I'm really upset that our school is closing. I understand why we are and why didn't just merge. Our school does not have the funds to last long enough unless alum and other people step forward and donate large sums of money. i mainly feel bad for the teachers who could be losing their jobs and the classes who will not be able to graduate.
Good evening Archbishop Chaput, I'm a senior at Archbishop Prendergast High School, and right now I feel as though I'm in a living, breathing nightmare. I'm sure by this time on Saturaday night you have recieved an enormous influx of e-mails and letters. I know everything I'm about to say will just a repeat of everything you have already been reading, but I suppose that's because the stinging news has affected our whole community in the same way. Prendie and Bonner are more than just a school, we are literally a community that has morphed into a family. I'm sure you've heard this countless times today, but there's not a truer statement to be said about us. It doesnt matter whether we're classmates or if they've graduated 30 years ahead of us, we are all sisters and brothers linked together. I know, without a doubt, that no other Catholic school in the Archdiocese can say that with confidence. About an hour before the news was broken to us, while your meeting was being held and the fate of our home was in your hands, the song "We Are One Body" broke out in the cafeteria in Prendie. With tears and emotions flying, we held hands and sang a church hymn, both to show our support to one another and to display our oneness. Now, if you could tell me one other school in which the entire lunch can stand up and sing a church hymn with one another I will be thoroughly amazed. The spirit within our schools is something of legends. Something you see in movies. From the moment you step on our campus you can feel the spirit and love that is Prendie and Bonner. I challange you to just soend one day in our school before you make any type of decision. It would be completely cold and unfair if you didn't experience at least one day within our walls. I actually pity you for not being able to be part of our community, but I know welcome and encourage you to spend some time with us and help keep us open. There's no question to whether or not we belong or deserve to be open. I've never heard or witnessed a school or campus so alive, and i highly doubt you have either. And this "coming together" from our Bonner-Prendie community isn't just in light of our recent reccomendation, this is how our community is at all times. We wear our school's name on us proud, we represent it well, and we praise it where ever it is we go. I'm not sure if you have a Twitter or Facebook account, but surely if you went on there the millions of posts to keep our schools alive is overwelming. Our spirit is so tangable and alive that we have support from both Jimmy Rollins of the Phillie's and, more importantly, from our rival school of Cardinal O'Hara. To say the least, if O'Hara wants us open, we must be something special. Now, aside from spirit, our school is questioning both the motive and thoughts of the Blue Ribbon Commission. We don't fully understan why we don't have the oppertunity to combine, just like the Archdiocese has given to other schools in the past. We must certainly have a much larger combined enrollment than many of the schools your commission has allowed to keep open, and our debt isn't as large as some of the other schools as well. With both these factors, it's no suprise why so many people, both in the Bonner/Prendie community and not, are questioning why it has been recommended that we are to close. I fully understand the closing of West Catholic, though my heart goes our to my brother who is a Sophomore there, because their numbers were way down. With West closing, it is certain that many of those students would be attenting Bonner and Prendie, not O'Hara or Carroll. If we're going off of logistics, wouldn't it make sense to either close us or West, but not both, considering the huge distance gap you've now put between the nest closest catholic high schools? And with Bonner and Prendie right on the trolley's route, it would definitly encourage many city students to communte to our school before any other.
And lastly, if we're trying to support catholic education and keep it alive, closing the two schools with the most Catholic traditions is foolish. Just with our overwelming support and out cries within the last 30 hours, we have public school kids wishing the attended our catholic school. Again, thank you for your time, and I especially pray I recieve a response from you that gives me hope, Jacqueline Keifer, 20120800, Prendie class of 2012
I walked into Bonner's auditorium thinking that we really had the possibility to merge the schools. I honestly was not expecting the news that Mr. Brannick gave us. Instantly, I was shocked and upset. Prendie has made me the person that I am today. I have bonds with everyone that I never would have anywhere else. Prendie sisters are different and really are special because we all care about each other. No matter what happens, in the long run we take care of one another. I am so proud to be a part of this school, and I never want to see this pride or the memories end. The building may not ever be the same, but the bonds and the memories will be forever held in my heart. I love Prendie and that will never change.
I think that our school closing is very sad, just for the reason of all the traditions Prendie and Bonner carry. Prendie shaped me into the person I am today. Also my sister is in her socond year at prendie and will not be able to get her class ring or graduate, my heart goes out to all the underclassmen that will not make it to their senior year, as well as the teachers who are out of jobs.
My feelings on Friday after the announcement that Bonner and Prendie were suggested to close were stunned and devastated. I fully expected the suggestion to be that Bonner and Prendie merge into one building and one school. I feel sorry, on so many levels, for the Freshmen, Sophomores, and especially the Juniors. My hearts additionally go out to the students of Conwell Egan, St. Hubert's, and West Catholic.
Finding out our school is closing was one of the hardest things i had to hear. I can't believe that i won't be able to come back to the masses or to visit the teachers. January 6th was without a doubt one of the most difficult days ever. I feel bad for the teachers as well because tehy now have to look for new jobs and also for the underclassmen because they won't get to graduate from the school they want.
