Elected Officials Join Bishop Loughlin High to Celebrate 165th Anniversary

BROOKLYN, NY (September 26, 2016) — At a time when many Catholic schools are closing, Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School is thriving. Last week Loughlin celebrated its 165th anniversary with a reception attended by supporters and notable public officials, including Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams, State Assembly Representative Walter T. Mosley and City Councilwoman Laurie Cumbo. The Most Reverend James Massa, Auxiliary Bishop of Brooklyn, gave the blessing.

The event also recognized the school’s achievement of an ambitious capital campaign, which raised more than $12 million—well beyond its $10 million goal. Kenya Harris, a 2001 Loughlin alum and representative of City Comptroller Scott Stringer, presented school president Brother Dennis Cronin, FSC with a proclamation that recognized the school for 165 years of service in Brooklyn.

In remarks made at the event, Assemblyman Mosley said, "I want to commend Bishop Loughlin High School. As the oldest Catholic school in Brooklyn, it is an honor to serve you in the New York State Assembly, and as a parent I thank you for always setting a standard that is second to none. Continued success to one of the leading Lasallian schools in the greatest borough in our state."

Loughlin has a reputation for sending the vast majority of its graduates to college. A full 99% of its students graduate and 97% go on to college. The average for New York City public schools is 65%. Loughlin’s numbers would be impressive in any situation, but they are especially noteworthy for a small school in the heart of Brooklyn, whose student body is 98% black and Latino. Critics sometimes charge that successful private schools either don’t accept or expel low-performing students. Not so at Loughlin, which boasts an acceptance rate of 95%.

“Of course we care about numbers,” said President Cronin, “because they are one indicator of success. But just one. As a Roman Catholic school in the Lasallian tradition, we strive to educate the whole person. Nearly all of our students perform well academically, and they also develop character, spirituality, and leadership skills that help them become productive adults and responsible citizens.”

The infusion of capital has made it possible for Loughlin to enhance its academic programs. New this fall are biomedical science and engineering programs housed in a state-of-the-art laboratory facility that features 3D printers and the latest technology and equipment. The school has also added several AP courses, is renovating its sports facilities, and created a vibrant new studio space for its art classes.

Scholarships are another critical use for the funding, as more than half of Loughlin students receive some financial aid from the school. Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School is located at 357 Clermont Avenue in Brooklyn’s Fort Greene neighborhood.

Photo Captions:

1) Councilwoman Laurie Cumbo speaks to anniversary celebrants.

2) State Assemblyman Walter T. Mosley (l) and Loughlin school president Brother Dennis Cronin, FSC.

3) Kenya Harris, Loughlin '01, who represented the Office of City Comptroller Scott Stringer