Large Crowd Turns Out for Maria Regina 50th Anniversary Event

Hundreds of families gathered at Sunday afternoon for an open house celebrating 50 years within the Seaford community.

Denise Seck, principal at the school located at , said she is very proud of her staff, parish and students to reaching such a joyous milestone. 

"I think it's amazing that were here for 50 years and we're still strong," said Seck, who has been affiliated with Maria Regina School the last seven years. "As you can see from the turn out.... , people really care about this school. It's a place where memories are made and are still alive."

Before Sunday's open house, Maria Regina honored a special alumna at the 10:30 a.m. mass. Holy Trinity High School Principal Kathleen Moran attended Maria Regina from a young age and followed through with Catholic education from both sides of the spectrum.

"She attended Maria Regina and kept the spirit of Catholic education alive," Seck said of Moran. "We thought it was fitting to honor her being that it's the start of Catholic Schools Week."

Albin Pepe, a senior at Holy Trinity, attended Maria Regina up until eighth grade. Pepe said coming back to Maria Regina this weekend brought him back to the great memories he shared growing up.

"I was at Maria Regina since kindergarten so it's always been a big part of my life," said Pepe, a Massapequa resident. "I have a lot of friends here and I've known the teachers for a long time. They've always helped me out when I needed it and always made us feel like a big extended family."

Cathy Winter, a parent to two Maria Regina students, felt it was necessary to contribute her help to Sunday's celebration. 

"I think it's a great milestone for the school and it sends a message that Catholic schools are still important," Winter said. "The teachers here are very dedicated and so is the administration. The families really care and are very involved. If you don't have any of that, you won't have a school that lasts."

Liz Contillo, president of Maria Regina's Parent Association, said that the strong foundation and tight-knit community that the Catholic school provides at a young age has been vital in her children's successes and for that she is forever grateful.

"My oldest son is on his way to [Harvard Law and Harvard Business] and he feels that Maria Regina gave him everything to develop his character and his ambition," Contillo explained. "Our family is very connected to the school and the church. Our kids have their faith and they've always used that throughout their lives."