Brooklyn, NY – At a time when many Catholic schools are closing, Bishop Loughlin Memorial High, the oldest, continuously operating Catholic school in Brooklyn, is thriving. On September 20 Loughlin celebrated  its 165th anniversary with an outdoor event to mark the achievement of an ambitious capital campaign, which raised more than $12 million—well beyond its $10 million goal.

Students, teachers, parents, alumni and friends gathered for a program that included remarks from Brooklyn Borough president Eric L. Adams and several outstanding Loughlin alumni. The schools prestigious Lionheart award for outstanding service was presented to the two honorary co-chairs of the campaign—Michael Murray ’63, who is a member of the school’s Board of Governors, and Brother Peter Bonventre, FSC, who is marking 70 years as a Christian Brother and who continues to work full-time at the school.

Loughlin has a reputation for sending the vast majority of its graduates to college. A full 99% of its students graduate and 97% go on to college. The average for New York City public schools is 65%. Loughlin’s numbers would be impressive in any situation, but they are especially noteworthy for a small school in the heart of Brooklyn, whose student body is 98% black and Latino. Critics sometimes charge that successful private schools either don’t accept or expel low-performing students. Not so at Loughlin, which boasts an acceptance rate of 95%.

“Of course we care about numbers,” said school president Brother Dennis Cronin, “because they are one indicator of success. But just one. As a Roman Catholic school in the LaSallian tradition, we strive to educate the whole person. Nearly all of our students perform well academically, and they also develop character, spirituality, and leadership skills that help them become productive adults and responsible citizens.”

The school’s ‘can do’ atmosphere of success and self-confidence has made its alumni fiercely loyal. One alum, Ja’ von Jones, who graduated in 2001, will be speaking at the event. Now an MBA candidate and chief of staff for Classroom, Inc., a nonprofit educational organization, Ms. Jones is a firm believer in giving back. “Loughlin showed me what real success looks like,” she said. “It’s about instilling values, about providing opportunities and then mentoring students effectively so they can make the most of those opportunities. Loughlin did that for me and now I volunteer here so I can do that for today’s students.”

The infusion of capital has made it possible for Loughlin to enhance its academic programs. New this fall are biomedical science and engineering programs housed in a state-of-the-art laboratory facility that features 3d printers and the latest technology and equipment. The school has also added several AP courses, is renovating its sports facilities, and created a vibrant new studio space for its art classes.

The public is invited to attend the anniversary program, which will begin at 3:30 PM and end at 5:00 PM., with student-led tours of the school to follow. Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School is located at 357 Clermont Avenue in Brooklyn’s Fort Greene neighborhood.

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