As soon as the Archd
iocese of Newark announced that Immaculate Conception High School would close on June 30, the school community pooled their strengths to raise the funds, and spirit, to keep their school open. They managed to raise just shy of $500,000 in less than a month.
Their effort worked, because today this letter with good news arrived from the Archbishop of Newark:
July 14,2014
Mr. William C. Slattery
Chairman
Board of Trustees
Immaculate Conception High School
33 Cottage Place
Montclair. NJ 07042Dear Mr. Slattery:
Immaculate Conception High School will be open in September.
I applaud the efforts of all members of the Immaculate Conception family- students, parents, faculty and staff, Board members, alumni and other stakeholders – to meet the elements of a plan to keep the school in operation for the 2014-2015 school year and start it on the road to long-term viability. I am grateful that, together, you demonstrated the value and importance of this Catholic school to the greater community.
You have achieved something we do not often see when a school faces this kind of challenge. It is my hope that what you have accomplished so far – these first steps toward rebuilding and re-energizing a school with almost a century of tradition – will continue and multiply in the months ahead.
I am sure that all who have participated in this campaign recognize that continued vigilance and long-term participation are the two critical elements needed to keep schools like Immaculate Conception vibrant and growing. I wish you and the other members of the reinvigorated Board of Trustees, your parents and students, your faculty and staff, and volunteers and alumni, continued success as you enter the next phase of maintaining momentum for the benefit of current and future students of Immaculate Conception.
Since humanity’s earliest days, the lion has been a symbol of nobility and strength. I am sure that the lion – Immaculate Conception’s mascot – inspired all of you in your work to date. We both know that there is much to do in the days and months ahead. May nobility and strength continue to guide you in your journey toward a future for Immaculate Conception.
With kindest personal regards, l am
Sincerely in the Lord,
Most Reverend John J. Myers
Archbishop of Newark