JULY 2017 8 | FRONTDOORSMEDIA .COM Photo credit: Thurlkill Studios Saint Mary’sCatholic High School 1920 Student Body Saint Mary’s Catholic High School 1917

JULY 2017 FRONTDOORSMEDIA .COM | 9 Any Phoenix institution that hits the century mark occupies rare air. So it’s a significant feat of perseverance that the first and oldest Catholic school in the state, Saint Mary’s Catholic High School in Phoenix, founded just five years after Arizona achieved statehood, is celebrating its 100th year. That is some staying power. Because of its presence over such a long period, it has formed and nourished iron-strong community ties — both the ties the students have with one another and those they forge with the school and the place they live. The Rideau family of Phoenix has had 53 of its members graduate from Saint Mary’s since 1946, according to the school’s principal, Suzanne Fessler. A fourth generation currently attends the school. The same is true for several other Saint Mary’s families. {by mike saucier} COVER STORY How 100 Years of Saint Mary’s Catholic High School Helped Form Phoenix