St Michaels Central High School in Chicago, IL
Our high school was "co-institutional" - the boys were on the south side of the building and the girls on the north side. The first floor was separated by the music room, second floor by the library and third floor by a study hall. There were specific times when these rooms could be used by the boys and specific times set aside for the girls. The gymnasium and locker rooms were on the boys’ side and the cafeteria was on the second floor on the girls’ side. "Outsiders" were not allowed in the gym for school dances. Basketball games were open to all. In Sodality Hall was a 2-lane bowling alley. Students also had the opportunity to take horseback riding lessons in nearby Lincoln Park or swimming at a nearby club. The girls also had the opportunity to attend Mass at 10:30 am each day because of the availability of the Redemptorist priests. (Some girls preferred a study period.)
Here is a list of the sisters who taught me. They are all special to me!
Sister Casilde Scharl (German, Spanish)
Sister Seraphia Marie Starshak (Principal)
Sister de Chantel Stadler (Clothing)
Sister Roberta Bauer (shorthand/typing)
Sister Medulpha (Religion, Social Studies)
Sister Madeleine Sophie (English)I
Sister Thomas Aquinas (Music)
Sister Mary Sancta (Foods)
Sister Camille Foxgrover (Math)
Sister Enid
Sister Laurissa (Biology)
Sister Ignatia Kaczmarek (Algebra)
Just as an aside, I felt very safe at the high school. I knew the good sisters had my back. My mom died when I was seven and my dad was not Catholic. He was an exceptionally great father and provided a Catholic school education for his 5 children. My sisters and I attended St. Alphonsus grade school and then went on to St. Mike's HS. I remember dreading summer vacations because I no longer had the daily guidance of the School Sisters of Notre Dame. I thank God that I was so blessed throughout my school years! We also had many Catholic neighbors and friends who were a huge influence in my Catholic upbringing. I remember them in prayer, especially at Adoration.
