HISTORY OF OUR SCHOOL
In 1850 Christopher Fallon built a mansion known as "Runnymede" on our grounds. In 1882, the building was bought by Colonel Anthony Drexel. The mansion stood on what was called "The Hill of Drexel" and our surrounding area became known as Drexel Hill because of this. In 1908 the mansion burnt down completely and only the gatehouse (which still stands) was left. In 1917 Archbishop Edmond Prendergast purchased the land (33 acres) and announced that he would be constructing an orphanage called "St Vincent's Orphanage" on the grounds where the mansion once stood.
From 1920 through 1952, St. Vincent's remained open. It was closed after thirty years since it was no longer needed as an orphanage. St. Vincent's became Archbishop Prendergast School for Boys. Three years later a newer school was built nearby and called Monsignor Bonner. Bonner was designated for the boys and Prendergast (Prendie) for the girls. The two schools served thousands of students for over 50 years as independent schools. About four years ago, Archbishop Charles Chaput announced that Bonner (boys) and Prendie (girls) would be closing along with some other high schools. On February 24th, 2012, he announced that all four high schools, including ours, would remain open. Both buildings could not be maintained, however, so the students, parents, alumni and the Bonner and Prendie community worked to combine our two buildings into one. The magnificent Prendergast building was hard to maintain so we went together in the Bonner building which is now for boys and girls. We now call this school Monsignor Bonner and Archbishop Prendergast Catholic High School! (MBPACHS) We believe this was a major success and great idea. Our community is still alive and becoming stronger each and every year. Also, the number of students increases each year which is a great thing.
From 1920 through 1952, St. Vincent's remained open. It was closed after thirty years since it was no longer needed as an orphanage. St. Vincent's became Archbishop Prendergast School for Boys. Three years later a newer school was built nearby and called Monsignor Bonner. Bonner was designated for the boys and Prendergast (Prendie) for the girls. The two schools served thousands of students for over 50 years as independent schools. About four years ago, Archbishop Charles Chaput announced that Bonner (boys) and Prendie (girls) would be closing along with some other high schools. On February 24th, 2012, he announced that all four high schools, including ours, would remain open. Both buildings could not be maintained, however, so the students, parents, alumni and the Bonner and Prendie community worked to combine our two buildings into one. The magnificent Prendergast building was hard to maintain so we went together in the Bonner building which is now for boys and girls. We now call this school Monsignor Bonner and Archbishop Prendergast Catholic High School! (MBPACHS) We believe this was a major success and great idea. Our community is still alive and becoming stronger each and every year. Also, the number of students increases each year which is a great thing.
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| The Prendergast building is the large brick building pictured the left. The Bonner building is on the right. The school is now known with both names of the original schools. |
Sports
Softball
Volleyball
Basketball
Soccer
Football
Hockey
Lacrosse
Rugby
Field Hockey
Baseball
Tennis
Ultimate Frisbee
Cheer leading
Wrestling
Crew
Bowling
Swimming
Golf
Track
Some Clubs
Panda Pride- a club of people who go to all sporting events and activities to support their school in every way they can.
CSC- Community Service Corps which is an organization of people who volunteer their time & money to help others. We do things for other people and we love reaching how to them. Recently we helped our school provide Thanksgiving meals to 57 local families.
Honors Society- (NHS)- national Honors Society- This is a program for students who do very well in school and achieve a high class rank. Students are invited in their junior or senior years. The group provides tutoring for students who need help and performs other service activities.
Paws for a Cause- This is aa club that is raising awareness for all other diseases which don't get as much attention as others.For example: in this quarter was autism. Each quarter of the school year focuses on a different one. The second quarter cause will be Mental Health and Suicide Prevention. The third quarter will be Heart Disease and the Fourth Quarter will have Diabetes and its focus.
Speak Up- SpeakUp! Provides you with the skills, opportunity, and support to SpeakUp! and be heard on the critical issues of today. It helps you to make positive life choices. This is a new group for our school and many students have shown their interest already.
Respect Life - This club focuses on prayers and activities which show our deep respect for life at all stages. In October we said the rosary for life every day after school in the chapel. Members also did a reverent strong demonstration by standing along major roads with signs that expressed Choose Life! On Thanksgiving Day our members went to a local nursing home and helped to serve dinner to the residents. There are many more activities planned.
We have many more activities for students and will add to this post.
By Kaitlyn, Taylor, Danielle, Allison
Respect Life - This club focuses on prayers and activities which show our deep respect for life at all stages. In October we said the rosary for life every day after school in the chapel. Members also did a reverent strong demonstration by standing along major roads with signs that expressed Choose Life! On Thanksgiving Day our members went to a local nursing home and helped to serve dinner to the residents. There are many more activities planned.
We have many more activities for students and will add to this post.
By Kaitlyn, Taylor, Danielle, Allison
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