Marist High School is not just another Catholic school closing. It was my school

Today, June 13, students in the class of 2020 for Marist High School in Bayonne will be graduating. 

Their names will be announced as mine was when I graduated back in 1990. 

The difference? This class will be the last ones to call themselves Marist graduates.

Starting in July, the property will become part of the Bayonne School District, to be used as a public school. My alma mater will become just another Catholic school in New Jersey closing due to declining enrollment and increasing tuition.

It’s hard enough that the outgoing seniors will not have the opportunity to walk across the stage in the auditorium-gymnasium to receive their diplomas while loved ones look on in the audience. The coronavirus pandemic has taken away that moment as the experience will be virtual.

Years from now, a visit back for them will not be to a place carrying the Marist name.

It's a 180-degree change from when I entered in September 1986, the first class at the high school to go co-ed.

I had attended public school with girls, but it took some adjustment to having to wear the requisite uniform of blue sweater and a tie. 

I looked like a dork with my large, gold-rimmed glasses and hair parted to the side, I didn’t really want to dress the part. But my parents tuition payments and the school’s dress code left me with no option.

The school on Kennedy Boulevard, which opened in 1954, holds some golden memories. 

It’s where I had my first serious crush on a girl. She had the warmest smile and cutest ponytail and we shared classes for the next four years. No, we never dated or married, but I will always adore her for the kindness she showed me.

It’s where I excelled academically, finishing near the top of my class, and where I held my own as a cross-country and long-distance runner, alongside teammates who were among the best athletes in the school’s history.

It’s where I developed my love for cinema when my English teacher commandeered the school’s audiovisual equipment one day during sophomore year to screen David Lynch’s controversial masterpiece “Blue Velvet.” He fast-forwarded past the barrage of profanities from Dennis Hopper’s character while looking out the classroom door to make sure he didn’t get caught showing it.

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More:Three years after raising $750,000 to stay open, Marist High School in Bayonne will close

But Marist was also the source of some painful experiences.

As a freshman assistant on the football team, I was singled out by the head coach with a racial slur while walking across the practice field. 

I was bullied on several occasions. Once, during senior year, I defended myself, leading to a stint in detention for my only time as a student.

I sat alone during lunch for much of my time there to avoid being a target and to have some peace of mind.

Yet, I could never remove myself completely. I still live in my childhood home in Jersey City, a 10-minute walk away.

A few years ago, as I started to make a decent salary, I decided to donate to an annual fund for Marist. That led to occasional visits during open houses for alumni. 

Three years ago, I invested more of my time when the school was on the verge of closing. Helping others to raise awareness and money, we were able to keep it open for future students.

When word came in January that Marist was closing its doors for good, it felt a little easier letting go. That's when it was revealed the school would be still used for academic purposes.

In recent weeks, I have been walking around the campus, along a path that winds around much of the school property.

Taking pictures and video in case the school is changed after new management takes over.

Walking past the parking lot that I never got a chance to park in back in the days before having a car.

Standing on the athletic field that was undeveloped real estate during my student days.

Circling around the quadrangle where end-of-the year student/faculty get-togethers were held.

Discovering a long-abandoned building on the other side of the property that I never knew existed.

On June 1, I entered the high school for the first time in months.

I picked up two pieces of memorabilia: a third-place trophy for the boys track team from the 1989-1990 season and a copy of an official diploma from the 1990s.

Mementos to remind me of the Marist High School that will soon no longer exist.

Ricardo Kaulessar is a local reporter for NorthJersey.com. For unlimited access to the most important news from your local community, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.

Email: kaulessar@northjersey.com Twitter: @ricardokaul