When they announced that Prendie and Bonner were closing, I had already been expecting it. In the preceding weeks, I had a feeling of dread, suspecting that we would soon be closing. But when I heard the news, it still shocked me and brought sadness not only to myself but to my fellow classmates. I espically feel bad for my younger sister, who still has two more years to complete. I am still very upset about the whole situation and I hope that there is hope to appeal to keep our school open. I would be devastated if Prendie and Bonner could not stay open to continue the traditions that have long been upheld.
Even though we do not have control over our school closing, it still breaks so many hearts to know this. Prendie creates a sisterhood with everyone who goes here. As Father Olsen said "when we see one another outside of school we still keep the sisterhood", is a true statement. This school has built me to be an adult and help me create life long friendships and sisters I will never forget.
I don't really like to talk about this subject. It's hard to put my feelings into words because what I feel is beyond sadness. I'm coping as best as I can and trying to show the underclassmen that they have my support.
Prendie is my home and has been apart of my life since I can remember. My uncle was the first in my family to attend Archbishop Prendergast when it was anall boy school. Latr my mom attended, then my two sisters, then luckily, me. Hearing that the school ws closing sounded like they were taking away a piece of my heart. It is so sad to think how they couldn't even give us the chance to merge and prove that we can last as a co-Ed high school. My heart goes out to those who will not be able to graduate from such an amazing school, but I believe they should also be thankful they got to receive the love and faith of our sisterhood.
I feel like our community is sadden by the news we recieved and we're not moving on because none of us understand why it had to happen. We need closure because we know how our school is a family and the archdiocese is only going by numbers and none of us see that as fair. Eventhough friday was heartbreaking we're all ready to fight this decision until we're completely shut down. We have hope and strength and we will come through this. No matter what we're family and family means no one is left behind.
Friday was possibly the worst day that I have ever experienced at Prendie. The reaction of the school, including myself, was heartbreaking. For months I have been dreading this day and never thought it would actually come. I am so upset by the news that we received and my heart goes out to the underclassmen and the teachers. This whole situation just doesn’t seem real and I wish it wasn’t happening like this. The archdiocese did not even give us the chance or the option to merge and it isn’t fair. I am feeling too many emotions right now to even begin to describe how I feel and I think most people would understand. We are not only a school and a community, but we are a family and we will get through this together, I love all my Prendie sisters.
I am completely shocked by the news we received on Friday. Never did I think Bonner and Prendie would close without a chance to combine first. I have been at a loss for words, angry, upset, and discouraged. Originally, it seemed as though the decision was final and that putting up a fight wasn't an option; however, now there seems to be some hope. We are coming together, as a family, through the prayers, peaceful protests, fundraising, and voicing our feelings. Even if our cry for help is rejected, we are growing closer through our efforts. It shows that Bonner and Prendie truely are a family, united in Christ and will stay that way through life's tests.
Friday was a miserable day. As I awaited the news, I tried reading the faces of the administrators to see if the news was bad or good. They were very strong and did not show any emotion, so I thought okay it might be alright news. When all the teachers came back along with Mr. Brannick, my nerves were shot. I just wanted to know what the fate of the school was. As the words came out of his mouth, I think just like evey other one of my sisters, I was devastated. I do not believe it is fair that they are taking Prendie and Bonner away from everyone. If only they had the opportunity to visit and see how much this school means to everyone and see the bonds, then they definitely would not even think about closing it. The pain is still with me now and I hate to talk about it because it just brings sadness to my day. I am keeping my fingers crossed and hoping for the best.
it is hard to even start to realize that this is reality. i never thought this would have happened to such a wonderful school. it is a second home to me here and i love waking up to have a full day with all my prendie sisters. as a senior i have loved the four years of my life for being able to be here every day. i feel horrible for the underclassmen who will not get the same experience as i did. i love every one ! "... and we do not stand alone!"
I am not a person to cry a lot around people, but this time marked the saddest day of the new year. When I saw my principal Mr. Brannick on stage trying to keep it together for the announcement and with tears, it came naturally. My heart felt it, because Prendie is one of the best schools I ever attended. I feel so much love here and sisterhood, I LOVE THIS SCHOOL and appreciate all the good and positive school mates here.January 6, 2012 all of Prendie and Bonner school body was anxiously awaiting for the reply of the state of their school. As we heard the news, literally everyone was crying. IT was a "SHOCKER" as we all expected our school to merge into one body, instead the Blue Commission recommended that we close in June. Just to think about never coming back here, it hurts. All the underclassmen were definitely is feeling it the worst because they will never graduate from here and experience privileges as we seniors do. Yes, I am really thankful that I am a senior and I have nothing to worry about but collect my diploma but it still hurts just to think about this beautiful school. I do not think this school needs to be closed, there must be other ways and solutions. Keep the faith ladies, God is still good and forever more. <3
The closing of Bonner and Prendie was a shock to everyone, including myself. I had thought that the two schools would combine into one building first, rather than close the schools first. As a student whose family members are alumni of Bonner and Prendie, it is sad to see the traditions ending in 2012. I understand why the schools are closing, the debt, increasing tuition costs, and the decreasing students, but it is upsetting to experience the closings. They both are full of traditions that die with the class of 2012. I feel that this experience may have brought us all closer together though. The alumni and current students are trying to stop at nothing to change the verdict that was made. People that you have never talked to are now talking to eachother because of what is happend. Though the verdict that the schools will close is sad, teachers lost their jobs, and students now have to find new schools to attend, it must be in God's plans. God would never have put us through something if it was not the best for us all.
