School forms alumni group

Sacred Heart School has been around for over 40 years, established in 1964 by the Sacred Heart Parish and the Sisters of Mercy. The school has seen many students matriculate throughout the years and is looking to re-connect with former students and graduates by starting an alumni association.

"I am trying to get it (the alumni association) going," said Deacon Rich Valles. "We need to get more support and to make the school more visible to the community."

He has set up a page on Facebook to help locate former graduates; he said the idea came up at a school meeting.

"One of the parishes in Grass Valley gave me a hint and for them it has been successful," said Valles.

According to Valles, they only have 119 names and addresses of some of their alumni, which they have already sent letters to asking them if they would like to join the association and to inform them of a dinner coming up. So far only 15 of the 119 letters have been returned.

Valles is hoping former students and graduates will take the opportunity to join the alumni association. He believes it will be a great networking opportunity, as well as a way to reconnect with old friends.

"We have thousands of alumni in Shasta County, the goal is to make the school more visible and to promote Catholic Education," said Valles. He added that many graduates of Sacred Heart have been successful and feels it would help inspire those currently attending the school.

There will be a fund-raising basketball game and tri-tip dinner being held on Saturday, Feb. 20., where former students of the school will take on the basketball team at 3 p.m. then Mass will be held at 4:30 p.m. followed by the tri-tip dinner and presentation of the alumni association. The dinner will be $10 for adults, 12 - 6 will be $5 and free for 5 and under. They are also hoping to have a baby-sitting service for preschoolers.

For more information about joining the alumni association or the fund-raising dinner or if you simply know of a former student of Sacred Heart, please contact Rich Valles at RichValles@rocketmail.com or call Sacred Heart School at 365-1429.