As the academic year winds down for South Jersey’s Catholic elementary schools, its teachers, staff and eighth-grade students reflected on times of transition, excellence, and the bedrock values of faith, family and tradition.
New school, new adventure
Last September, Guardian Angels Regional School marked a historic moment, opening up a new middle school campus in Swedesboro at the former Saint Joseph Catholic School building.
With a renovated basement and kitchen, updated bathrooms, refreshed classrooms, new flooring and windows, and fresh coats of paint in the hallways and classrooms, the three-story building brought initial nervousness and excitement among students, but ultimately, confidence in their faith and the future for upcoming graduates.
“I was excited for the new school. I knew it would be a new adventure,” said Madison Spizarny, who has been a student at Guardian Angels since kindergarten.
Despite the initial difficulty in navigating her way to classes after years at the one-floor Paulsboro campus, she found comfort in the fact that the environment was new, but her teachers and friends were the same. “It was easy to be here, knowing we’d all be together. It felt like home, where I’ve always been.”
Another change was that students could now attend Mass a block away at Saint Joseph Church (part of Saint Clare of Assisi Parish), and receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation, in a church rather than in a gymnasium. As well, there were opportunities for Eucharist Adoration.
“We’ve experienced something we couldn’t do before,” said Spizarny, who feels “strengthened as a Catholic who’s connected more with God.”
Her classmate Joey Antonelli was happy to find the same Catholic values that have prepared him for high school. Antonelli, who will attend Haddonfield’s Paul VI High School in the fall, said he also appreciated the expanded science lab.
Kelly Stubbs, a Swedesboro resident, liked the fact that her commute from home was shortened from 15 minutes to five.
As well, she found the weekly Adoration “a moving experience. It was a really nice change to be with Jesus more.”
Stubbs leaves Guardian Angels confident in what the fall brings, which includes her attending Padua Academy in Wilmington, Del. “I adapted to this year pretty well, so I’m not too nervous anymore about adapting to a place with new surroundings,” she said.
“I did it once, I can do it again.”
Sister Jerilyn Einstein, FMIJ, Guardian Angels principal, said this past year “reinforced a valuable lesson: education is not defined by buildings or facilities, but by the dedication, commitment and shared values of our parents, teachers, staff and – most importantly – our students.”
Praising the student body that “thrived, not only academically and athletically, but also in their spiritual development,” she said the year taught them “a powerful life lesson: that we may not always have everything we desire, but with resilience and faith, we can make the most of what we have.”
‘Dependable leader’
Deeply rooted in his Catholic faith, eighth-grader Joseph Rybacki has distinguished himself in faith, leadership and excellence at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Regional School in Berlin.
“Joey has been more than just a student – he’s been a steadfast friend, a respectful leader, and a kind, dependable helper to teachers and classmates alike. Known for consistently making thoughtful and wise decisions, both in and out of the classroom, Joey is admired for his character and integrity,” said Christie Cloe, the school’s advancement director.
At Our Lady of Mount Carmel, he’s showcased his musical talents and mastery of the drums, with his participation in the All South Jersey Elementary Honors Band in fifth grade, and the All South Jersey Junior High Band in grades sixth through eighth.
This past year, he was a member of the school’s Quiz Bowl team, the National Junior Honor Society and Yearbook Committee.
“The school has taught me a lot about the faith – how to pray, act like Jesus and be the best version of myself,” Rybacki said. It also taught him “the importance of serving others in the community, church and school.” He is an altar server at Christ the Redeemer Parish in Atco.
Rosemary Lipari, who has taught Rybacki in social studies and science the past three years, called him “an outstanding student who is respectful, reliable, devoted, well-liked by his peers, [and who] works hard to achieve and maintain success.”
Rybacki said he is inspired by teachers like Lipari, “who want to see me succeed.”
Starting in the fall at Paul VI High School, he will miss his “classmates, my Kindergarten Buddy, and my sister [Andrea, second-grade teacher], who would drive me to school. It’s going to be weird not going to school in her car.”
He also thanked his parents “for their sacrifices in helping me get a Catholic education. I’m grateful, and I try to do my best for them.”
Hope and home
The eighth-graders at Our Lady of Hope Regional School, Blackwood, are departing a supportive, faithful and safe community that has guided, challenged and embraced them over the years – as well as created a strong bond.
“It’s not just about learning religion – it’s about living it daily in a space where it’s celebrated and nurtured,” said Francesca Mazzio.
Her classmate Olivia Miller appreciates the “routines, structure, and the presence of kind and watchful adults,” which, she says, create a sense of security. That secure feeling gives all of the school’s students the chance to “focus on learning, growing and simply being ourselves without fear of judgment or harm.”
From Daddy-Daughter dances and music concerts to special guests and lessons, Our Lady of Hope’s traditions and deep relationships create something more than school spirit. They create a legacy of love and belonging,” says Megan Lafferty, advancement director.
“One eighth-grader is taught by her mother in technology class and coached by her father on the track team,” she continued, praising teachers like Thomas Mihm, “who prepares the boys for St. Joseph’s Day Mass with lessons on faith and dressing well,” and Laura Gallagher, who “ensures every girl shines at May Crowning, guiding them with care and grace.”
Elizabeth Martino, school principal, adds, “Our teachers love like Jesus by not only teaching, but also being there for all of the ups and downs of life, just like family. Our school is much more than an academic institution; it is home for our students and their families, as well as for our faculty and staff.”
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