As a member of what may be Prendie's last senior class, I was completely blindsided by the announcement that our school was scheduled for closure in June of 2012. As a community, we were all prepared to merge - it even would have been welcomed by most of the students. It upsets me that we were not given the chance to merge our schools together and pool our resources. I am disappointed that I'll never have a chance to come back and visit my alma mater; I am even more saddened that the junior class will have their senior year at prendie taken away from them. I hope that our appeals process will go well once it gets started and the entire bonner prendie community is in my prayers. We just need to stay strong.
OH GIRLS OF PRENDERGAST HIGH RAISE YOUR BANNER'S HIGH SING YOUR SPIRIT EVER CHEER IT SHOW YOURE DO OR DIE !!! HAIL WE ALL TO ALMA MATER FAITHFUL BE TO YOU GARNET AND GRAY WE HAIL TODAY GIRLS OF PRENDERGAST HIGH !!!!!
Dear Archbishop Chaput, I never imagined I would need to write a letter like this. The atmosphere at my school, Monsignor Bonner Archbishop Prendergast, is one of pain, confusion, despair and also hope. We are hopeful that you will recognize that this may not have been the best decision. I am a senior this year at Archbishop Prendergast and I tell you honestly that Prendie has changed my life. I have grown so much closer to our faith through my education at Prendie Bonner. This school is a legacy. It is home to so many and means the world to thousands. I cannot imagine where or who I would be without my school. Everything I have learned there will remain with me all my life and every single person I have encountered that is a part of Prendie Bonner is a member of my family. We are a unique family, tight in faith, close in love, and together we are praying and hoping for the decision to be reconsidered. Yesterday, June 6th, was the hardest day of my life. To feel the loss and see it in my friends, teachers, and faculties eyes could have made a stranger stop in there path. Our school is so much more than a building, however a beautiful building at that, Prendie Bonner is tradition and home. You must be asked this question often, but why did we not have the chance to merge like so many other schools have successfully done in the past? Combined, our enrollment is higher than other schools which are staying open. Our campus holds up to 3000 students. That is so much room for our community to welcome others into our family that is Prendie Bonner. We are willing to give all of ourselves to keep this vital part of our lives open. Please consider a 5 year trial. Let us try. I am praying for you and the whole archdiocese during this difficult time. Please, in turn, pray for us, Megan Monachino Prendie senior, 2012
From the archbishop:
Megan, I do not doubt anything you say about your good school but that is not the issue at hand. We simply cannot afford to keep doing what we have been doing. We have no money to do it. We have too many half-empty schools and we cannot keep all of them open without risking the existence of all of our schools. Every family has to make difficult decisions like this to survive.
God bless you, your fellow students, your family and everyone at the school.
Closing bonner and prendie doesnt make any sense, combining the two schools would enable us to keep traditions alive and keep our beautiful community in tact. We were sadly not given the chance for a merger and that is terribly dissapointing. I am sad to see that my sister will not get to graduate from the wonderful establishment that is prendie. It saddens me to see our community face this kind of dissapointment but inspires me to see the hope on all of my brothers and sisters' faces. Once a prendie girl, always a prendie girl. "Daughters true are we" until the day we die.
I am truly hurt and shocked that Prendie and Bonner might potentially close. I don't feel the Archdiocese gave our school a fair chance, not saying other closing schools aren't as good or important but overall it was outrageous.Bonner and Prendie would be better off as a merging school, not completely closed. Before Mr.Brannick could even say the word "closing", screams and weeps filled the Bonner auditorium. That was the worst sound and day of my life. The hurt I felt for everyone, especially the students and teachers was overwhelming. I don't be think the Archdiocese or the Blue Ribbon community actually thought about the long term effects of closing our school. I really hope that both schools stay open or merge so we can carry on living out the Prendie & Bonner traditions we all love.
