PITTSBURGH (Newsradio 1020 KDKA) - Thursday marks the end of a tradition that started in 1932.
Vincentian Academy is holding its final graduation ceremony.
Known for its prestigious Baccalaureate Program, and 100 percent graduation and college acceptance rate, Vincentian Academy announced in February that this year would be the final graduating class and would not reopen in the fall due to financial loses and declining enrolment.
The ceremony will begin at 6:30 p.m.
The North Hills academy started as an all-girls school, and went co-ed in 1973.
Vincentian’s principal Rita Canton released the following statement after the announcement in February:
“I was heartbroken to receive the news that our school is closing,” said Canton “Vincentian Academy is a close-knit family. You have students, parents, teachers who care about each other. We will now work to finish the academic year strong and assist our students and their parents with enrollment into a new school.”
School leadership says they will assist students and families with enrollment in other schools.
The Sisters of Charity of Nazareth released the following statement to KDKA Radio:
In recent years, Vincentian Academy, like many other Catholic schools, has experienced multiple challenges including declining enrollment and increasing financial losses. The Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, in consideration of these challenges, decided to close the school.
“This was a difficult decision for us, especially because of the excellence of the education and faith formation our students are receiving,” said Mary Elizabeth Miller, SCN, Provincial of the Western Province of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth. “We are proud of all that has been accomplished and of the many successes and contributions of our students, faculty, administration, staff and alumni since the school was founded in 1932.”
You can watch the graduation live here.
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