St. Francis de Sales students interview local Living Legends

St. Francis de Sales students have had the unique opportunity to experience local history first hand. As part of an oral history project, eighth grade students interviewed Ester (Geigle) Conrad, a 1931 graduate, and Paul Dougherty, a 1943 graduate, both of St Francis de Sales School, to learn about their experiences growing up in the community.

Chris Dewees, president of student government, was amazed by the rich legacy of St. Francis de Sales School, and the loving and historic culture of the town of Lenni, noting, “If I could, I would bring the entire school to hear their memories and feelings for this school and the people who built it.”

Dougherty, a local historian who grew up in Aston Mills, is the founder of the Aston Historical Society and author of Growing Up in Aston Mills.

The students have learned about the dramatic changes that have taken place in Aston over the 80 years since Mr. Dougherty was born.

Dougherty and his five siblings all attended St. Francis, walking one and a half miles to school in all weather conditions.

Many photos, including those of graduating classes from the 1940s, and numerous candid photos documenting the school's 119-year history that were on display at St. Francis de Sales School Homecoming earlier this year were donated by Dougherty.

“It was a wonderful experience to talk with two alumni from the school. It was surreal that they both remember so much from St. Francis de Sales School and so much from the little town of Lenni,” said Ciara Kain, vice president of student government. “I could not believe how much St. Francis de Sales School has changed, and how much I learned about it from their experiences. It was an honor to talk with Mr. Dougherty and Mrs. Conrad. I enjoyed every second.”

Jack McCausland, another eighth grader, commented that he had a better understanding of St. Francis de Sales School, and the communities of Aston and Lenni.

“Mr. Dougherty and Mrs. Conrad each told so many of their great memories of the school and community. I was lucky to be there and experience it,” he said.

The interviews were part of the English Language Arts course that focuses on personal narratives. In addition to interviewing the alums, students also interviewed family and friends, and wrote news articles about their discoveries.

St. Francis de Sales School is a Catholic parish school educating children in the surrounding communities of Aston since 1895.