Prendie and Bonner are closing but neither will die. The spirit of each school does not live within the walls of the buildings but within the hearts of the students, staff, teachers, and administration. As a senior I feel very blessed to have the opportunity to graduate from Prendie. A number of my class mates are irritated with the underclassmen for different reasons. The freshmen, sophomores and juniors are being robbed of a Prendie graduation with their sisters that saddens my heart as I’m sure it does for the rest of the Prendie community. In my opinion, any girl attending Prendie should have the opportunity to get a class ring, senior sweats, dad daughter dance, and mother daughter brunch. Some seniors think this will take away from our senior year, but think about it, if you were a junior you would want the same thing. It is selfish to say that any member of our school does not get to have these experiences. The seniors are not the only people at fault; certain members of each grade have been hostile toward the other grades. This is not the time to divide! We need to love our sisters, stay together and stay strong.
I am extremely upset about the news given to the student body on Friday. While sitting in Bonner’s auditorium, Mr. Brannick shared with us terrible news. We were told that our school, Archbishop Prendergast and Monsignor Bonner, was to be closing in June. Not only was Prendie and Bonner closing but three other Catholic High Schools. The news stunned me and I am still shocked today. I don’t want to believe its true. This doesn’t seem real at all. I believe that the students at Prendie and Bonner have great school spirit and a togetherness that no other school could compare. Even though I am so thankful I have the privledge to graduate from this amazing High School I still am scared for the future. Not being able to come back next year to my school for the masses and to see my teachers along with my younger friends truly breaks my heart. The closing of Archbishop Prendergast never crossed my mind. Prendie will always be a huge part of my life. I thought we would have merged with Monsignor Bonner. I am doing my best to stay positive and I just wish there is something I could do.
I think that pretty much everyone is upset about our school closing. Eeveryone reacts differently and I think we all need to suppost eachother and help them deal with their feelings. Looking around on friday I saw so many students, as well as faculty crying and being very emotional. I admit I am very sad about the situation but at the same time I am somewhat calm, but that is just me. I offer my support and comfort to my peers and friends. I am still a bit confused as to why we were not given the chance to at least merge first. I believe that we will all try our best to get this opportunity and I hope we succeed.
I have a lot of hope for our schools to continue. I was a teacher at Little Flower in '92-'92 when a similar announcement was made that they would close. They mounted a very professional and statistic-filled defense and are still in operation today. God is good. We will see what His plan is.
When my mom asked me what Mr. Brannick told us at the meeting on Friday, I honestly couldn't tell her. I've heard sometimes your body goes into shock mode when something tragic happens, sometimes erasing the memory of what had taken place. All I remember Mr. Brannick saying was "recommended .. Bonner and Archbishop Prendersgast .. close.. June." Nothing seemed to make sense. It was if we were in the middle of a scary movie. It was our most dreaded nightmare come true. It isn't just our school the Archdiocese wants to close- they're closing our home. I can tell you that I do not cry often. The movie "The Notebook?" I have never cried at. "Titanic?" Didn't cry at that either. I rarely shed a tear and I let out a waterfall once we heard the fate of our schools. My heart was broken. All of our hearts were and still are broken. I just kept thinking "no, no this isn't happening. Our school isn't closing. This isn't real life." It is such a shock to all of us. This building, this home has been such a place of tradition and love for countless years and is one of the most well known schools in the Delco area. People of all over recognize my ring and we instantly have long talks over it. When I meet a Prendie graduate who notices the ring, no matter what their age, we speak as if we are sisters. We have a connection that no one else can ever have unless they have gone here. That is a bond that cannot be broken. I have talked to numerous O'hara graduates and graduates of other schools who note that Bonner and Prendie students have far more pride in their school than anyone else. Many of them have even admitted they wished they had gone to Bonner or Prendie because of our spirit and our relationships with one another. To close these schools is to close a family. One enormous, loving family, consisting of brothers and sisters of all ages. From the first graduating class to the freshmen of 2012, every single one of us has shared the sister or brotherhood of Monsignor Bonner and Archbishop Prendergast High Schools. For the longest time, I didn't even want to go to Prendie. I thought it would be horrible. But from the moment I shadowed my sister I adored it. I couldn't wait for the dances, the rings, the retreats. I couldn't wait for that sisterhood. When I visited here, the girls were far more enthusiastic than any other school I had seen. Becoming a sister of Prendie was the best decision I have ever made in my life, and will be one of the best decisions I ever make. In grade school I was shy and quiet, and Prendie definitely brought me out of my shell. While learning and growing as a student, I grew as a person as well. I love our home. We weren't even given a warning about us closing. It was a possibility, but merging was more realistic. I wish we could just be given the chance to combine so we could surive this closing. I've always wanted to be able to visit my home after I graduate. I'd love to come back to the Thanksgiving mass, the school shows, and even just to visit our beloved teachers. With this closing, we will be left like orphans with no where to return. I really would love to keep our school open.
I'm really upset that our school is closing. I understand why we are and why didn't just merge. Our school does not have the funds to last long enough unless alum and other people step forward and donate large sums of money. i mainly feel bad for the teachers who could be losing their jobs and the classes who will not be able to graduate.
