As the community joins in celebrating the recent success of the Northern Chautauqua Catholic School in its efforts to rebound after the school was on the brink of closing, we should also take time to remember the long, rich and distinguished history of this very special school, which has been a remarkable and integral part of our region for decades.

The inspirational story of the little Catholic school can be traced back many years. Its heart lies not only in the new-found energy of its current administration, but in the behind-the-scenes contributions of countless families, teachers, staff, friends, board officials, parishioners, and businesses whose constant, and often invisible, support has been an enduring source of hope and faith since the school first opened its doors as St. Mary’s Catholic School over 100 years ago.

History shows that the little school has always experienced its share of ups and downs, struggles and victories, challenges and blessings. Not long ago, several Catholic schools in the local area were forced to close due to declining enrollment, including St. Joseph in Fredonia, Holy Trinity in Dunkirk and St. Hyacinth in Dunkirk. As a result, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic School (formerly St. Mary’s) increased enrollment and was renamed the Northern Chautauqua Catholic School, dedicated to serving the northern part of the county.

Throughout the years, the little school has continuously faced the possibility of closing, like all other Catholic schools. In recent years, several factors have contributed to the gradual decline in enrollment at NCCS as well, most notably a significant decrease in funding from the Diocese of Buffalo, widespread economic challenges resulting in loss of businesses and families moving out of the area and sudden changes in NCCS administrative staff.

Because of the quiet and often unrecognized sacrifices, hard work, and achievements of so many who gave of their time, effort and donations all along the way, NCCS has continued to offer quality educational opportunities to the region. Looking back to 2018, for example, there was no shortage of individuals who made significant contributions to the little school. Beloved teachers like Pamela Clemens, Jeff Tabasco (Mr. T), Deborah Mourer, Rebecca Cicilske (Ms. C) and Mary Beth Dolce, together with many other teachers, have provided wonderful learning experiences for their grade PreK through eight students at very little pay. Members of the Home School Association like Rebecca Eckstrom, Jolene Marsh and Mary Jane Starks continue to donated much of their time and talents to organizing spectacular fundraisers.

Board members like Kristine Morabito, Laura Markham and Richard Rodriguez spent hours generating financial support for the school, developing successful marketing strategies, and organizing working teams of parents, teachers, staff and friends. Deacon Michael Lemieux, canonical administrator, and board member Elizabeth Quattrone, Angels Campaign director, worked tirelessly throughout the summer of 2018 to run the successful fund drive that netted over $130,000 from many dedicated benefactors. Many donors and their families had been and continue to remain strong supporters of NCCS for decades.

Most importantly, NCCS families have made the ultimate sacrifice over the years to be able to afford the tuition that, to them, means having the valuable opportunity and the personal choice to provide their child with the educational program that is the “right fit” for their family. The support of the NCCS families who continue to send their children to the little school, and those who continue to support the school in other ways, cannot be overstated. Without the hope and faith of NCCS families, there would be no school.

In addition to celebrating recent successes, the community takes the time to recognize the many successes of all those who came before, quietly contributing in their own unique way to the survival of the little school on the shores of Lake Erie in Dunkirk called the Northern Chautauqua Catholic School. They are the school’s true inspiration.