LYNN — St. Mary’s students had less than a month to prepare for their production of “St. Mary’s: A Reflection of Who We Are.”
The production gave a detailed history of the 137-year-old private school, equipped with impressions, vocal performances, and dance numbers. English teacher Heath Whelan wrote the production three weeks ago, with the help of his creative writing class, and the cast and crew only had two days to rehearse.
“I thought everyone did incredible,” said Whelan. “It exceeded any expectations.”
Whelan said the production was put together to honor John F. Dolan, the new head of the school, and Dave Angeramo, the new associate head of school. The show outlined the school’s most memorable moments, from its opening as a grammar school in 1881, adoption of Spartan as its mascot and opening of the combined boys and girls high school in 1968, to the new generation of leaders paving the way in 2018.
“I can’t thank them enough for this performance,” said Dolan. “Our St. Mary’s story came alive today.”
Sitting in the audience was Virginia Valeri, the school’s oldest active alumna, who turns 100 years old in April. Valeri graduated from St. Mary’s High School in 1937 as the class valedictorian, when it only cost $1 to attend. After studying chemistry at Emmanuel College, she landed a job in Washington D.C. as a mathematician for the U.S. Navy during World War II.
Senior Lauren Casey portrayed Valeri’s persona as she shared her story on stage wearing a replica of the school’s old uniform. After Casey’s lively performance, she left the stage to gift Valeri with a bouquet of flowers.
The student performers also paid tribute to Red Sox legend and 1962 St. Mary’s graduate Tony Conigliaro, Ray Bastarache, the first head of school, and the school’s former monsignors. Also touched upon during the production were the many financial obstacles the school faced, which resulted in the closing of the grammar school in 1971 and a $5 million donation left by the late Bill Connell in 2001.
“What an amazing performance put on by these kids showing us the amazing history of St. Mary’s,” said Angeramo.
Bastarache was unable to attend the production and missed out on one of the student performers portraying him, bald cap and all. After the brief, but hilarious, performance, Whelan announced a major donation from the school in Bastarache’s name to Operation Smile, given his years of charity work for kids with cleft lips and cleft palates.
Not only did the show portray the history of the school, it incorporated the history of each decade since the school opened. The St. Mary’s dance team performed to “Sing, Sing, Sing” by Benny Goodman, “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” by the Andrews Sisters, and “Beat It” by Michael Jackson. Students Jill Gentile and Arek Wol shared their vocal skills with two performances.
“You have all contributed to the history of St. Mary’s,” Whelan said to the audience. “I can’t imagine what the next 137 years will have in store.”
