St. Michael's Diocesan High School Alumni Association
    St. Michael's Diocesan High School opened its doors in 1926, and proceeded to educate approximately 400 boys each year. Closing its doors in 1960, the school taught 2400 young men who would go on to roles of accomplishment and leadership in many fields of service.

     Sharing a building with an elementary school, the Michaelmen persevered in spite of a totally inadequate physical plant. Located in Brooklyn's Sunset Park neighborhood, the school would serve students from parishes in southwest Brooklyn. Lacking a gym, laboratory, adequate library or lunch room, St Mike's had one priceless asset- a dedicated, talented faculty of Xaverian Brothers. Partners in sharing the "primitive" site on 43rd Street, the bond of love and respect that was forged between Brothers and boys is a bond that endures to this day.

     St. Michael's was one of a chain of diocesan high schools operated by the Diocese of Brooklyn. The 43rd Street quarters were supposed to be temporary, but the Great Depression and World War II put an end to any major building program at that time.

     The Xaverian Brothers would later provide a home for the Michaelmen in their superb new Xaverian High School overlooking the Narrows in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. Xaverian is also the home of St. Michael's Alumni Association which carries on the spirit of St. Michael's, the school that wouldn't die.

     Over its 34 year history, St. Michael's students compiled an enviable record of academic performance and achievement. A superior faculty maintained rigorous standards of scholarship. This was the critical foundation leading to superior work in college and later careers.

     Hundreds of Michaelmen have given details of their lives through individual profiles provided to the Alumni Association. Overall, they provide a record that is truly impressive. The record of activity covers virtually all professions; business participation is extensive with many alumni rising to high positions of responsibility. Advanced academic degrees are common. Even more impressive is the record of service to Church and community. The roster of dedication is deep: bishop, priest, brother, deacon, eucharistic minister, usher, CCD teacher, CYO coach, boy scout leader, member of the Holy Name Society, Knights of Columbus, veterans organizations, as well as many civic, social and community groups. Michaelmen will readily tell you that they owe their success to the foundation in Faith and education given by the Xaverian Brothers at St.Michael.'s.

     In spite of facility shortcomings, athletics and extracurricular activities flourished at St. Michael's. Until World War II, the basketball and track teams had a home in the nearby Naval Reserve Armory. After 1941, these and other varsity teams became the "nomads of Brooklyn", playing where they could find a temporary haven. Michaelmen won their share of championships- some track records still remain unbroken.

    A school drama group presented plays for students and parents. Exhibitions of student art were held. There were school wide competitions in speech and debate. Students published the school newspaper, the Michaelog, which continues today as the Alumni Michaelog.

     In 1960, as the last class of St. Michael's graduated, the school's Alumni Association was reborn. The Alumni Association is dedicated to certain ideals expressed in its statement of mission. These are: the mission of the Alumni is to witness all Christian ideals and principles; and the perpetuate the spirit of St. Michael's among its alumni through religious and social activities; to continue the support of Ryken House, the Brothers' retirement home; and to support the mission of the Xaverian Brothers. The year 1994-95 will stand as one of the most outstanding years in the history of the Association. Foremost was the dedication of St. Michael's Chapel and Hall, the shining gem at the heart of Xaverian High School. These facilities were a fulfillment of a three-year pledge of $500,000 by the members of the Alumni Association. Over the past 36 years, the St Michael's Alumni Association has raised $1 million for the Xaverian Brothers and Xaverian High School. The Brothers unique endowment that was St. Michael's Diocesan High School continues to return a rich stream of interest.

     The St. Michael's Alumni Association has become a model for other schools that have closed. In recent years, all too many have been Catholic schools. Visitors are shown the Association's program, publications, events and record of performance. Put it all together and it still doesn't explain how the Association is a thriving organization today. The answer to that lies in the special bond forged between Brothers and boys in the 34 years of St. Michael's existence. Behind raising many thousands of dollars is the memory and gratitude for a superb education provided free of tuition. It adds up to a school that wouldn't die.

The book "The School That Will Not Die" is now available.

For further information call
718-836-7100 ext. 119

St. Michael's Leadership Group Members
    • President, Anthony Zupo '59
    • Vice President, Mike Costelloe'49
    • Treasurer, Bill Hyland '48
    • Secretary, Brother Jim Smith '60

The Alumni Michaelog - St. Michael's Alumni Newsletter
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