Caption: Locked out at Cardinal Dougherty. Photo © Katharine Gilbert
By Katharine Gilbert
With faith that’s strong, with courage bold, we raise our banner high…
—Cardinal Dougherty School Song
The following is an interview with Donna Farrell, Director of Communications, Archdiocese of Philadelphia
IE: When and how did the Archdiocese come to this decision
DF: This decision came after 15 years of working to ensure that the education value remains excellent. What I mean is that as enrollments were dropping, the Archdiocese has been working to help stabilize the schools so that they could remain open. We have worked over the years with parishes, pastors, and our own educational experts to find a way to keep all of our schools vibrant and effective. This is a very sad outcome, but was inevitable.
IE: Was there any consideration to combine Little Flower and North Catholic with Cardinal Dougherty, as CD’s physical plant is the third largest in the Archdiocese
DF: No, because that really would not make sense. Little Flower is small but thriving and to uproot that school would not be effective. Even if we had done that, it still remains untenable.
IE: How about financial aid and academic scholarships. Will they be honored at new schools
DF: Tuition assistance will remain, as that is determined by the Diocese. Academic scholarships will be maintained.
IE: Could the Archdiocese have done anything differently from a public relations point of view
DF: No.
IE: It just seems to reflect a lack of sensitivity to those affected by this decision
DF: We are very sensitive to all affected. As a matter of fact, two of our administrators who very reluctantly came to this conclusion are CD grads.
IE:Can the Archdiocese guarantee no closings in the future
DF: Just a point to remind everyone, there are eight remaining parochial high schools in the City of Philadelphia.
IE: What about the neighborhood around Cardinal Dougherty? Did anyone from the Archdiocese meet with the neighborhood associations, zoning people, etc.
DF: No. Zoning people are only when you are moving into a neighborhood. As far as neighborhood groups, no.
IE: The history of CD is so impressive. It is terrible that it will be lost
DF: Well I live in Delaware County and often see bumper stickers “St. Tommy Forever More” and they are a very active group, as is St. James. Perhaps CD alums will raise scholarship money to perpetuate the memory of CD.
IE: Thank you for your time.
DF: Thank you.
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Photo © Katharine gilbert
‘With Faith That’s Strong, With Courage Bold, We Raise Our Banner High’
Notes and Quotes by Katharine Gilbert
The rainy windy weather did not deter over 100 people who assembled outside the locked front gate of Cardinal Dougherty High School, Northeast Philadelphia on Saturday, October 17.
IE: What did you think when you heard about CD closing in June 2010
Joyce Jackson ’85: I live in DC, so when I heard about this I was so upset I took the 5 a.m. train to get here rain or shine. I also joined Facebook and found the Save CD page there and signed on. I have so many great memories and feel this was the best place to go in the City. Remember, there were a lot of feeder schools and I went to St. Athanasius–most of us went to CD. I had a great education.
Christine Klumpp ’87: My heart dropped when I heard the news. It might be an uphill battle but we are still hoping…my sister Lori Klumpp ’88 and I still hope we can save CD.
Donna Walker ’86: You have to realize that over three generations went here. The history of this school! They just basically gave up.
IE: What does this the closing of CD mean to you?
Dwight Leonetti, ’66 | Photo © Katharine Gilbert
Dwight Leonetti ’66: This is very difficult…and I may get emotional now…as this school changed my life. It has to do with meeting my wife Donna Sloane ’67 who passed away last year. I owe everything to this school and this is just very sad.
IE: When did you find out about CD closing
Francis Shields’71: On the news that night. Look, there are two issues about this decision: why and how the Archdiocese made it. I have two sons at North, freshman and junior, and there was absolutely no information coming from the Archdiocese about where they will land. No parents were informed upfront and I am not just talking about North Catholic parents.
So we found out when everybody else did. Kids have scholarships…what is going to happen? Will their scholarships follow? Will Bishop McDevitt, or any other school, be able to accommodate them?
Listen, I understand things change but there was no indication that this would occur. How about meeting with parents and letting them know this may happen. How do we know other high schools are going to stay open? It is very disillusioning.
Katharine Gilbert: I was stunned by the decision to close Cardinal Dougherty. During my four years, Cardinal Dougherty was officially the largest Catholic high school in the world. The Marching Band won back-to-back World Titles and traveled through Europe in ’66. The teams were successful. We started women’s varsity swimming and field hockey teams during that time. My own education was rigorous and lasting. Four years of Latin and German taught me more than I could ever have imagined at the time. The storied history of the faculty and students should be preserved by continuing Cardinal Dougherty.