 |
|
|
Looking Back: |
|
|
|
Thirty years ago, in the summer of 1974, five BVMs and several former BVMs responded to the call of BVM President Joan Doyle’s inspiring address, “There are promises to keep and miles to go.” They committed themselves to work with underachieving Latina women from Mexico, Costa Rica, Cuba and Nicaragua at Our Lady of Loretto High School near downtown Los Angeles. The Sisters of the Presentation from San Francisco originally staffed OLL. As with many congregations of women religious, the PBVMs had discerned which schools they would continue to staff and which they would have to leave because of lack of sisters. OLL High School, just off Alvarado Boulevard and close to MacArthur Park, was one of the schools they decided to relinquish. BVM Elizabeth Avalos (St. Augustine) was told that the diocese was looking for an administrator. So after prayer and discussion with some other interested BVMs, she applied for the position. Joining her at the school were former BVM Leona Cook as assistant principal, Marilyn Wilson BVM (Claudia) as English teacher and moderator of the student council, Barbara Gaul, BVM (Charles Mary) as music director, former BVMs Sheila Mason as math instructor and basketball coach, and Sharon Helmer as school counselor. The following year Mary Martens, BVM (Loras) came to teach English and BVM Diane Barabe (Damaris) taught religion. OLL was one of several diocesan high schools whose student population was primarily immigrant Latina women from East Los Angeles. Their first language was Spanish. Many had struggled in elementary school and needed a creative educational curriculum to meet their needs so they could improve their grades. Two BVM elementary schools, Assumption and St. Bernard’s, sent many of their students to OLL. The vision of the Gospel, dedication to its values, and a desire to live its message were driving passions of the lay and religious faculty and staff. Through their educational efforts, these educators became living witnesses to Jesus’ care and concern for those most vulnerable in our society. For many of the students, OLL was a caring oasis with a sound educational program to assist them in the quest for excellence. The high school provided a haven for those who came from chaotic lives. Faculty and staff encouraged pride in the student’s culture and a sensitivity to others cultures. Mutual Learnings During the six years that the BVMs staffed OLL, the students taught the faculty and staff much about the resiliency of those who are poor and the desire to work to one’s potential in the face of great odds. Many of the girls were the first in their family to graduate from high school. The majority of the graduates attended post secondary schools such as California State College in Los Angeles, UCLA and USC. Some went to Santa Clara University; one went to Princeton, and several to St. Mary’s, Moraga. Many of the parents worked two or three jobs in order to pay the tuition. One mother came with the tuition tucked in her sock and counted out the $300 cash in ones and fives. Other mothers sold tamales to the students and donated the proceeds to the school. All did their part to provide the needed human and financial resources needed to make the school viable. During those six years the student body joined with another girls’ high school for a Guadalupe celebration—a first in bringing together 800 students from rival schools to pray and play together. When the lay teachers called a strike to form a diocesan teachers’ union, the students supported it by marching to the Chancery to request a just resolution for their beloved faculty. For those of us who ministered at Our Lady of Loretto High School, the time spent there remains a memorable experience. We were able to bring to reality the promise of walking in solidarity with those who are in need. And in the process of sharing our BVM gift of education, we were taught by our students and their parents. We were enriched by the value they placed on their family life, the wonder of being immersed in another culture and the depth of spirituality that exists within the immigrant Hispanic population. We came as teachers of the Word and became learners of a rich culture, heritage and spirituality. About the author: Elizabeth Avalos, BVM was principal of this school. She lives in Sunnyvale, Calif., and is completing a sabbatical year. Return
to Table of Contents |
