Published: 27 February 2025

Paving the way together

GREENSBORO — St. Pius X School is celebrating 70 years of education at a gala, “Paving the Way,” set for March 15 at the Greensboro Country Club. Community leaders, alumni, parents, clergy and parish members will reflect on the school’s history of growth while raising money to “pave the way” for a Marian Garden and some needed renovations.

St. Pius X School’s new principal, Antonette Aguilera, is delighted. “As we celebrate 70 years of faith, learning and service, we reflect on our humble beginnings – a small school on what was once a dead-end street,” she says. That street is now a busy thoroughfare, and enrollment, which began in 1955 with 179 pupils, stands at a record high of 408.

Throughout its history, strong academic standards paired with Catholic traditions have been key parts of St. Pius X School’s approach, which continues today led by Principal Antonette Aguilera.(Photos by Daughters of Charity Province of St. Louise, St. Louis, MO; Lisa Geraci | Catholic News Herald)

A history of growth

The large brass cross that stands outside St. Pius X School is the one of the only original structures that remain at the school, which has grown and evolved over its 70-year history. As Father Christian Cook says of the school he recently became pastor of, “I was happy to find strong academic standards, an excellence in arts and athletics, and a joyful and enthusiastic spirit – all woven into a beautiful Catholic identity.” (Daughters of Charity Province of St. Louise, St. Louis, MO; Lisa Geraci | Catholic News Herald)In 1955, the new $193,000 school was dubbed “one of the most beautiful school structures in the state” with its pale green walls, nine classrooms, an auditorium that could hold 600, a chapel that sat 300 and had a “modern” feature: a cry room so “mothers can assist in Mass and bring their young children.”

Former 1955 fourth-grade student and current St. Pius X parishioner Dan Curran, 80, remembers the beginnings of the old school.

“The road stopped at St. Pius X, the rest was forest and land. The city ended right there. Behind the school was an old reservoir,” Curran says.

Today, the only unchanged structure seems to be the large brass cross standing out front. The downstairs chapel where Curran was an altar boy operated as the main St. Pius X Church until a separate church was built in 1981. Where the altar once sat, there is now an art room.

The original St. Pius X School is mostly hidden under years of renovations. Currently, there are 14 core subject classrooms, a music room, two Spanish classrooms, a language center, a renovated auditorium, a computer lab, a STEM lab and a full media center. Plus, there is a new DeJoy Early Education building for pre-kindergarten to first-grade students, with its own multipurpose room and playground.

Curran has seen all the progress and credits the late Monsignor Anthony Marcaccio with his keen eye for architecture and improvements.

“He is responsible for all the building efforts. His fingerprints are all over the church and school. He loved architecture, and he knew what he wanted,” Curran says.

Liz Pendergrass, administrative assistant to current pastor Father Christian Cook and Monsignor Marcaccio’s longtime assistant, agrees. “The school looked very institutional. When we built the new church and had the Connelly Athletic Center, Monsignor wanted the buildings to be more cohesive.”

The school’s red brick walls were painted white to match, and massive additions and renovations began.

Pendergrass knew of Monsignor Marcaccio’s knack for architecture but was more impressed with his affection for the students.

“He loved those kids,” she recalls. She told stories of how Monsignor Marcaccio created a kissing booth for his beloved dog Tater and designed “Pirate Day,” encouraging students to dress up and talk like pirates because that’s what he wanted to be when he had been their age.

The new facilities exemplify the fruits of the growth of Catholicism over the better part of a century in Greensboro, yet Aguilera is even prouder of the spiritual foundation.

“Today, we stand as a vital part of Greensboro,” Aguilera says. “A shining example of how religious education, combined with the highest standards in academics, athletics, arts and service can transform a community by developing strong Catholics, deeply rooted in Christian values, who are equipped with intellect, faith and integrity to serve others with purpose and compassion.”

Upholding tradition

At the dedication back in 1955, Auxiliary Bishop James J. Navagh declared the school to be a “monument to God … to the good mothers and fathers who made it possible and to the Sisters of Charity who will run it.”

Those “humble beginnings” Aguilera alluded to started before the school was erected. Its roots go back to 1926, when the first Bishop of Raleigh, William Joseph Hafey, petitioned the Daughters of Charity from Emmitsburg, Maryland, to open St. Benedict School in Greensboro.

St. Benedict Grade School opened on Sept. 6, 1926, with four women religious to teach 62 students, but it quickly became overcrowded. By 1951 enrollment had nearly tripled, to 179.

Understanding the need, St. Benedict’s pastor and Bishop Vincent Waters bought 14.2 acres from the Cone family and made plans for a new school on the corner of North Elm Street and East Cornwallis Drive.

Midway through the 1955 school year, St. Benedict School transitioned into St. Pius X School with the same students and sisters, but in a new building two miles away.

As the years went on, the Daughters of Charity taught as educators and led as principals, creating an environment that promoted education, service and faith.

Sister Ann Claire Rhoads remembers students from 1992, including actress Lee Avant, who regularly visits her, and harpist Kristen Kerr. “These students excelled one after the other after the other,” she recalls. “A lovely school and an amazing experience.”

The Daughters of Charity left the school in 1998, but their history still sets an example. Students continue to visit Dolan Manor retirement home to see the elderly. They gather food for the poor and donate money to Urban Ministries.

“For 70 years now, St. Pius X Catholic School has been a leader in educating children in the Catholic tradition,” notes Father Cook. “And, although I am relatively new as the pastor of the school, I have found our students, teachers, administrators and families to be so diverse and well-rounded in their pursuits. The school families and children, and our excellent leadership at St.

Pius X Catholic School are such good stewards of this 70-year tradition.”

Aguilera is confident St. Pius X will continue upholding those same traditions.

“This milestone is a testament to the dedication of all who have been part of our journey – students, families, staff and alumni,” she reflects. “Together, we have built a legacy of excellence, and with God’s continued guidance, we look ahead with confidence and eagerness, ready to embrace an even greater future.”

— Lisa Geraci

Published: 27 March 2025