Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
Bishop Shanahan hosts flag-raising event
The ceremony also marked the school’s 60th anniversary
DOWNINGTOWN » Bishop Shanahan High School hosted a flag-raising ceremony on Monday as a formal dedication of its newly constructed set of flag poles, in celebration of the 60th anniversary of the school and in commemoration of the anniversary of 9/11.
The flag poles are now permanently located on Shanahan’s campus in Downingtown outside the main entrance of the school at 220 Woodbine Road and remained at half-mast in honor of Patriot Day on Monday.
“The goal of Catholic education is to prepare us to be good citizens of this world and the next, no matter what our age,” Bishop Shanahan High School President, Sister Regina Plunkett, IHM, said during the ceremony. “These flags are a very important reminder of this reality.”
The ceremony continued with a blessing of the flags and flag poles by the campus minister. The flag of the United States was raised first, and the National Anthem was sung by the entire student body. The Papal and Bishop Shanahan High School flags were then raised. Special representatives assisted in the raising of the flags including: James Hetherington and Kathy Capriotti to represent Shanahan alumni and faculty; Suzanne Byard and Donald Gentile to represent Shanahan staff; and Samantha Capriotti and Jack Shields to represent the student body.
Principal Michael McArdle welcomed seven Bishop Shanahan students, who are also Eagle Scouts, to further honor each flag.
“The flag of the United States of America represents who we are,” Eagle Scout Matthew Callan said to his classmates during the ceremony. “It stands for the freedom we all share and the pride and patriotism we feel for our county. We cherish its legacy, as a beacon of hope to one and all.”
In addition to Callan, the Eagle Scouts included: John Buck, Kolbe Bien, Josh Carney, Daniel Guerin, Robert Hagenow and Nicholas Waldschmidt.