Faculty and staff of St. Rita School in Alexandria welcomed students back to school for the 65th time Aug. 28. 

Principal Mary Pat Schlickenmaier led the teachers in a morning meeting with prayer and announcements before students flooded through the doors laden with backpacks and classroom supplies. 

“I’ve been through three pastors, three superintendents and they have held my hand every time.” Mary Pat Schlickenmaier

The staff received a tasty surprise from the Office of Catholic Schools in the form of a huge box of chocolate chip cookies. 

In her 20 years at the school, Schlickenmaier had only good things to say about the support she has received. 

“I’ve been through three pastors, three superintendents and they have held my hand every time,” said Schlickenmaier. Students gathered outside the school courtyard to take photos by the statue of Mary and catch up with old and new friends. 

Karen Wiltaut brought her son, Henry, to his first day of kindergarten. Earlier in the day, they had a facetime session with Henry’s dad, who is serving in Afghanistan. 

“Henry is just super excited to be part of St. Rita’s School,” said Wiltraut. “I told him just to smile and meet new friends.”