Cathedral High School

  

The Cathedral Alumni Hall of Fame

The Cathedral Alumni Hall of Fame is a museum which chronicles the rich and storied history of Cathedral High School, the oldest Catholic high school in Hamilton-Wentworth, established in 1912.  This museum is dedicated to preserving the history, celebrating the excellence, and promoting the Catholic foundation and values of Cathedral High School. The idea and vision of the Cathedral Alumni Hall of Fame originated from Jim Daly (Class of 1961), a former Cathedral student council president, teacher, principal, and Director of the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board.  This vision came to fruition through the leadership and efforts of Mark Daly (Class of 1987) during his tenure as principal of Cathedral High School and Vince Lepore (Class of 1979), the longest-serving teacher in the history of Cathedral High School.

 

The Cathedral Alumni Hall of Fame is located on the main floor of Cathedral High School in the Main Office area.   The Cathedral Alumni Hall of Fame features the following major exhibits: 1. Cathedral Historical Wall Mural 2. Cathedral Wall of Distinction 3. Cathedral War Memorial 4. Cathedral Historical Display Case 5. Historical Information Panels 6. Trophy Case with Historical Sports Mural 7. Next Planned Phase - Cathedral Historical Timeline   Tour Information  Donation Information

 

 

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1. Cathedral Historical Wall Mural

This 30’ x 10’ wall collage contains photos of approximately 300 notable and historical Cathedral alumni, teams, and special events spanning from 1912 to present.

              

 

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2. Cathedral Wall of Distinction

The Cathedral Wall of Distinction recognizes distinguished Cathedral alumni who have brought honour to Cathedral High School through their achievements, accomplishments, and contributions in their chosen fields and greater community.  Their leadership, vision, commitment, creativity, and faith have been lasting, pervasive, and profound.  These alumni serve as a constant reminder and inspiration to current and future Cathedral students to strive for greatness in their own lives.

There are currently over 160 Cathedral alumni who have been inducted into the Cathedral Wall of Distinction.

For a complete list of inductees and their plaques, click the following link:   Cathedral Wall of Distinction

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3. Cathedral War Memorial

The Cathedral War Memorial is a monument which commemorates the 76 known Cathedral alumni who were killed in action during World Wars I and II.

This monument consists of the original Cathedral War Memorial statue from 1947 which has been enhanced by a background wall displaying descriptive plaques for each of the Cathedral alumni war casualties.  The original War Memorial statue consists of a beautiful marble statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary and a cement base containing the inscribed names of the known Cathedral war casualties at the time.  In 1947, it was blessed by Bishop Joseph Ryan.  He was assisted by Father John Noonan and Father Blake Ryan.  The new cathedral War Memorial was blessed by Bishop Douglas Crosby on November 11, 2022.

 For a complete list of the 76 Cathedral war heroes and their plaques, click the following link:  Cathedral Wall Memorial

 

 

   

Watch the CHCH TV news report on the blessing of the new Cathedral War Memorial:

 

 

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4. Cathedral Historical Display Case

This exhibit contains historical artifacts and memorabilia associated with the esteemed history of Cathedral High School, spanning over 100 years.  It allows viewers to engage with history in a tangible way.  This exhibit not only highlights the aesthetic and cultural value of its contents, but also educates and inspires curiosity about different time periods and events.  This display case also includes a pictorial collage of many historical events in the history of Cathedral High School.

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5. Historical Information Panels

These descriptive panels (10’ x 6’) serve as rich historical guides, offering viewers a deeper understanding of the individuals, events, and milestones that have shaped Cathedral’s legacy.  They not only honour the past, but also inspire future generations to appreciate and preserve Cathedral High School’s enduring heritage.

Below are two examples of Cathedral historical information panels:

     

6. Trophy Case with Historical Sports Mural

 

The Cathedral Trophy Case is a striking tribute to over a century of athletic excellence, proudly showcasing the school’s enduring sports legacy. Stretching across one wall, a 16-foot by 8-foot historical mural vividly captures the spirit of Cathedral’s championship history from 1922 to the present day. The mural weaves together team photos, newspaper clippings, and iconic moments that chronicle generations of student-athletes who have worn the Cathedral blue and white colours with pride. Beneath it, gleaming trophies and sports memorabilia which tell the story of dedication, teamwork, and triumph—making the space not just a display, but a living monument to the tradition of Cathedral athletic excellence.

     

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Tours

Tours of the Cathedral Alumni Hall of Fame are offered to alumni, family, and friends of Cathedral High School who would like to reconnect and learn more about the heralded history of Cathedral High School.  These tours have proven to be very popular and have received excellent reviews.

Tours are conducted on weekdays from 3:30 pm onwards.  To arrange a tour, contact Vince Lepore at [email protected]. 

