Ocean County's first and oldest Catholic school is celebrating a milestone - 100 years of service to the region.
Saint Peter School remains a community fixture in a town best known for its boardwalk and restaurants.
Marita Phillis-Decos attended St. Peter School and graduated in 1961. Her daughter went there, and now her granddaughter attends the school.
“It’s my community, it’s my church, it’s my life here,” Phillis-Decos said.
She says it was a different atmosphere than when she attended the school. "I had a lot of nuns, they taught two classes at once, they had 60 children in a class believe it or not," Phillis-Decos said.
“It is time to spread the word. It's the best kept secret. I wish more people knew about it and hopefully when they see the parade and block party tomorrow, they will understand 100 years is a long time to be around. But that's only the beginning. We will be here much, much longer,” said Ken Kerwin, Class of 1967.
A century of memories fills the archives of Saint Peter - a history lesson for the next generation of students.
“I don't know anyone in our area that reached this milestone. It's still going strong. I'm so excited to be a part of it because I went here. I'm an alumni, Class of ’98. My mom taught here since the ‘90s. It's a great place to be,” said Megan Miller, the Jubilee Committee co-chair.
Saint Peter School is currently home to around 150 students, from pre-kindergarten to eighth grade. Enrollment numbers for next year are already up by 20%, according to the school’s principal.
A full slate of activities will honor the St. Peter School centennial at Point Pleasant Beach, rain or shine, around 12:30 p.m. Saturday.