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.