Minutes before the Mass celebrating the 75th anniversary of St. Ann School in Arlington May 13, Nancy Cribb described what the school meant to her family.
“The school is our family,” said Cribb, whose daughter Elizabeth is her third child to attend the school. “The moment we came here, we could see that there was true mentorship and family — like the principal knew every kid’s name, every family’s name — It has just been a really nice, warm, loving, welcoming community for us.”
The Sisters of Loretto opened the school in 1951 and remained until 1964, followed by the Sisters of Notre Dame who taught until 2002. The original chapel with the 1951 cornerstone and convent building still stand on opposite ends of church property.
“We are a great testament to our sisters,” said Anthony Sahadi, principal. “What we do is beyond academics. It’s the strong Catholic faith and strong Catholic identity. What you’ll see is everything from good manners, good discipline and a focus on the learning process, rather than scores or grades, along with the happiness and confidence of our students. It’s also a great testament to our bishop because he’s so supportive of Catholic education, so it starts at the top with a great superintendent and bishop.”
Bishop Michael F. Burbidge celebrated Mass, urging the students in his homily to heed the words of Our Lady of Fatima on her feast day to be courageous. “Sometimes we get teased for living our faith or ridiculed or even labeled,” he said. “Don’t be afraid. Jesus says, don’t be afraid. You’ve got the truth, but you also have the promise that his Holy Spirit lives within you and will always give you the strength you need.”
With 256 students in pre-K through eighth grade, the school continues to be an anchor for Catholic families in the quiet Bluemont neighborhood. “It’s our Catholic values and moral teachings that play such an integral part of the education here,” said Father Johanes (John) Raharjo, pastor. “It’s amazing to see how parents appreciate that.”
Cribb admits to being a bit sentimental on the big anniversary day. Her twins Genevieve and James, who attended St. Ann, are about to graduate from Bishop O’Connell High School in Arlington.
“It’s amazing,” she said. “We’re all very proud to be a part of this school. Even when you leave, you’re still part of the St. Ann’s family.”
