Fifty years and counting
for St. Matthew’s teacher

By Diane Prokop
Times Staff Writer

The halls of St. Matthew’s school in Mayfair were empty Thursday morning. Not a student was stirring, nor a teacher in sight.
At the end of the hall, a sign with a lighthouse and a red number 50 on it, along with the faraway sound of children’s voices, gave hint of what was going on — "Miss McCormick lights the way in Catholic Schools."
Miss Mary Jane McCormick was just 18 and fresh out of high school when she began teaching at St. Matt’s on July 20, 1958.
"When I first came, there were five (lay) teachers. It was mostly sisters. I had seventy-eight in my first class in second grade," McCormick said.
Over the years, McCormick has taught just about every grade level and today teaches fifth- and sixth-graders who need additional help in math and reading. While she believes teachers still teach the same things today that they did 50 years ago, teaching methods were much simpler without the aid of all of today’s technology.
"You just went into a classroom with children and books. Decorations for the classroom — you made everything," McCormick said.
Some 18,250 days later after she began at St. Matt’s, her fellow teachers and the entire student body packed the gymnasium to honor the woman who has been their beloved teacher, basketball, track and field, and volleyball coach, and soft pretzel overseer, for her half-century of service to St. Matt’s.
"I never thought I’d be here fifty years. St. Matt’s is a family to me. I got to know so many people – the whole aspect of the place," McCormick said.
The Rev. Charles E. McGroarty, who himself was recently recognized by the National Catholic Education Association as one of its eight distinguished pastors for 2007, celebrated a Mass in McCormick’s honor.
"We’re very, very thankful she’s never hidden her light beneath a bushel," he said.
After the liturgy, school principal Sister Kathleen M. Touey explained to the students that they were celebrating God’s goodness to McCormick, that the talents she’s shared with students over the years were gifts from God.
"She has been an instrument of love and brought the face of God to the students and parishioners of St. Matt’s. We thank God for giving us Miss McCormick," she said.
To show the teacher their thanks, students from kindergarten through eighth grade serenaded McCormick with a heartfelt salute.
"Start spreading the news, she’s here fifty years," the kindergarten students sang to the tune of New York, New York.
Each grade sang a different song in her honor, including revamped versions of We’re All in This Together from Disney’s High School Musical; Yankee Doodle Dandy; Manfred Mann’s Doo Wah Diddy; Old MacDonald; Take Me Out to the Ball Game; and Neil Diamond’s Sweet Caroline "– our school, our school, our school."
"The singing – I’m so touched. The tears are almost coming but I’m trying to hold them back," McCormick told the students.
McCormick knew how hard it was for the younger children not to spill the beans about the performance.
"They’ve been dying. I work in the after-school program one day a week and they’d tell me ‘We know something you don’t know’ or they’d cover each other’s mouths (to avoid telling her about their surprise for her)," McCormick said.
It’s been a busy week for McCormick. Thursday’s liturgy and musical tribute was the culminating event of honors that began on April 13 with a dinner attended by 275 people, including her first grade nun from St. Albert’s parish.
"A lot of people came back. I was totally surprised by all that," she said, including a letter from President George W. Bush and state Rep. John Perzel (R-172nd dist).
There was a 20-act talent show in her honor that Monday; her fifth-and sixth-grade resource room students gave her a little party the following day, and the next day, the school’s basketball coach for three decades refereed the teachers’ game.
"It’s been a great tribute," the honoree said. "The faculty has been working on it for months. I really feel so humbled."
Touey, the school principal, cooked for the post-celebration luncheon that was attended by about 25 members of McCormick’s family.
They were delighted to share in her day.
"She deserves it," said her brother-in-law John Lauch.
McCormick never married and has always been as generous with her nieces and nephews as she is with the kids at St. Matt’s, according to her niece-in-law Wendy Lauch.
Her nephew Joseph Lauch had a hard time putting 50 years into perspective, "let alone at one place."
While some had thought McCormick might retire after her 50 years, it wasn’t something she considered.
"I’m not ready to retire yet. I really wanted to enjoy this year and enjoy the whole aspect of the year," McCormick said.
The folks at St. Matt’s can still count on her to pitch in wherever she’s needed for a little while longer.
"Mary Jane is one of those persons that sets out to do something and she does it. Over the twenty-one years that I’ve been here, she’s been extremely helpful," Monsignor McGroarty said.
McCormick credits her parents and the Sisters of the Holy Child who taught her their philosophy, her anthem – actions not words.
"It’s just been part of me. Jump aboard and try to help out. I want to convey that to the kids — just don’t talk, do it," she said.
That philosophy is just another reason why…
"…She’s queen of the hill, top of (the) list, A number one and loved by all." ••
Reporter Diane Prokop can be reached at 215-354-3036 or dprokop@phillynews.com