The people at St. Mary's became my second family. It all started when I was a little girl taking my first piano lessons with Sr. Adele in Benet Hall and later at the Villa Marie with Sr. Mary Jane Wallace.

In 1982, I started working there, with Brother Bill Myers, producing many fall plays and spring musicals. The next 15 years were filled helping students do their best in shows and musicals. One of the most acclaimed performances was the Passion Play that started when I was in high school. It began as a cantata and worked into a full production telling the Easter story from the Bible. The entire community would get involved.

When St. Mary's announced the closing of the Academy in 1997, a whole chapter of my existence closed. It was certainly a reminder that life changes and nothing remains constant except our faith and memories. I will miss St. Mary's Academy and in the distance I will hear the bells ring out every day right at noon time. I will continue to hear the school song, "The Bells of St. Mary's," sung at every graduation. My fond memories of the Sisters and Brother Bill coming to find me for the next big music event will forever have a special place in my heart. To view photos and learn more about the Academy, visit www.IllinoisHSGloryDays.com.