“I wasn’t there but I keep hearing how much fun it was!”

Everything Christin Fitzgerald was hearing was true. The 100th anniversary of St. Paul School was a celebration for the Edgewood history books. We ran into each other in the dairy aisle at Dave’s on Saturday, and quickly found ourselves on memory lane, reminiscing about our time at St. Paul’s and later Bay View Academy in the 1980s and 1990s. 

The St. Paul celebration was both a reunion and benefit for the school and was attended by alumni from every decade starting with the class of 1940, along with past and present faculty, staff, and faith leaders. Rhodes-on-the-Pawtuxet was buzzing all night with storytelling, laughter, and the dreaded question, “Do you recognize me?”

How lucky were we to grow up in this neighborhood, with all these great people? This sentiment was expressed more than once. Classmates, faculty, and staff that passed through the halls of St. Paul School helped to shape so many lives and the neighborhoods of Edgewood, Washington Park, Pawtuxet, and beyond. 

Evelyn Blair, one of the school crossing guards, and Dennis Flynn, the school custodian, were two of those important people. For me, they were a constant presence, always with a smile and encouraging word. Mrs. Blair would rush us across Broad Street to help us beat the bell and Mr. Flynn was always there, keeping a watchful eye as we raced from lunch to recess. 

These are just two memories of countless others, and one part of what made the 100th anniversary a success. The celebration had three goals: to have fun, to reconnect, and, most importantly, to kick off the next 100 years. The presence of so many sent a strong signal to the community that St. Paul School is worth supporting for the next century. This celebration was the start of keeping the school thriving and growing. 

As Christin and I parted ways on Saturday, that’s the commitment we made, too. 

Joy E. Fox , who served as moderator for the celebration attended St. Paul School from 1984-1989.