Kevin and Shannon Carbonneau from Oak Lawn received joyful news last year – they were expecting a baby. Despite being far from choosing a school, Kevin cherished the thought of sending his child to the Catholic grade school he once attended, Queen of Martyrs in Evergreen Park. He expressed that the school represented tradition, with many families having sent multiple generations there.
Their daughter, Lucy Carbonneau, was born just two weeks ago, but sadly, she won’t be continuing that tradition. Across the nation, schools prepare for the new academic year, yet at Queen of Martyrs, the community is grieving the school’s closure as announced by the Archdiocese of Chicago in June. The school, which opened in 1953, held a farewell gathering at St. Gianna Parish including a final Mass, a tour of the school, and sharing of memories.
Kevin Carbonneau shared his sorrow: “I was devastated. It was definitely a shocker to hear. It’s something you never thought would happen, especially when you see it around all of the time.”
Sunday brought a moment of warmth as Kevin visited Room 2, where he had first grade with Eleanor Griegel. The retired teacher was present, and the pair embraced as Griegel met baby Lucy. She recalled fond memories of her 18-year tenure until 2003 and remarked on changes like the lack of coat storage and the addition of a big-screen TV.
Younger alumni also felt the impact of the closure. Matt, Lauren Reidy, Sarah Scott, and Tim Reidy revisited the library, discovering plaques commemorating honors they had earned. Matt reflected on the closure’s emotional weight while cherishing the legacy they all carry.
“It’s sad to see it go. But it will all live on in our hearts. We’ll carry on the legacy,” he stated.
The Archdiocese attributed the closure to sharply declining enrollment numbers. A projected decrease to 140 students and an expected $400,000 financial loss are cited, contrasting starkly with the school’s initial days in 1953, when over 500 students were registered. Echoing these times, Gary Grohovena remembered crowded classrooms during his school days.
Rev. Benedykt Pazdan of St. Gianna Parish urged the community during the Mass to trust in the Lord’s wisdom amid the change, presenting it as a positive opportunity for new educational prospects. His experience includes guiding communities through the closing of cherished establishments, notably the final Mass at St. Bernadette Church, which later merged with Queen of Martyrs into St. Gianna Parish.
Queen of Martyrs, serving pre-kindergarten through eighth grade students, prompted families to seek alternatives following the June closure announcement. Several nearby schools subsequently advertised openings on the school’s Facebook page.
Past attendees voiced their emotional connections and gratitude for the school’s influence. Alumni like Jim Grohovena acknowledged the significant sacrifices parents made to provide them a Catholic education imbued with faith.
“It’s heartbreaking that it closed,” Jim expressed. “My parents worked hard to get us in the Catholic school and they were dedicated to doing that. It put God in my life and it’s still a blessing to this day.”
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