ReplyDeleteGood evening Archbishop Chaput,
ReplyDeleteI'm a senior at Archbishop Prendergast High School, and right now I feel as though I'm in a living, breathing nightmare. I'm sure by this time on Saturaday night you have recieved an enormous influx of e-mails and letters. I know everything I'm about to say will just a repeat of everything you have already been reading, but I suppose that's because the stinging news has affected our whole community in the same way. Prendie and Bonner are more than just a school, we are literally a community that has morphed into a family. I'm sure you've heard this countless times today, but there's not a truer statement to be said about us. It doesnt matter whether we're classmates or if they've graduated 30 years ahead of us, we are all sisters and brothers linked together. I know, without a doubt, that no other Catholic school in the Archdiocese can say that with confidence. About an hour before the news was broken to us, while your meeting was being held and the fate of our home was in your hands, the song "We Are One Body" broke out in the cafeteria in Prendie. With tears and emotions flying, we held hands and sang a church hymn, both to show our support to one another and to display our oneness. Now, if you could tell me one other school in which the entire lunch can stand up and sing a church hymn with one another I will be thoroughly amazed. The spirit within our schools is something of legends. Something you see in movies. From the moment you step on our campus you can feel the spirit and love that is Prendie and Bonner. I challange you to just soend one day in our school before you make any type of decision. It would be completely cold and unfair if you didn't experience at least one day within our walls. I actually pity you for not being able to be part of our community, but I know welcome and encourage you to spend some time with us and help keep us open. There's no question to whether or not we belong or deserve to be open. I've never heard or witnessed a school or campus so alive, and i highly doubt you have either. And this "coming together" from our Bonner-Prendie community isn't just in light of our recent reccomendation, this is how our community is at all times. We wear our school's name on us proud, we represent it well, and we praise it where ever it is we go. I'm not sure if you have a Twitter or Facebook account, but surely if you went on there the millions of posts to keep our schools alive is overwelming. Our spirit is so tangable and alive that we have support from both Jimmy Rollins of the Phillie's and, more importantly, from our rival school of Cardinal O'Hara. To say the least, if O'Hara wants us open, we must be something special.
Now, aside from spirit, our school is questioning both the motive and thoughts of the Blue Ribbon Commission. We don't fully understan why we don't have the oppertunity to combine, just like the Archdiocese has given to other schools in the past. We must certainly have a much larger combined enrollment than many of the schools your commission has allowed to keep open, and our debt isn't as large as some of the other schools as well. With both these factors, it's no suprise why so many people, both in the Bonner/Prendie community and not, are questioning why it has been recommended that we are to close. I fully understand the closing of West Catholic, though my heart goes our to my brother who is a Sophomore there, because their numbers were way down. With West closing, it is certain that many of those students would be attenting Bonner and Prendie, not O'Hara or Carroll. If we're going off of logistics, wouldn't it make sense to either close us or West, but not both, considering the huge distance gap you've now put between the nest closest catholic high schools? And with Bonner and Prendie right on the trolley's route, it would definitly encourage many city students to communte to our school before any other.
And lastly, if we're trying to support catholic education and keep it alive, closing the two schools with the most Catholic traditions is foolish. Just with our overwelming support and out cries within the last 30 hours, we have public school kids wishing the attended our catholic school.
ReplyDeleteAgain, thank you for your time, and I especially pray I recieve a response from you that gives me hope,
Jacqueline Keifer, 20120800, Prendie class of 2012
sad
ReplyDeleteI walked into Bonner's auditorium thinking that we really had the possibility to merge the schools. I honestly was not expecting the news that Mr. Brannick gave us. Instantly, I was shocked and upset. Prendie has made me the person that I am today. I have bonds with everyone that I never would have anywhere else. Prendie sisters are different and really are special because we all care about each other. No matter what happens, in the long run we take care of one another. I am so proud to be a part of this school, and I never want to see this pride or the memories end. The building may not ever be the same, but the bonds and the memories will be forever held in my heart. I love Prendie and that will never change.
ReplyDeleteI think that our school closing is very sad, just for the reason of all the traditions Prendie and Bonner carry. Prendie shaped me into the person I am today. Also my sister is in her socond year at prendie and will not be able to get her class ring or graduate, my heart goes out to all the underclassmen that will not make it to their senior year, as well as the teachers who are out of jobs.
ReplyDeleteMy feelings on Friday after the announcement that Bonner and Prendie were suggested to close were stunned and devastated. I fully expected the suggestion to be that Bonner and Prendie merge into one building and one school. I feel sorry, on so many levels, for the Freshmen, Sophomores, and especially the Juniors. My hearts additionally go out to the students of Conwell Egan, St. Hubert's, and West Catholic.
ReplyDeleteShock and disappointment :( Honestly, I rather not talk about it because it makes me more upset.
ReplyDeleteFinding out our school is closing was one of the hardest things i had to hear. I can't believe that i won't be able to come back to the masses or to visit the teachers. January 6th was without a doubt one of the most difficult days ever. I feel bad for the teachers as well because tehy now have to look for new jobs and also for the underclassmen because they won't get to graduate from the school they want.
