reverend Bishop Charles Francis Buddy. Father Hannon had already secured Lots Forty and Forty-one in Block 30 of Ocean Beach, according to map thereof No. 279, filed in the office of the County Recorder, San Diego County, May 28, 1887 by having parishioners Leo W. and Alice C. Dolan purchase said lots from Charles P. and Hattie H. Kosky on April 19, 1949 and quit claim deed them to The Roman Catholic Bishop of San Diego, a Corporation Sole, on that same date. (San Diego County Official Record Book #3187 pages 191-192, dates of recording April 20 & 21, 1949) The Convent, located at 4765 Cape May Avenue was designed and constructed by the same team who built the school. It was a one story frame structure of 3500 square feet in contemporary style. It contained offices, dining room, common room, laundry and kitchen with 11 bedrooms, lavatories in each room and four separate bathrooms. A feature of the building was a beautiful private Chapel and Sacristy off the main hall and a masonry wall along the property line which provided privacy for the Sisters when they wished to enjoy the sun and fresh air. (The SOUTHERN CROSS September 21, 1950 page six) In October 2000 the Convent property was sold to CPNS California Province of the Society of the Sacred Heart Incorporated headquartered at 4120 Forest Park Avenue St. Louis, MO 63108-2809. In 1950, Sacred Heart Academy was staffed by six Sisters of Saint Dominic from Springfield, Illinois. They were Sister Mary Suddes as Principal and teacher of grades 7 and 8, Sister Mary Kenneth Wick, teacher of grades 3 and 4 in the morning and music in the afternoon, Sister Marie Vianney Truter, teacher of grades 1 and 2, Sister Jeanne Therese Flannigan teacher of Kindergarten in the morning and grades 3 and 4 in the afternoon, Sister Mary Ritaclare Cleary, teacher of grades 5 and 6 and Sister Mary Bertrand Irlam. Dedication of the new school and the convent was on November 26, 1950. Bishop Buddy said in his sermon at the dedication that “the parochial edifices stood as an eloquent tribute to the pastor, priests, Sisters of St. Dominic and people of Sacred Heart parish”. The nuns had an enviable record as educators.(The SOUTHERN CROSS November 30, 1950 page one) The Sisters were successors of their pioneer founders in Kentucky, and later of those in Illinois. The nuns felt greatly indebted to Divine Providence for having been chosen to carry the Dominican Apostolate to this part of the Lord’s Vineyard. (Ocean Beach) The first Open House for Sacred Heart Academy was November 13, 1951. Bishop Buddy confirmed a class of 87 children on February 24, 1952. In September, 1952, Father Hannon was elevated to the rank of a honorary prelate. The Right Reverend Monsignor Edward F. Hannon died suddenly of a heart attack on May 19, 1954. He had visited the school at eleven o'clock that morning and at two in the afternoon was found dead in his study in the Rectory. The 58 year old pastor had suffered for many years from a heart ailment. (The SOUTHERN CROSS May 27, 1954 page one) The statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in the foyer of the school is a memorial to Monsignor Hannon. He was succeeded as pastor by Monsignor Francis Dillon with Father Felix Cleary as his assistant. In 1955 there were 550 Families in Sacred Heart parish. In August, 1956 one bungalow classroom was built along the alley at the back of the school property. Fourth grade was taught in this detached building. In September, 1956. The school enrollment had increased to 417 and a temporary classroom was set up in the parish hall for second grade. That same school year, Mrs. DiVonna Henderson was hired as the first lay teacher. The Sacred Heart Mothers Guild was organized in January, 1957. Property adjoining the school grounds was purchased by the parish, for a future classroom and playground site. Lots 43 and 44 in Block 54 of OCEAN BEACH, Map 279 were sold to The Roman Catholic Bishop of San Diego, a corporation sole, by Delia C. Sims on October 29, 1957. (County of SD Official Record Book#6853 page 67 recorded 10-29-1957). A second detached bungalow was built next to the Fourth Grade to house the Second Grade. The enrollment in September, 1958 was 468 students in nine rooms. Ninety-six children were in the first communion class that year and 143 were confirmed.

