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A diamond in the faith community

June 21, 2025 7:55 am | By Dan McWilliams

St. Mary gala is a testament to Oak Ridge school’s legacy and future By Dan McWilliams The community of St. Mary School in Oak Ridge turned out in full May 3 for a Diamond Anniversary Gala. The 75th-anniversary event in the school gym, attended by 160, paid a well-deserved tribute to the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia Congregation whose teachers have staffed the school since its founding in 1950. The evening included a catered dinner; silent and live auctions; talks by principal Sister Mary John Slonkosky, OP; alumnus and former St. Mary pastor Father Chris Michelson; former pastor Father Michael Woods; and the presentation of a state Senate joint resolution from Lt. Gov. Randy McNally, another St. Mary alum. John Deinhart emceed the gala, which was capped with dancing to the music of the Love, Peace & Happiness Band from Chattanooga. Father Michelson graduated from St. Mary School in 1968,... Read more →