PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — It’s a tradition for many students at Hallahan Girls Catholic High School to run and jump into the Swann Memorial Fountain at Philadelphia's Logan Square to celebrate the last day of school.
But this year's run meant so much more, because it was the last.
"Every year we would come and at least dunk our feet in the fountain," said Laurie Rosenfeld Griangreco, Hallahan Class of 1972.
She was among the many alumni who gathered here at Logan Square to cheer on the Class of 2021.
Feelings at this year's run were more than mixed, since the Archdiocese of Philadelphia announced this school year that they’ll be closing Hallahan.
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“I’m sad and happy," Senior Tajae Hericks shared.
"I don’t want the school to close. I love the school, but I’m happy because at least we got to graduate as the last class.“
This year was also made more difficult with COVID-19.
“Usually the seniors don’t jump it. We didn't get it last year, and it's the last one ever. We all jumped," senior Rylie Kanegie said.
“My sisters went here, so I came to mostly every fountain jump. But honestly, this is the best one because seniors aren’t supposed to do it, but since COVID-19 last year we got to do it, so I’m just appreciative of it.“
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Hallahan is the first Catholic Girls High School in the nation. Alumnus Suzanne O’Brien Edinger said closing it will be a huge loss to the city.
“I’ve seen pictures online where the library is being built, and there’s nothing around it except for Hallahan.”
But alumnus Jody Connolly said the school was so much more than just a building.
"The tile work, the stain glass, the cornerstone was shipped in from Rome from the Pope, said Connolly.
"And the founder, she did this before women even voted! It’s crazy to close such a tradition for women.”
"We need a school like Hallahan. The diversity even in 1972 was so important," said Rosenfield Griangreco.
The school's history, and its meaning for all of Hallahan's alumni, is why so many of them greeted students at the Logan Square fountain.
“We were all singing together and we were like chanting and stuff, and then the alumni came in," said student Sabine Cress.
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Perhaps Kanegie summed it the day's feelings best.
“It is really sad, but what are we gonna do?" she asked. "This is awesome. We've got to just take the time and cherish it while we have it.“