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Articles - Spotlight on Education St. Peter Claver School "A Gift to Macon’s Children from Saint Katharine Drexel" Yes, a gift from a saint! Since 1915 students of St. Peter Claver have benefited from the generosity of Katharine Drexel, heiress and Catholic nun who dedicated her entire life and fortune to the education of African and Native American youth. She provided not only the fine building which stands in historic Pleasant Hill, but also sent sisters from the order she founded, The Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, to staff the school. Today, the staff of St. Peter Claver School continues the legacy bequeathed by Katharine Drexel, drawing strength from a richly textured history deeply rooted in the Catholic tradition. People of varied religions, races, cultural backgrounds and economic status join together to fulfill the mission of St. Peter Claver: "to provide quality education to students of all faiths in a culturally diverse, Christian environment." Believing that the gift of an education is a gift that lasts a lifetime, the St. Peter Claver School community has established the Father John Galvin Scholarship Fund to benefit children of low-income families. To further support families, St. Peter Claver offers extended day for children K3 to grade 8, a six-week summer academic and recreational program, and the services of a school counselor. Founded in 1915, this school enjoys a lasting reputation for fostering a warm, family atmosphere among its students. According to parent Eve Blaylock, "This is a real family. The teachers know each student by name, even if they’re not in their class. The older students care about the younger ones." Bridges are built not only between children of different ages, but also between children of different races and religions, and from families with vastly different economic backgrounds. These students learn life-long lessons of acceptance and the celebration of differences, respect for others and the ability to work together for a common goal. St. Katharine Drexel wanted the students of St. Peter Claver to receive a solid faith formation along with rigorous academic training. Today, the educational program includes instruction in religion, mathematics, reading, writing, and English, science and social studies, technology, art, music, and physical education. Students of K3 through grade 8 enjoy access to the school’s newly automated library and middle school students enjoy the advantages of a newly equipped science lab. Elementary and middle grade students may join honor choir, science club, yearbook, and student council. According to its principal, Sr. JoAnne Goecke, "St. Peter Claver is a school faithful to its origins and alive to the challenges of the present. Here, our students can learn lessons of life as they learn their academic lessons. As Katharine Drexel would desire, we are teaching our students to face the challenges of our day with Christian faith. We are instilling in our students the attitudes and skills which will enable them to continue the legacy of Katharine Drexel, using their gifts to make this city and the world a better place for all." Katharine Drexel was an amazing woman, with an amazing heart, faith, and generosity of spirit. Not only is St. Peter Claver School a gift to our children, but truly a gift to Macon. St. Peter Claver School If you would like your school to be considered for a future SPOTLIGHT ON EDUCATION feature, pease contact Georgia Family at publisher@GeorgiaFamily.com. |
