St. John of the Cross Parish School Celebrates 50 Years of Memorial Games

On Friday, May 19, 2017, St. John of the Cross celebrates fifty years of Memorial Games.

The Memorial Games originated in 1967 as a way to create unity in the three eighth grade classes as the students were having challenges relating. Sr. Anastasia, the first principal, decided on an inter-eighth grade set of games as a way to help the class come together. A letter went home to the parents and the games began that year.

The games were such a success that in the following spring both faculty and students enthusiastically decided to continue them calling them, “Memorial Games.” Different ideas developed and were added to the games every year thereafter and the enthusiasm from the 8th graders grew.

Much of what the games look like today were shaped in their early years. An entrance fee was charged to benefit an eighth grade’s gift to the school. The Mothers’ club also decided to provide refreshments, which were sold at the game. One game and a pep rally were played in the afternoon and two remaining games in the evening. Trophies were added – originally the 8th grade team kept it. Later, a larger traveling trophy started.

In 1972, each 8th grade class chose a name for their teams and created t-shirts to symbolize their name. If an eighth grader had a brother or sister that child became the mascot. Around 1982, the classes voted to allow girls to play in the Memorial Games. In the beginning, boys were gentle, but, the girls very soon, could hold their own.

The Memorial Games produced a great spirit for several weeks before they were played. Sometimes students enrolling in Kindergarten would say to Sr. Anastasia, “I’m going to Memorial Games.” Today, the spirit continues with the entire school.

Quite a few celebrations surround this year's games, with skits performed by each 8th grade homeroom beginning at 1 p.m. The first game is at 2:00 p.m. with a special visit from The Archdiocese of Chicago Superintendant, Dr. Jim, Rigg. An Alumni Reunion occurs at 4 p.m. with the final games beginning at 5:30 p.m.

Call Jennifer Miller at 708-246-4454 for more information.