ReplyDeleteWhen they announced that Prendie and Bonner were closing, I had already been expecting it. In the preceding weeks, I had a feeling of dread, suspecting that we would soon be closing. But when I heard the news, it still shocked me and brought sadness not only to myself but to my fellow classmates. I espically feel bad for my younger sister, who still has two more years to complete. I am still very upset about the whole situation and I hope that there is hope to appeal to keep our school open. I would be devastated if Prendie and Bonner could not stay open to continue the traditions that have long been upheld.
ReplyDeleteEven though we do not have control over our school closing, it still breaks so many hearts to know this. Prendie creates a sisterhood with everyone who goes here. As Father Olsen said "when we see one another outside of school we still keep the sisterhood", is a true statement. This school has built me to be an adult and help me create life long friendships and sisters I will never forget.
ReplyDeleteI don't really like to talk about this subject. It's hard to put my feelings into words because what I feel is beyond sadness. I'm coping as best as I can and trying to show the underclassmen that they have my support.
ReplyDeletePrendie is my home and has been apart of my life since I can remember. My uncle was the first in my family to attend Archbishop Prendergast when it was anall boy school. Latr my mom attended, then my two sisters, then luckily, me. Hearing that the school ws closing sounded like they were taking away a piece of my heart. It is so sad to think how they couldn't even give us the chance to merge and prove that we can last as a co-Ed high school. My heart goes out to those who will not be able to graduate from such an amazing school, but I believe they should also be thankful they got to receive the love and faith of our sisterhood.
ReplyDeleteI feel like our community is sadden by the news we recieved and we're not moving on because none of us understand why it had to happen. We need closure because we know how our school is a family and the archdiocese is only going by numbers and none of us see that as fair. Eventhough friday was heartbreaking we're all ready to fight this decision until we're completely shut down. We have hope and strength and we will come through this. No matter what we're family and family means no one is left behind.
ReplyDeleteFriday was possibly the worst day that I have ever experienced at Prendie. The reaction of the school, including myself, was heartbreaking. For months I have been dreading this day and never thought it would actually come. I am so upset by the news that we received and my heart goes out to the underclassmen and the teachers. This whole situation just doesn’t seem real and I wish it wasn’t happening like this. The archdiocese did not even give us the chance or the option to merge and it isn’t fair. I am feeling too many emotions right now to even begin to describe how I feel and I think most people would understand. We are not only a school and a community, but we are a family and we will get through this together, I love all my Prendie sisters.
ReplyDeleteI am completely shocked by the news we received on Friday. Never did I think Bonner and Prendie would close without a chance to combine first. I have been at a loss for words, angry, upset, and discouraged. Originally, it seemed as though the decision was final and that putting up a fight wasn't an option; however, now there seems to be some hope. We are coming together, as a family, through the prayers, peaceful protests, fundraising, and voicing our feelings. Even if our cry for help is rejected, we are growing closer through our efforts. It shows that Bonner and Prendie truely are a family, united in Christ and will stay that way through life's tests.
ReplyDeleteFriday was a miserable day. As I awaited the news, I tried reading the faces of the administrators to see if the news was bad or good. They were very strong and did not show any emotion, so I thought okay it might be alright news. When all the teachers came back along with Mr. Brannick, my nerves were shot. I just wanted to know what the fate of the school was. As the words came out of his mouth, I think just like evey other one of my sisters, I was devastated. I do not believe it is fair that they are taking Prendie and Bonner away from everyone. If only they had the opportunity to visit and see how much this school means to everyone and see the bonds, then they definitely would not even think about closing it. The pain is still with me now and I hate to talk about it because it just brings sadness to my day. I am keeping my fingers crossed and hoping for the best.
ReplyDeleteit is hard to even start to realize that this is reality. i never thought this would have happened to such a wonderful school. it is a second home to me here and i love waking up to have a full day with all my prendie sisters. as a senior i have loved the four years of my life for being able to be here every day. i feel horrible for the underclassmen who will not get the same experience as i did. i love every one ! "... and we do not stand alone!"
ReplyDeleteI am not a person to cry a lot around people, but this time marked the saddest day of the new year. When I saw my principal Mr. Brannick on stage trying to keep it together for the announcement and with tears, it came naturally. My heart felt it, because Prendie is one of the best schools I ever attended. I feel so much love here and sisterhood, I LOVE THIS SCHOOL and appreciate all the good and positive school mates here.January 6, 2012 all of Prendie and Bonner school body was anxiously awaiting for the reply of the state of their school. As we heard the news, literally everyone was crying. IT was a "SHOCKER" as we all expected our school to merge into one body, instead the Blue Commission recommended that we close in June. Just to think about never coming back here, it hurts. All the underclassmen were definitely is feeling it the worst because they will never graduate from here and experience privileges as we seniors do. Yes, I am really thankful that I am a senior and I have nothing to worry about but collect my diploma but it still hurts just to think about this beautiful school. I do not think this school needs to be closed, there must be other ways and solutions. Keep the faith ladies, God is still good and forever more. <3
ReplyDeleteThe closing of Bonner and Prendie was a shock to everyone, including myself. I had thought that the two schools would combine into one building first, rather than close the schools first. As a student whose family members are alumni of Bonner and Prendie, it is sad to see the traditions ending in 2012. I understand why the schools are closing, the debt, increasing tuition costs, and the decreasing students, but it is upsetting to experience the closings. They both are full of traditions that die with the class of 2012. I feel that this experience may have brought us all closer together though. The alumni and current students are trying to stop at nothing to change the verdict that was made. People that you have never talked to are now talking to eachother because of what is happend. Though the verdict that the schools will close is sad, teachers lost their jobs, and students now have to find new schools to attend, it must be in God's plans. God would never have put us through something if it was not the best for us all.