          

 

Watch Stephen Dunn (Class of 1951) sing the Cathedral School song during his family tour:

     

Watch Dr. Vincenzo DiNicola (Class of 1972), President of the World Association of Social Psychiatry, during his tour of the Cathedral Alumni Hall of Fame:

Here are a few of the reviews from the Cathedral Alumni Hall of Fame tours: "Thank you so much for inviting us to the marvelous display at Cathedral.  You have done an amazing job." - Eleanor Thomson "Thank you so much for taking the time to show us the wonderful display…..it was so wonderful to see so many of our memories brought to life." - Fran Wiesner "Thank you for the wonderful afternoon we spent at the “new” Cathedral High School.  To say that I was impressed is an understatement." - Bill Crandall "Just wanted to thank you so much for an incredible tour and experience of the Hallowed Hallways of Cathedral High." - Ed Markson "Your committee has completed an outstanding memorial of the history of Cathedral High!  Our family was very impressed." - Russ Morreale "Thank you for your hospitality and the astonishing work you have done to augment and celebrate Cathedral’s extraordinarily distinguished history." - Dermot Nolan "I can’t begin to thank you and tell you how much I enjoyed seeing the Wall of Distinction and the Veteran’s Wall." - Marianne Priestner What a superb job you have done in recognizing the history of Cathedral High!  World Class! - Sister Mae Kierans, CSJ

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Next Planned Phase - Cathedral Historical Timeline

The next planned addition to the Cathedral Alumni Hall of Fame will be a Cathedral Historical Timeline (65’ long x 10’ high) which will chronicle the storied history of Cathedral High School.  Spanning from the school’s founding in 1912 to the present day, this timeline will highlight the key milestones, championship teams, remarkable individuals, and cherished traditions which have shaped Cathedral’s esteemed history.  Through carefully curated photographs and inspiring narratives, visitors will be able to walk through the decades and witness the school’s enduring legacy.  From its early days of academic excellence to its continued commitment to faith and service, this timeline will serve as a powerful reminder of Cathedral’s powerful impact.  Whether you are a Cathedral alumnus reminiscing about the past or a friend of Cathedral learning more about its history, this timeline will connect generations and celebrate the special spirit of Cathedral High School.       

 

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Fundraising Campaign

To date, the entire Cathedral Alumni Hall of Fame has been financed through the generous donations of Cathedral alumni and friends of Cathedral. 

For the next planned phase, the estimated cost for the planning, design, production, and installation of the Cathedral Historical Timeline is $35,000. 

In order to fully fund this timeline, we are currently appealing for donors.  All donations are tax deductible through our charity number (40% return on taxes!).

 

There are 2 levels of donors:

 Legacy Donors ($5,000)

 

·      Donors will be acknowledged on a large professionally created commemorative wall display (10’ x 9’) which is located in the Cathedral Alumni Hall of Fame exhibition area (see below).

·      Donors will also be recognized on the Cathedral Alumni Hall of Fame website.

·      All donors will receive a charitable tax receipt (40% return on taxes)

To date, the following Cathedral alumni and friends of Cathedral have become Legacy Donors through their donations which funded the previously completed phases of the Cathedral Alumni Hall of Fame:

 

 Cathedral 1000 Donors ($100 or more)

The goal of this campaign is to have 1000 Cathedral alumni donate $100 or more for the maintenance and expansion (Historical Timeline and Clergy Alumni Wall) of the Cathedral Alumni Hall of Fame. ·     Donors will be recognized on the Cathedral Alumni Hall of Fame website. ·     All donors will receive a charitable tax receipt (40% return on taxes)

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      Cathedral High School sincerely thanks the following Cathedral 1000 Campaign donors: 

 

Shaeley Barrios Barrera	Pat Mackesy
Cathedral Girls’ Class of 1969	Jack Marchese
Corrado and Nadia Ciapanna	Dan Marranca
Tom Coons	Sam and Roma Mercanti Foundation
Lou D’Antonio	Paul Mazza
Charlie and Joanne Criminisi	Dr. Patricia Murphy
Dr. Clinton Davis	Dermot Nolan
Vince D’Andrea	The Parente Family
Frank’s Tire Service	Lea Ray
Larry Hollick	James Scarfone
Imperium Metalworks  (Gianni Sblendorio)	Marie Sison
Lois N. Kantor	Kristine Van Sickle
Vartan Keorhadjian	Ron Van Sickle
Jeff Liberatore

 

 

                      

The 2 ways to donate are by:      1. Cheque
2. Online      

1. Cheque

When paying by cheque, the cheque is made payable to "Cathedral High School" and "Cathedral Alumni Hall of Fame" is to be written on the memo line.  Cheques are mailed to:

Cathedral High School
30 Wentworth Street North
Hamilton, Ontario   L8L 8H5

Attn: Mickey Bellavia

 

2. Online

Here is the link to make an online donation:

Cathedral Alumni Hall of Fame Online Donation

                                 

For the Online Donation:

* Select Cathedral Catholic Secondary from the drop-down menu.
* For the Message to School Board, type Cathedral Alumni Hall of Fame 
* Click Add to Cart
* Just Continue as a Guest

 

Note- A charitable tax receipt (40% return on your taxes) will be emailed to you after making your online donation.

 

Once you make an online donation, please email Vince Lepore ([email protected]) to ensure that your donation goes into the proper account.

 

You can also contact Mrs. Mickey Bellavia, the Cathedral Head Secretary, at [email protected] or at 905-522-3581 (Ext. 3005) to arrange payment and receive a charitable receipt.

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For further information regarding the Cathedral Alumni Hall of Fame (including tours, donations, and nominations),
contact Vince Lepore at [email protected] or at 905-746-2913.