St. Patrick School in Owego Closes After 156 Years

Tioga County's only Catholic school is closing today.

St. Patrick School on Front Street in Owego - which was established in 1859 - is holding a half-day session.

Principal Paula Smith said a school talent show will be held as St. Patrick closes its doors.

Nine students - six boys and three girls - participated in the school's final fifth-grade graduation ceremony Tuesday evening.

Smith said 84 children in grades pre-K through six are enrolled in the school as it ends operations.

Smith - who has been principal for eight years - said hundreds of people, including many alumni, attended a celebration at the school earlier this month.

While today is the final for students, workshop days are planned for the school's teachers on Thursday and Friday.

The future is uncertain for most of St. Patrick's 17 staff members.

Smith said one teacher plans to work at another school in the Rochester diocese. Others may look for positions with the Broome County Catholic schools.