1960’s

Enrollment reached an all time high of 478 students in September, 1960. The faculty then consisted of six Sisters and three lay teachers. Sister Mary Ritaclare Cleary, Sister Marilyn Brennan, Sister Mary Adrian Connors, Sister Mary Brian Flannigan, Sister Mary Assunta Laue, and Sister Mary Ellen Lacy. Mrs.DiVonna Henderson (3rd grade), Mrs. Maureen Smith (5th grade) and Miss Patricia McCune (7th grade). In May, 1961, 52 kindergartners received their diplomas, and in June 1961, 45 eighth graders received theirs. The June 7, 1964 Church bulletin ‘Jottings by Monsignor Dillon’ “Our Academy students had a lovely graduation. They looked so nice in their caps and gowns and if you could have seen their reverence on receiving their diplomas, you would be deeply impressed…..Among our devoted people may be countless families and individual persons not having the obligation of Catholic education and so we might suggest a donation to our Scholarships of Love. This really is bound to bring a blessing and indeed consolation to all who may have a part in giving a little lift to worthy students and we never mention names of donors.”

In March, 1968 Monsignor Kenneth G. Stack was appointed to succeed Monsignor Francis Dillon, who retired because of illness and then died November 3, 1968. In the 1973 TOGETHER (newsletter) SHA was described as “it’s not only getting older, it’s getting better. We are in sound financial shape and hoping to swell our enrollment, but like any good business we should have an eye to the future and maintain a volunteer public relations committee formed to make the community aware of our existence and excellence”. In 1938, Monsignor Stack was the first priest in the San Diego Diocese to be ordained by Bishop Buddy. He received the honorary church title of Proto Notary Apostolic in 1972.”

1970’s

Upon the death of Monsignor Stack in December, 1973, Father John Rhatigan was appointed pastor of Sacred Heart parish. Elevated to Right Reverend Monsignor in 1976, Monsignor Rhatigan was very involved in the life of the school until his retirement in 1995 due to illness. From a January 1974 newsletter “A suggestion was made at a recent PTG meeting that the hazardous traffic situation we have at SHA, and have always had, it seems, be looked into. Perhaps you could arrange with your child to pick him up a block or so away to relieve some of the congestion in front of the school……______….As you were advised there will be a new uniform for the school year beginning in September 1974 because the present uniform has been discontinued by the factory after nearly fifteen years…_____”……. January 25, 1976 Sacred Heart Academy celebrated its Silver Jubilee with a 10:45 AM Mass followed by a reception and open house at the school. In the 1970’s, a Maryknoll Sister joined the SHA Dominican teaching staff.

1980’s

Monsignor Rhatigan wrote in a letter to parents May 15, 1984 “Will you be kind enough to share with your friends and neighbors the good news about our excellent school and encourage them to send their children to Sacred Heart Academy. Perhaps some parents are complacent because they believe the school will survive a few more years until their children graduate. I completely disagree with that attitude, as I want the Academy to be flourishing when your grandchildren are ready for school! I thank you for sending your children to SHA and for all your help in making it the great school it is and will continue to be in the future.”

On January 3, 1985, a Letter to Sacred Heart Parishioners from the Dominican Sisters read in part….”We have reached studied and prayerful decisions regarding our elementary school commitments, and so at this time we wish to inform you of the decision which will affect your own parish…….we are making a commitment of four years to Sacred Heart School”. Then, on January 7, 1989, Sister Mary Dominica, OP wrote in a letter to Monsignor Rhatigan “It is with deep regret that I must tell you that the General Council and I have decided that we must withdraw our Sisters from Sacred Heart Academy, effective June, 1989 _____the decision to leave is a painful one. We are faced with a very real personnel shortage_____. We are grateful to God for the opportunity we have had to serve Him in you these past thirty nine years____”. The faculty and staff 1988-1989 were Sister Mary Francene Harbauer(Principal), Therese Flaningam(Kindergarten), Sister Mary Antoninus Grueter(1st grade), Lynn Roble(2nd grade), Joan Oliver(3rd grade), Teresa Rossano(4th grade), Susan Colvin(5thGrade), Mary Zapata(6th grade), Sister Jean Patrick Ehrhardt(7th grade), Winnie Arnn(8th grade), Kay Sherman(Secretary), Carol Crowe(Tuition), Valerie Wlodyka(Computer), Colin Chesters(Physical Education), Pete Duncan(Maintenance), Maria Martinez(Custodian) and Ellen McCannon(Kindergarten Assistant). The first lay principal was named in 1989 to succeed the Dominican Sisters of Springfield, Illinois. Mr. Robert Hamm began serving as Principal in August 1989 through July 2009. Jeffrey Savaadra is the second and current lay principal.