ReplyDeleteAs a member of what may be Prendie's last senior class, I was completely blindsided by the announcement that our school was scheduled for closure in June of 2012. As a community, we were all prepared to merge - it even would have been welcomed by most of the students. It upsets me that we were not given the chance to merge our schools together and pool our resources. I am disappointed that I'll never have a chance to come back and visit my alma mater; I am even more saddened that the junior class will have their senior year at prendie taken away from them. I hope that our appeals process will go well once it gets started and the entire bonner prendie community is in my prayers. We just need to stay strong.
ReplyDeletePRENDIE > EVERYTHING
ReplyDeleteOH GIRLS OF PRENDERGAST HIGH
RAISE YOUR BANNER'S HIGH
SING YOUR SPIRIT EVER CHEER IT
SHOW YOURE DO OR DIE !!!
HAIL WE ALL TO ALMA MATER
FAITHFUL BE TO YOU
GARNET AND GRAY WE HAIL TODAY
GIRLS OF PRENDERGAST HIGH !!!!!
I spelt your wrong. my bad
ReplyDeletei spelled spelled wrong
ReplyDeleteDear Archbishop Chaput,
ReplyDeleteI never imagined I would need to write a letter like this. The atmosphere at my school, Monsignor Bonner Archbishop Prendergast, is one of pain, confusion, despair and also hope. We are hopeful that you will recognize that this may not have been the best
decision. I am a senior this year at Archbishop Prendergast and I tell you honestly that Prendie has changed my life. I have grown so much closer to our faith through my education at Prendie Bonner. This school is a legacy. It is home to so many and means the world to thousands. I cannot imagine where or who I would be without my school. Everything I
have learned there will remain with me all my life and every single person I have encountered that is a part of Prendie Bonner is a member
of my family. We are a unique family, tight in faith, close in love, and together we are praying and hoping for the decision to be reconsidered. Yesterday, June 6th, was the hardest day of my life. To feel the loss and see it in my friends, teachers, and faculties eyes could have made a stranger stop in there path. Our school is so much more than a building, however a beautiful building at that, Prendie Bonner is tradition and home. You must be asked this question often, but why did we not have the chance to merge like so many other schools have successfully done in the
past? Combined, our enrollment is higher than other schools which are staying open. Our campus holds up to 3000 students. That is so much room for our community to welcome others into our family that is Prendie Bonner. We are willing to give all of ourselves to keep this vital part of our lives open. Please consider a 5 year trial. Let us try. I am praying for you and the whole archdiocese during this difficult time. Please, in turn, pray for us,
Megan Monachino
Prendie senior, 2012
From the archbishop:
Megan, I do not doubt anything you say about your good school but that
is not the issue at hand. We simply cannot afford to keep doing what we
have been doing. We have no money to do it. We have too many
half-empty schools and we cannot keep all of them open without risking
the existence of all of our schools. Every family has to make difficult
decisions like this to survive.
God bless you, your fellow students, your family and everyone at the
school.
+cjc
Closing bonner and prendie doesnt make any sense, combining the two schools would enable us to keep traditions alive and keep our beautiful community in tact. We were sadly not given the chance for a merger and that is terribly dissapointing. I am sad to see that my sister will not get to graduate from the wonderful establishment that is prendie. It saddens me to see our community face this kind of dissapointment but inspires me to see the hope on all of my brothers and sisters' faces. Once a prendie girl, always a prendie girl. "Daughters true are we" until the day we die.
ReplyDeleteI am truly hurt and shocked that Prendie and Bonner might potentially close. I don't feel the Archdiocese gave our school a fair chance, not saying other closing schools aren't as good or important but overall it was outrageous.Bonner and Prendie would be better off as a merging school, not completely closed. Before Mr.Brannick could even say the word "closing", screams and weeps filled the Bonner auditorium. That was the worst sound and day of my life. The hurt I felt for everyone, especially the students and teachers was overwhelming. I don't be think the Archdiocese or the Blue Ribbon community actually thought about the long term effects of closing our school. I really hope that both schools stay open or merge so we can carry on living out the Prendie & Bonner traditions we all love.
