Archbishop Prendergast High School
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| Archbishop Prendergast High School | |
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| Seal of Archbishop Prendergast High School | |
| Location | |
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| 401 N. Lansdowne Ave., Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania, 19026 |
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| Information | |
| Principal | Mr. WIlliam Brannick |
| Students | 800 |
| Type | All Girls Catholic High School |
| Mascot | Panda |
| Color(s) | Garnet & Gray |
| Established | 1956 |
| Homepage | http://www.prendie.com/ |
Archbishop Prendergast High School is an all-female Catholic High School in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Philadelphia. It is located in Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania. The school is often referred to by its nickname, "Prendie". The current building was previously used for Monsignor Bonner High School, an all-male high school on the same campus. The school mascot is the panda bear.
In September 2005 it was announced that the Office of Catholic Education of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia was implementing an administrative restructuring of Monsignor Bonner and the neighboring Archbishop Prendergast High School for Girls. Essentially, the schools would begin operating under one administration beginning in July 2006. Bonner's president, Rev. Augustine M. Esposito, O.S.A., Ph.D., was appointed president of the new co-institutional Monsignor Bonner-Archbishop Prendergast. The Principal of neighboring Archbishop Prendergast High School, Mrs. Mary Berner, was named Principal of the co-institutional school in January 2006. In 2007, Mrs. Berner was replaced by Mr. William Brannick as Principal of the co-institutional school.
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[edit] Campus History
The tract of land upon which sits Monsignor Bonner and Archbishop Prendergast Catholic High Schools was originally owned by Christopher Fallon, who in 1850 built an impressive octagonal mansion on the site. The house was named "Runnymede" from the Fallon family seat in Roscommon County in Ireland. In 1882, the unusual building was purchased by Colonel Anthony J. Drexel. Because of its grounds, gatehouse, and shape, it became a noted residence along Lansdowne Avenue. The mansion stood on what was called the hill of Drexel, and consequently the surrounding area became known as Drexel Hill. In 1908, the mansion tragically burned to the ground with only the gatehouse, which had served as servants' quarters, remaining.
In 1917, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia purchased the 33 acres for $57,000 and the Ordinary, Archbishop Edmond Francis Prendergast, announced the construction of the new orphanage for five hundred orphans, to be run by the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The orphanage was to replace one which had been demolished because of the construction of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and was to be called St. Vincent's Orphanage. Paul Monaghan was employed as architect and commissioned to build "one of the finest buildings in the diocese." Work on the project was slowed by the war, and Archbishop Prendergast died before the work was completed.
On May 9, 1920 the dedication took place. 40,000 people, accompanied by bands and musicians, walked from 69th Street to the dedication. Another 20,000 walked from the Pennsylvania Railroad Station in Lansdowne, and 65,000 more arrived by motorcar or by trolley from 69th Street. Archbishop Dennis Dougherty and Governor Sproul spoke to the 125,000 well-wishers gathered on the front lawn and along Garrett Road.
St. Vincent's functioned as an orphanage for over 30 years. By 1952 the number of children had dwindled. The Most Reverend John F. O'Hara decided to move the remaining orphans to a smaller building in Saint David's and to convert the home into Archbishop Prendergast High School for Boys.
In 1953, to meet the increasing demand for a Catholic high school in the expanding western suburbs, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia converted the vacated St. Vincent's Orphanage into a school for boys under the titled Archbishop Prendergast High School. Three years later a new building was erected on the same tract and named Monsignor Bonner High School in memory of Reverend John J. Bonner, the former diocesan Superintendent of Schools. Bonner then became a school for boys and Prendergast was designated as a school for girls.
In September 2005, it was announced that the Office of Catholic Education of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia was implementing an administrative restructuring of Archbishop Prendergast High School for Girls and the neighboring Monsignor Bonner High School for Boys. Essentially, the schools would begin operating under one administration beginning on 1st, July, 2006. Bonner's president was appointed president of the new co-institutional Monsignor Bonner & Archbishop Prendergast Catholic High School. The Principal of neighboring Archbishop Prendergast High School, Mrs. Mary Berner, was named Principal of the co-institutional school in January 2006
[edit] The Alma Mater
Daughters true are we to Christ our King
So in faith we hail His reign;
And as subjects loyal, His praises strong we sing
And allegiance pledge in refrain.
In us traditions live, we eagerly display
The colors the we raise aloft, the garnet and gray.
Loyalty, devotion fill us everyone
Purity of Mary, fairer than the sun;
May our every action now pattern Mary's own.
In our God and country, let us exult,
Neath freedom's shield advance.
With His stength and teachings guiding the result
Alma Mater fair enhance!
To freedom's aid attend in forum or in fray.
His soverign blessings fall upon the garnet and gray!
May we, Alma Mater, faithful be to you
As we tread life's pathways in thy radiance true,
"Ut sim fidelis", our motto we renew.
[edit] Present Administration
President: Rev. Augustine M. Esposito, O.S.A., Ph.D.
Principal: Mr. William E. Brannick
Assistant Principal for Academic Affairs: Mr. Chuck Wieners
Assistant Principal for Student Services: Mr. Thomas F. Stewart
Assistant Principal for Student Affairs: Mr. Peter Balzano