1990’s

In 1990 a new enclosed playground with play structures was added to the school campus. In 1994 Sacred Heart Academy became the first Core Knowledge School in the State of California. Knowledge building on knowledge sequencing to provide a clear outline of content to be learned grade by grade

In 1995, the architectural firm, Mesquita and Associates had designed a second story and it was added above the offices, Kindergarten, and restrooms by Suburban Enterprises Contractors License #670448. A new library dedicated to former graduate, Lionel Correia, Jr, and computer lab are in this addition. Father Robert White as pastor and Father Patrick Grace interim- pastor were both supportive of Catholic education 1995-1996 until our present pastor, Father Ronald Hebert, took the helm of keeping Monsignor Hannon’s dream of lifelong education actively alive in a seamless Catholic Family of School and Church. No parochial church school could survive 60 years without the support of many, many, many loving, unselfish, caring, generous, creative and visionary clergy, religious and lay families who know we are dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus as a parish community.



2000’s

In 2000, a new two story wing was added to the school. This 4,000 square foot pre-manufactured structure houses grades 2 and 3, a science lab, an art lab, restrooms, and the principal's office. This new wing of the school is dedicated to Monsignor John Rhatigan who died September 19, 2000. This addition replaced the two bungalow buildings from the 1950’s. In 2002 new computers were installed in the computer lab and all teachers received new laptops computers. The new computer system is a wireless network. TUITION

In the school year of the 1950’s, monthly tuition for a parish family with one child was $20.00, in 1983-84 it was $65.00, and $113.00 per month in 87-88 It is a range of $325 to $495 per month for one parish student depending on the grade level for the school year 2009-2010. ALUMNAE

Alumni of Sacred Heart Academy are Fathers, Mothers, Priests, Nuns and Single people. They work as Educators, Teachers, Health Industry Professionals, Physicians, Attorneys, Engineers, Developers, Business professionals, Vocational trades, Police and Fire, Community Service, so many children have been influenced by the basic foundation of a Catholic education. They have a conscience and make free choices with their lives. Yes, we do have felons that have graduated from SHA. Comments and memories from former students through six decades:

We wrote “JMJD” on the top margin of our three hole punched filler paper which reminded us that “Jesus, Mary, Joseph & St. Dominic” were blessing and guiding us in our school assignments. Glazed doughnuts and hot chocolate served by Moms in the hall after First Friday Mass. Stand Up For Kids program allowed us to help teenagers and young adults who live on the street. My second grade teacher, Sister Mary Bride, an Irish nun, with her beautifully lilting speech. She was tougher than nails though. Getting the “This is Football” lecture from the head coach when we made cheerleaders so that we wouldn’t cheer at the wrong time during the junior varsity and varsity games at Robb Field. Parent-Student-Teacher Conferences

The Mothers who were Nurses organized school physical exams of the students in SH auditorium

Sister Mary Ritaclare taking one of my handwritten papers to show it constantly to my friend, and tell her to write like I did. Didn’t make for an easy friendship, although after all these years, she is the only one from SHA that I keep in contact with. Walking with the class a couple blocks to get vaccinated for polio

THE SHARKS JV and Varsity Girls and Boys Basketball, Volleyball, Football, Tennis, Soccer, Sports Programs and Coaches

What I remember about the second door out of the Kindergarten was that it led down what seemed like a long dark hall to the school office….where I was sent to the Principal because another little girl and I were playing with each other when Sister was talking. I learned to be more compliant and timid after that traumatic experience! How frightened and proud I was to have that little badge on my tiny uniform. One of the kids in my classroom must have said a word and Sister put a dot of soap on his tongue. I thought it wouldn’t be that bad and tried it myself when no one was looking. I decided that I would only say the words I was supposed to and not go down the path of bad words at that very moment! Selling Christmas Seals for the Holy Childhood Association

Practicing “air raid” drills and getting under our desks and “atomic bomb” evacuations at school in the 1950’s

