SETON CATHOLIC

Formed by Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, who traveled to the Wyoming Valley by stagecoach from Philadelphia, Seton Catholic High School is one of the oldest institutions in the diocese.

Under several different names, the school has been perched at the base of a hillside near the heart of downtown Pittston since 1864. For its thousands of alumni, it’s hard to picture it any other way.

“It’s part of Pittston history,” said Class of ’98 graduate Susan Sekusky, now a sales rep in Florida. “Just driving down William Street and seeing it there, but not open, will be heartbreaking.”

Until 1881, St. John’s Academy, as it was then known, was the only Catholic school in the Pittston area. It has been at its current location, 37 William St., since 1917.

The school went through numerous changes during its long history. In 1960, a fire nearly destroyed the entire facility, but the Rev. Edmund Langan, pastor of the parish at the time, dedicated a new gym and school less than two years later.

In 1976, Seton Catholic became a centralized diocesan high school supported by 23 parishes in the Pittston area.

Enrollment at Seton has declined 31 percent since the 2000-01 school year. With fewer students graduating from its feeder elementary schools, the diocese decided Seton’s growth prospects are slim.

Several of Seton’s supporting parishes struggle to provide annual subsidies, and the Meitler Consultants report released last year stated the school’s reputation “has declined as programs have been cut.” Parents, students and alumni drafted a proposal to save Seton by combining with Bishop O’Reilly, but the diocese deemed the plan unfeasible.

Accredited by the Middle States Association of colleges and universities, Seton is named for St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, the symbol of Catholic education in America, fitting for a school rich in history.

“It’s been around forever,” Sekusky said. “The school is like hallowed ground.”
END OF CITIZENS' VOICE ARTICLE

Webmaster's Note: Seton Catholic High School was closed by Bishop Joseph F. Martino of the Diocese of Scranton in June 2007. The closing of this beloved high school was heartbreaking for most.

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