All Saints Catholic School: 30th anniversary

All Saints Catholic School opened in 1996 under the leadership of Archbishop Beltran, with the support of Saint Joseph Catholic Church, Saint Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church and Saint Thomas More Catholic Church in Norman, so that the light of Christ would shine upon every child.

With the Pearl Jubilee Gala, All Saints Catholic School marks the beginning of the celebration of 30 years.

In a festive atmosphere, staff, parents, families, friends and school sponsors came together to help raise funds that will allow continued investment in the institution’s future.

The occasion was also an opportunity to announce the establishment of a new endowment fund, supported by the generosity of the Petros Family.

Moments of gratitude were shared when the Carroll Family was recognized. Leveda Carroll Faulkner, 92, led the family group.

Leveda Carroll Faulkner Carroll Faulkner said she felt blessed that her family had generously donated the land where All Saints Catholic School now stands.

“It was truly special for my mother to know that students would grow in the Catholic faith,” she said. “That meant so much to her.”

Inaugural principal Glenda Peters was also recognized. Many remember her fondly for her leadership, as well as her warm greeting over the intercom: “Have a happy and holy day.”

Glenda Peters“My heart is full of gratitude for the gift of being able to touch many lives. It’s the small little miracles – seeds of faith that were planted in their hearts. Now I see the joy in their lives as adults,” Peters said.

Today, Principal Lauren Peña acknowledges that All Saints has become a pillar of the community in Norman, with alumni woven into the fabric of the city and reaching far beyond.

From the beginning until today, the school’s mission has only strengthened. 

“As our alumni grow and start their own families, they are returning to All Saints for the same great education and spiritual formation they received as students for their children,” Peña said.

Lauren Peña“All Saints Catholic School exists to teach students to know, love and serve God through academic pursuits and service to others,” founding teacher Aimee Badley said in a statement.

All Saints features students from all four parishes in Norman and Moore, as well as students from Noble, Goldsby, Washington and other surrounding communities.

Peña said she believes the key factors contributing to the school’s longevity and success are its supportive priests, parents, community partners and staff. 

“From Father Boyer to Father Wood and now Father Fuller,” Peña said, “the priests of Saint Mark and Saint Joseph have held us in their prayers and formed our students through the sacraments.

“Our parent volunteers make our community truly special through their contributions of time, talent and treasure. Finally, the teachers at All Saints are in it for the long haul. Many of our teachers have been at All Saints for decades and help us keep the continuity and commitment to our mission.”

As for the next 30 years for All Saints. 

“I want to see our school grow closer to holiness through caring for one another within our community and outreach to those in the wider Norman and Moore communities,” Peña said. “I want to see that love and service continue to grow and become a bigger part of the outside community.”

Bella Gutiérrez is a freelance writer for the Sooner Catholic.

See related story:
30th Anniversary: Early students reflect ongoing legacy of All Saints Catholic School