By Rich Larson
St. Dominic School in Northfield is celebrating its centennial this fall, marking a century of education, faith and community connections that have brought generations of local families through its doors.
The school will kick off its centennial celebration on Saturday, October 10th, with a special event welcoming alumni, former teachers, families and the entire Northfield community.
The school’s history dates to 1925, when plans were made to establish a Catholic school in Northfield. Construction began in 1926, and the first students arrived in 1927. Originally known as Rosary School, the institution was renamed St. Dominic School in 1959, the same year a major addition expanded its facilities.
Today, the school serves students from preschool through eighth grade, offering a faith-based education with small class sizes and specialized instruction in Spanish, music, art and physical education.
Principal Shawn Dudley said the school’s student-to-teacher ratio is approximately twelve to one, allowing teachers to provide individualized attention while giving students opportunities to develop leadership skills.
For school board member Jesse Raines, the centennial is especially meaningful. Her great-grandmother was among the school’s first students, and her family has now sent five generations through St. Dominic.
School Development Director Sharon Wilson said the anniversary is an opportunity to recognize the families, educators and volunteers who have sustained the school throughout its history while looking toward its next century.
The October 10th celebration will begin with Mass at St. Dominic Church at 5 p.m., followed by festivities on the school campus beginning at 6.
The evening will feature school tours, entertainment, food trucks, children’s activities, historical memorabilia and birthday cake.
The school is also collecting oral histories from alumni and former staff members, preserving their memories for future generations. Wilson hopes the recordings will eventually become part of a commemorative video.
The October celebration will launch a year of centennial activities.
Everyone is welcome to attend, and reservations are optional.
More information, including event registration and opportunities to record personal memories, is available at schoolofsaintdominic.org under the alumni tab.
Rich Larson is the owner and General Manager of KYMN Radio. Contact him at rich@kymnrdio.net
