I went to church in Reserve Sunday, as St. Peter School was celebrating Catholic School Week.

The Mass is an annual Msgr. Eyraud Mass and alumni reunion. Each year graduates of certain years are recognized and a distinguished graduate is named.

Jeanne and I both graduated from St. Peter School, and this year my class of 1947 was honored. It’s hard for me to realize that it’s been 70 years.

It was a vision of Msgr. Eyraud for the community to build a Catholic school.

The school was dedicated in 1930. The tuition was 50 cents a student if you could afford it.

At that time, the attendance was between 600 to 700 students who were taught by Dominican nuns and one lay teacher (Miss Evelyn Montz).

My brother, Mark, and sisters, Lillie and Judith, as well as my four children all had the privilege of attending. Jeanne and I are so grateful that we were educated and spiritually fed by such a loving family.

My seventh grade teacher was Sister Mary Evangelist, who loved me in spite of my behavior. She had a big influence on my life. We kept in touch until her death years ago.

The distinguished graduate this year was Mr. Stephen Guidry, Class of 1974. It was an honor well deserved.

Years ago, I witnessed him spearheading a drive to save the school when closure seemed a certainty.

Stephen’s father, Frances Guidry, served on the St. Peter School Board for years. He and his siblings were some of the most loyal supporters of the school and church community.

Stephen learned well that the secret to living is giving, especially of your time and labor.

After the services, we were invited to have lunch at St. Peter School.

The gumbo, potato salad and sweets were a great way to end an exciting celebration.

If the church decides to honor a mother-of-the-year on Mother’s Day, I recommend Stephen’s mother, Gert. Without a doubt, she would be an excellent choice.

If you have any questions or comments, please write Harold Keller at Get High on Life, P.O. Drawer U, Reserve, LA 70084, call 985-652-8477 or email hkeller@comcast.net.