Generations mourn closure of Immaculate Conception High School in Montclair
For generations, the school has enriched the lives of students of the Catholic faith, while being a long-standing staple for the greater community.
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It's the final days for Immaculate Conception High School in Montclair.
For generations, the school has enriched the lives of students of the Catholic faith, while being a long-standing staple for the greater community. The high school has a history that goes back 100 years, founded by the Sisters of Charity.
"It's just sad that it's closing," said former student Sumintra Ramcharran. "It's the end of an era."
Come June 30, the end of the school year, its doors will permanently close. Self-guided school tours and Mass on Saturday served as a form of closure and gratitude.
"I was very shocked about the decision," said Ramcharran. "I know a few years back they did try to close it, and everyone pitched in to try to save it by donating money."
“The nuns, the teachers were very, very dedicated and it has served me very well," said former student Catherine Fahy. "…Hopefully somebody will come in and fill the void.”
Money problems, a decline in enrollment and the “aging facility” are the factors behind the move, according to the Archdiocese of Newark.
”Everybody’s kind of taking a financial hit, so unfortunately schools like this are some of the casualties," said Ramcharran.
Superintendent of Catholic Schools Barbara Dolan said in part in a prepared statement: “Immaculate Conception High School has been a cherished institution for generations, providing a faith-based education that has shaped countless lives. As we move forward, our priority is to support our students and families in their transition while honoring the incredible legacy of ICHS.”
Though a somber occasion, Saturday’s gathering brought together alumni who reflected on the past.
"We met here, we've been married 28 years in May and Father Burla who just said our Mass married us," said former student Leigh Ann Tedesco alongside her husband.
