Celebrating Queen of Peace High School

Alumnae, Dominican Sisters, families and friends of Queen of Peace High School gathered on Sunday, June 11, to celebrate the school’s 55 year legacy. An alumnae choir and interpretive liturgical dancers led the procession as an alumna from each of the 55 years carried their respective yearbook into the gym. Father Tom Hurley, pastor of Old St. Patrick’s Church in Chicago, was the celebrant for the Mass. Father Hurley’s three sisters attended Queen of Peace High School and he talked about how he feels a close connection to Queen of Peace and how the Dominican influence was instrumental in his early life and played a role in his decision to join the priesthood.

Following Mass all were welcome to enjoy light refreshments and tour the school. Bulletin boards were covered in historic pictures and a DVD that captured the essence of Queen of Peace through the years played in the hallways. There were Pride Wear items, yearbooks and class rings available for purchase.

“Today we were delighted to give all those who have made Peace a part of their lives the chance to walk down memory lane. We are especially grateful to the 45 Sinsinawa Dominican sisters who joined us in celebration today. Queen of Peace would not be here without them. It was amazing to see how many alumnae, students, faculty members and friends of Peace came to share this special day. As difficult as today may be, we know that we will all keep the Dominican values and all that we learned at Queen of Peace in our hearts forever” said Anne O’Malley, president of Queen of Peace and a graduate from the class of 1975. “As Fr. Hurley stated, we should move forward, celebrating the 15,000 women that graduated from Queen of Peace High School.”

The celebration ended as guests joined together outside the school for a symbolic dove release, representing Peace.