Do you remember the first time you ever visited St. Mary's Academy? It was probably when you were in eighth grade. The girls who guided you through the building seemed so smart and cool in their red and navy uniforms - they were, of course, upperclassmen. We came to SMA from different places for different reasons. But, the words above these doors reminded us we were there for a common goal - "Knowledge and Virtue United."

We began our journey at St. Mary's with a special friend and advocate, our Big Sis!

Freshman Initiation meant our loving Big Sisses could dress us up as goofy as they wanted. We didn't know what to expect, and some of us may have doubted if we'd survive the day, but we all ended up having fun and making new friends.

For most of us, being sophomores meant we shortened our skirts and got our class rings. We were one of the first classes to break away from the "old" design and purchase the more contemporary look.

Of course, no recollection of our time at St. Mary's would be complete without a mention of those who served on the administration - Sr. Robert, Sr. Leo Marie, Sr. Rita, and Sr. Lourdette. Some of us spent more time in their offices than others, but that's another story! Whether or not we always agreed with them, they were the back bone of our school and helped make St. Mary's the incredible high school it was for all of us.

"The Killing of Sister George" was the first one-act play in St. Mary's Academy history to go to state competition, which was held in Stevens Point the first weekend of December. Approximately 40 students were involved.

The 1980 track team, coached by Kathy Dauk and Mark Kloppenburg, had a great season and placed second in both the Metro Conference Indoor Meet and Outdoor Conference Meet.

The 1980 field hockey team won the Southeast Lake Conference tournament championship. Martha Simmons was named to the All-Conference team and was MVP of tournament and Sue Burkhardt received an honorable mention.

On November 21, 1979, the students, faculty, and administration celebrated the founding of St. Mary's Academy. Archbishop Rembert Weakland honored us with a visit and was given a grand tour of the school by Senior Class Co-Chairwomen Kelly Moran and Kim Weber. The tour ended in Room 113 with a reception for everyone.

During our senior year, many girls were involved with the Junior Miss scholarship programs in their cities. Suzanne Boncel (third from right) was chosen as Milwaukee's Junior Miss and Donna Frankowski (far left) placed as fourth runner-up.

Sandy Boren served as Cudahy's Junior Miss. Kim Weber was first runner-up in Oak Brook's program.

The theme for our Senior Prom was "Always and Forever" and included Queen Mary Forret and King Joe Brozynski as well as seniors Mary Heinz, Julie Meyer, Kathy Arndt, Dawn Rodenkirch, Margaret Giebel, and Ann Barwig. Do you remember the theme for our Junior Prom? It was "A Time For Us."

Our Junior-Senior Luncheon in 1980 was held at the glorious and historic Astor Hotel.

Mary's Day, with the traditional crowning, was an absolutely gorgeous day in our beautiful grotto. Mary's Day Court included Patra W., Mary Hetzel, Mary Haag, Jane Hendricks, Monica Krolikowski, with Suzanne Kletch being the Crowning Queen. The Introduction was given by Kathy Lehto and Lisa Konsionowski and Karen Markowski shared the readings. Other participants included the Academy Singers performing "Hail, Holy Queen," Teresa Dowling giving the Litany of Our Lady, and Kim Weber reading the Benediction.

The theme for our Graduation Breakfast was "Everything Has Its Season." The breakfast was held in the gym and included fresh fruit, scrambled eggs, pork sausage, desserts, and milk and coffee. Ginny George was our mistress of ceremonies and showed a slide presentation titled "A Look at the Class of '80." Senior Ensemble sang "Moving Right Along" and "Corner of the Sky." Joyce Cupertino gave the address. We have our moms to thank for the wonderful food!

Our graduation Mass was held in SMA's lovely chapel, where we'd gathered so many times before, with Fr. Tom as the officiant. Readings were given by Lisa Chmielewski & Margie Jacques and Vicky Posler & Peggy Dagelen read the Petitions. Kelly Moran shared a reading from Dr. Alvin Renetzky called "Listening to Myself." We sang "Sing to the Mountains," "Be Not Afraid," and "Sing A New Song." No doubt our faith was often challenged during our teen years, but events like this reminded us that we were all part of God's family. 

Could any of us believe it when Graduation Day finally came? We focused on the song, "The Times of Your Life," and its words: "The seasons are passing one by one so gather moments while you may, collect the dreams you dream today. Remember. Will you remember the times of your life?"