President Kennedy’s Physical Fitness Program was taught to the students by Moms and did they get into great shape themselves! Team sports playing against other Parochial Schools

SHA Pom-Pom Girls Drill Team and Drum Corps performed at school games and San Diego parades

I learned to love the Dominican nuns. I’d never seen a nun before and they smelled good, were kind, and laughed a lot. I had the first ever “lay teacher” and the prospect was very scary, but Mrs. Henderson turned out to be wonderful. Girl’s Choir ( singing in the Church every Sunday at 8:30 AM Mass.) I remember the times we sat on benches on the playground at lunch hour and shared our lunches’ contents with one another. Doing the science projects in Eighth grade and none of the experiments seemed to work but we still got an “A”. I think it was just for effort. Attending Youth Concerts sponsored by San Diego Symphony Orchestra

I was on the volleyball team and I learned ballet. I am still amazed that Sister Jean Therese could teach us ballet in her long, wool habit and veil. We used to practice in the school basement and had our recitals on stage in the church hall. I have fond memories of Sister Jean Therese sneaking us, her ballerina girls, into the patio of the convent for freshly baked pie one Saturday. We all giggled at seeing the nuns’ under things and nightgowns drying on the clothesline. Tarcisian Club after school(Followers of St Tarcisius who protected the consecrated Host)

SHA was a great school and we knew just about every kid and every family

Adopting and naming a “Pagan Baby” from a third world country. I remember collecting newspapers and aluminum cans to make extra money for the school. A before school and after school day care program on the play yard and kindergarten classroom made me feel safe while waiting for my parents

Times tables were something you memorized. The Priest showing us the chalice with the hosts in it prior to our receiving First Holy Communion. Paper bag lunches were things to look forward to on the benches in the courtyard (lunch boxes were a luxury and were “all the thing”)

Sister Mary Carol had “students do not enter areas” of the Seventh grade classroom. I remember returning to school in September after enjoying a summer of delightful Ocean Beach weather, running around barefooted and carefree, then the dreaded uniform and putting feet in saddle shoes (required footwear)……we would have our warmest temperatures in September and October and not enough ocean breezes could ever make it through those classroom windows. One of my strongest memories is the day U.S. President John F. Kennedy was assassinated. I was standing in line outside on the playground and the secretary came up to one of the nuns and everything became very still. Having Sister Mary Benigna roll a television (unheard of in school) into the classroom the day President Kennedy was shot. I remember the day JFK was shot and died. We were all very shaken up, but had to go to PE anyway, walking 2 by 2 through OB streets to Robb Field. Along the way, we passed a house that was flying the Stars and Stripes at full mast. My buddy and I decided to break ranks and knock on the door. We were polite and offered to take the flag to half staff to honor our revered Catholic President. The lady who answered the door told us to go away and leave the flag as it was. It was a slap in the face to 13 year olds and the first time I was exposed to the stark reality of religious bigotry. Teacher Ms. Mary Zapata taught 42 years continuously and never knew a “bad kid”

Sliding down the banister on the rear school outside stairwell hoping to avoid getting caught (when I got caught that was the first time I ever heard the word “banister” – that is how I learned what it was!) It was a really quick way to get to the bottom of the stairs. We learned to diagram compound and complex sentences on the chalk board. May Crowning of Our Blessed Mother with a procession

We played with stick horses in Kindergarten

Safety Patrol boys guarding the intersection of Saratoga Avenue and Sunset Cliffs Boulevard

The sense of camaraderie and family between parish and school

Annual Sacred Heart Academy Art Exhibit. Hot dog lunches served once a month by Moms on the playground. Serving on “milk duty” by distributing small cartons of milk to each classroom just before lunch recess. The school newspaper named HEARTBEAT. Sister Mary Ritaclare made sure that each year the school children had their teeth examined by local Ocean Beach dentists. As eighth graders we ”raised” an egg and created our own “teddy bears”

The Priests coming down from the Rectory to visit the classrooms

Going in entire school groups to LOMA THEATER to watch mega blockbuster films with religious history themes. Learning to be an Altar Boy was a great experience as it gave me a chance to be part of something so much larger than myself

I can only say that the experience of Sacred Heart Academy made me the person I am today. Thanks to Ann Burkhardt Simmons for the history of our school.