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By Priscilla Greear
Staff Writer
ATLANTA--As testimony of a deep love and respect for St. Pius X High School,
several alumni now serve there as teachers and administrators, while others
have children at their alma mater.
Just over 10 percent of the 270 freshmen are children of alumni and that
number has increased yearly.
One of those freshman, Geoff Childs, is a member of St. Pius first
third-generation family. His mother, Patty Gilmer Childs, graduated from the
school in 1977, his aunt, Terry Gilmer Izaguirre, graduated in 1980 and two
great aunts graduated in the early 1960s.
"St. Pius provides a safe, nurturing environment where the whole child
has the opportunity to grow," St. Pius alumna Patty Childs said.
"We knew that as students, wanted that as parents and appreciate it as
adults."
Childs, who has taught for 10 years at St. Thomas More School in Decatur,
feels blessed for the knowledge, encouragement and inspiration she received
from St. Pius teachers and wanted her son also to experience the supportive
community.
"Our Catholic Christian beliefs are taught and modeled at St.
Pius," Childs said. "In our world today, it is most important to
provide young people with a sense of history and tradition. They need a good
foundation to build on as they mature into adulthood."
Twelve St. Pius alumni are among those at the school who work toward
securing that foundation. Among them is Charlotte Schemmel Smith, an English
teacher and 1963 St. Pius alumna. She chose to return and teach at the school
because of the high academic standards she experienced there as a student.
Having taught there for 11 years, Smith has found those same standards
upheld by the administrators, teachers and other staff members who are all
dedicated to the school's mission of providing students with the highest
quality of education while developing every aspect of their character.
At first, Smith was nervous about having her daughter Alison at work, but
wanted to share her love for the school.
"My husband and I wanted her to receive an excellent education, to grow
spiritually and to associate with teenagers having high ideals," she said.
"All of these goals were accomplished to the highest degree."
Another alumnus with children currently attending St. Pius is Athletic
Director Mark Kelly. A 1970 St. Pius alumnus, Kelly married graduate Linda
Buechner Kelly, and is the father of alumnus Eric and current students Nick and
Sarah. He has taught and coached at the school for 23 years and now serves as
the athletic director.
The faithful and dedicated faculty challenges students in a loving way to
help them develop their strengths and a relationship with God, Kelly said.
"When I was a student here I had a wonderful time but never realized
the gift I had received of a great education," he said. "As I have
grown older, I am increasingly thankful for my experiences at St. Pius, and the
gift of a supportive faith community interwoven throughout my education."
Even though the St. Pius faculty and staff's commitment to a well-rounded
education remains constant, the school has undergone many physical changes,
Kelly noted.
"My children have the benefit of facilities far superior to anything
that was here in my day. There are so many more activities to choose from, not
just sports."
Parents recognize the quality of programs outside the classroom, among them
the sports program. Childs said that her son participated in the 7th-8th grade
football program last fall and played on the soccer team last spring.
"The St. Pius faculty and coaching staff has consistently demonstrated
a genuine affection and respect for the families at St. Pius," she said.
"My husband and I have been involved in youth sports for a long time and
we have never been so pleased with the level of professionalism demonstrated by
the respective staffs."
Judy Timme Parris, who graduated from St. Pius in 1977 and whose daughter
Melissa is currently a freshman, appreciates the support given to all types of
students. "There is a wonderful blend of spirituality, academics, drama,
dance, music, art and athletics. Your child does not have to be a football
player or a cheerleader to succeed. Every child is so unique. At St. Pius they
are given the opportunity to find their own niche and to develop their own
special talents and abilities," she said. She also mentioned that the
school has a good reputation among colleges and prepares students well for that
transition.
Principal Donald Sasso said the large number of alumni sending their
children to St. Pius "is a strong statement for identification with,
confidence in and loyalty to our school. It does so much to enhance the family
atmosphere and culture of our school. As new Catholic high schools come into
existence, strong St. Pius alumni relationships will keep St. Pius at the
forefront of Catholic education in the Atlanta Archdiocese."
Other alumni now part of the faculty and staff include Ricky Turner, Mike
Turner, Megan Callahan, Liz Gulick Aaron, Shawn Sullivan, Rachel Braham, Pat
Szabo Fries, Susan Arenson, Matt Lammers and Paul Tate.
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