On Saturday, July 22, a blessing and dedication ceremony was held to reveal the Villa Maria Project Balcony located on the third floor of Cathedral Prep’s Salata Technology & Innovation Center. The Villa Maria Project Balcony was inspired by the cherished traditions and memories made on Villa’s “patio,” and this prominent area of the school will honor the enduring legacy of Villa Maria Academy for generations to come. This was part of an ongoing effort to ensure that meaningful elements of Villa Maria Academy’s history are intentionally woven throughout the building and carved into the school’s future.
Villa Maria Cathedral Preparatory Catholic School System President Kevin Smith welcomed alumni from both Villa and Prep, school administrators, and several Sisters of St. Joseph to the balcony under the new signage, noting that he was especially proud to feature the Villa Maria name on the front of the school building, in blue of course, as a way to honor the Villa legacy.
President Smith’s remarks were followed up by Sr. Mary Drexler, SSJ ’63VMA. She was pleased that this newly dedicated space represents communication and connection, which are integral parts of the SSJ charism and mission. “The Villa Maria Project Balcony is an attempt to carry forth traditions from VMA to our present Villa Maria Cathedral Preparatory Catholic School System,” said Sr. Mary. “It is also a way of keeping alive the blessings, traditions, and memories of Villa Maria Academy for over 130 years.”
Fr. Mike DeMartinis provided a heartfelt blessing of the balcony to help make it a sacred space for our students to work together and grow as a family in unity and faith. Member of the VMCPCSS Board of Directors Katie Dufala ’98VMA and her daughter Josie Dufala ’24 then addressed the crowd to share their cherished memories of Villa and how their willingness to embrace this change has helped them to be active in ensuring the values of the Sisters of St. Joseph are instilled in both the women and men of Prep.
Finally, Sr. Mary and President Smith requested that the Villa alumni present lead the crowd in the singing of the alma mater to officially dedicate the Villa Maria Project Balcony. As Villa’s mission, history, commitment to faith, and standard of excellence remain present in the hearts of our students, faculty, and staff, its positive impact will be everlasting.
