Rockledge City Mayor Thomas J. Price recognized  St. Mary School’s contributions to the community Monday, with a special ceremony.

Price and City Manager Brenda Fettrow joined Principal Sandra Basinger, Father Ivan and the student body at the flagpole. Price read a city proclamation that recognized the school’s service to the community over the past six decades.

The short ceremony kicked off St. Mary’s celebration of Catholic Schools Week, which runs through Feb. 1 across Central Florida. It also happens to be the school’s 60th anniversary year.

“Our school fosters a strong sense of community and giving back, because it is part of our Christ-centered environment,” Basinger said. “Our students learn to have high expectations and to be responsible, independent, enthusiastic learners. We are proud to be part of Rockledge’s vibrant community.”

Many of St. Mary’s students, teachers and families participate in a range of service projects in the community from singing to home-bound seniors and veterans during the holidays to stocking the Helping Hands food pantry each week.

The school also:

• collects gifts for children during the holiday season
• works with Devereaux (a professional therapeutic environment for children and adolescents facing significant emotional, behavioral and developmental challenges) in a letter writing project whereby students at St. Mary encourage students at the facility
• sets one day aside during its Spring Fair for children with special needs in the community

Students also regularly visit senior centers and for the past few years the school’s honor society has provided breakfast for Rockledge Police at the start of the academic year.

Join us for St. Mary’s Fourth Annual Science Night from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 6.

The University of Central Florida planetary sciences group is bringing its mobile telescopes and will be setting them up on the school basketball court to give attendees a chance to get a close look at the moon and stars.  It’s all part of a night dedicated to showcase what students are learning in science.

Earlier in the day, judges will be selecting winners from various middle school science projects. Then at 5 p.m. the evening begins with bottle rocket launches, followed by science presentations, science exhibits, star gazing and more. Students will present some of their science research as well as mini-reports about Catholic scientists. There will be games for the little ones including play dough and Lego stations. There will also be raffles and a bake sale with hot chocolate for the cool night.

No cost to attend or use the telescopes. Donations accepted and will benefit the science program at St. Mary. A special thanks to Ms. Alexis for organizing the annual event. Don’t miss out on the fun.