Alums trying to save Stella Maris

Stella Maris graduates are banding together in a last-ditch effort to save their school.  

            The alums have started a foundation aimed at keeping the 66-year-old all-girls Catholic school open and are considering several plans – including letting boys enroll.

“We were told it’s over,” said Theresa McCann, class of 1973, during a meeting on Saturday, November 7 at the Belle Harbor Yacht Club. “My feeling is it’s not over until it's over.”

            McCann is spearheading “Operation Save the Flipper,” named for the Rockaway Park school’s mascot. The grads plan to raise funds and network with philanthropic organizations, and have been in talks with educators and CEOs to develop a business plan for the school. McCann said she contacted the Sisters of St. Joseph, who own and operate Stella Maris, with a list of proposals to keep the school open. 

            The Sisters recently revealed the school has a $2.5 million deficit and will close in August. The news stunned parents, students and alums who say they were not forewarned of the financial problems.   

            Maura Laffan, class of 1978, said she would seek an injunction if the Sisters try to sell the school's Beach 112th Street building. 

            “I hope it doesn't come to that,” said Laffan, a lawyer.

            The alums discussed transforming Stella Maris into a Catholic charter school. Graduates also envision a school where students perform community service and have their tuition matched by a foundation. They also raised the possibility of making the school co-ed.

            “We can not run a Catholic high school and compete today as a tuition-dependent school,” McCann said

            The Sisters of St. Joseph did not respond to requests for comment

            Laura Martin Raaf, class of '83, said 12 of her family members, including her aunt, cousins, sisters and both daughters, are Stella Maris girls. “It’s so hurtful and sad,” she said. “There's been a lot of crying in my house.”

            McCann is confident the grads can find a way to stop the tears.

            “I’ve spent my career in sales,” she said. “After five noes, you get a yes.”