ReplyDeletePrendie and Bonner are closing but neither will die. The spirit of each school does not live within the walls of the buildings but within the hearts of the students, staff, teachers, and administration. As a senior I feel very blessed to have the opportunity to graduate from Prendie. A number of my class mates are irritated with the underclassmen for different reasons. The freshmen, sophomores and juniors are being robbed of a Prendie graduation with their sisters that saddens my heart as I’m sure it does for the rest of the Prendie community. In my opinion, any girl attending Prendie should have the opportunity to get a class ring, senior sweats, dad daughter dance, and mother daughter brunch. Some seniors think this will take away from our senior year, but think about it, if you were a junior you would want the same thing. It is selfish to say that any member of our school does not get to have these experiences. The seniors are not the only people at fault; certain members of each grade have been hostile toward the other grades. This is not the time to divide! We need to love our sisters, stay together and stay strong.
ReplyDeleteI am extremely upset about the news given to the student body on Friday. While sitting in Bonner’s auditorium, Mr. Brannick shared with us terrible news. We were told that our school, Archbishop Prendergast and Monsignor Bonner, was to be closing in June. Not only was Prendie and Bonner closing but three other Catholic High Schools. The news stunned me and I am still shocked today. I don’t want to believe its true. This doesn’t seem real at all. I believe that the students at Prendie and Bonner have great school spirit and a togetherness that no other school could compare. Even though I am so thankful I have the privledge to graduate from this amazing High School I still am scared for the future. Not being able to come back next year to my school for the masses and to see my teachers along with my younger friends truly breaks my heart. The closing of Archbishop Prendergast never crossed my mind. Prendie will always be a huge part of my life. I thought we would have merged with Monsignor Bonner. I am doing my best to stay positive and I just wish there is something I could do.
ReplyDeleteI think that pretty much everyone is upset about our school closing. Eeveryone reacts differently and I think we all need to suppost eachother and help them deal with their feelings. Looking around on friday I saw so many students, as well as faculty crying and being very emotional. I admit I am very sad about the situation but at the same time I am somewhat calm, but that is just me. I offer my support and comfort to my peers and friends. I am still a bit confused as to why we were not given the chance to at least merge first. I believe that we will all try our best to get this opportunity and I hope we succeed.
ReplyDeleteI have a lot of hope for our schools to continue. I was a teacher at Little Flower in '92-'92 when a similar announcement was made that they would close. They mounted a very professional and statistic-filled defense and are still in operation today. God is good. We will see what His plan is.
ReplyDeleteWhen my mom asked me what Mr. Brannick told us at the meeting on Friday, I honestly couldn't tell her. I've heard sometimes your body goes into shock mode when something tragic happens, sometimes erasing the memory of what had taken place. All I remember Mr. Brannick saying was "recommended .. Bonner and Archbishop Prendersgast .. close.. June." Nothing seemed to make sense. It was if we were in the middle of a scary movie. It was our most dreaded nightmare come true. It isn't just our school the Archdiocese wants to close- they're closing our home. I can tell you that I do not cry often. The movie "The Notebook?" I have never cried at. "Titanic?" Didn't cry at that either. I rarely shed a tear and I let out a waterfall once we heard the fate of our schools. My heart was broken. All of our hearts were and still are broken. I just kept thinking "no, no this isn't happening. Our school isn't closing. This isn't real life." It is such a shock to all of us. This building, this home has been such a place of tradition and love for countless years and is one of the most well known schools in the Delco area. People of all over recognize my ring and we instantly have long talks over it. When I meet a Prendie graduate who notices the ring, no matter what their age, we speak as if we are sisters. We have a connection that no one else can ever have unless they have gone here. That is a bond that cannot be broken. I have talked to numerous O'hara graduates and graduates of other schools who note that Bonner and Prendie students have far more pride in their school than anyone else. Many of them have even admitted they wished they had gone to Bonner or Prendie because of our spirit and our relationships with one another. To close these schools is to close a family. One enormous, loving family, consisting of brothers and sisters of all ages. From the first graduating class to the freshmen of 2012, every single one of us has shared the sister or brotherhood of Monsignor Bonner and Archbishop Prendergast High Schools. For the longest time, I didn't even want to go to Prendie. I thought it would be horrible. But from the moment I shadowed my sister I adored it. I couldn't wait for the dances, the rings, the retreats. I couldn't wait for that sisterhood. When I visited here, the girls were far more enthusiastic than any other school I had seen. Becoming a sister of Prendie was the best decision I have ever made in my life, and will be one of the best decisions I ever make. In grade school I was shy and quiet, and Prendie definitely brought me out of my shell. While learning and growing as a student, I grew as a person as well. I love our home. We weren't even given a warning about us closing. It was a possibility, but merging was more realistic. I wish we could just be given the chance to combine so we could surive this closing. I've always wanted to be able to visit my home after I graduate. I'd love to come back to the Thanksgiving mass, the school shows, and even just to visit our beloved teachers. With this closing, we will be left like orphans with no where to return. I really would love to keep our school open.
ReplyDelete