To the beat of the Rocky Theme Song, the students and faculty of St. Laurentius School marched into the church hall Friday afternoon to show the public they would fight on.

“HECK NO, WE WON’T GO!” shouted the student body and faculty.

St. Laurentius, one of the last of the schools to be informed they would be closing in Philadelphia’s Archdiocese, held a pep rally that included singing, games and repeated performances of the St. Laurentius School Rally Song.

The ears of all who were there are probably still ringing with lyrics like, “Fishtown marching heads held high, onward to victory!”

Susan Feenan, the Chair of the Home and School Committee, was the first to say that this would not be about nostalgia, but for the present and future students.

“It’s about what it is now and where it’s going in the future,” she said.

A majority of the teachers and parents seemed to be surprised by the announcement that their school would be closing and, even at an early age, the students understood what could possibly be happening to their education and school experience.

“I’m sad because I love this school and I love the teachers too,” said Owen Kinsman, a first grader at St. Laurentius said.

Some of the students were concerned about the impact the closing may have on the teachers and community.

“This is bad because the teachers will lose their jobs and we need a Catholic school in Fishtown,” said Gavin Sheridan, one of Kinsman’s fellow first grade classmates.

Although the bad news left a sour taste in the mouths of most involved with the school, you wouldn’t have been able to tell on Friday. The energy in the hall was positive.

“These students wear their emotions on their sleeves. Look how excited they are to be here. No one wants this to change,” said Feenan.

Whether it was the class introductions, school songs, creative games or even just yelling, each person did it with a heavy heart.

“SAVE OUR SCHOOL!” students yelled.

Many of the teachers were saddened by the news and are unsure of their future if the school were to close.

“I’m not here for the money, but for the children,” said second grade teacher, Mrs. Dolores Griffith.  She and the rest of the faculty of St. Laurentius are there because of their passion for teaching and love of the children.

Mrs. Griffith is not only an integral part of the St. Laurentius environment, but is also part of the fabric of the community at large.  “I have been a resident of Fishtown for 32 years,” said Griffith, whose children also attended St. Laurentius School.   “This is my 12th year teaching and I am more than honored to be a part of this amazing staff,” said Griffith.

Mr. Rutkowski, the seventh grade teacher who is referred to as “Mr. R” by his students and faculty said, “I’m very upset. I’m an alumnus and want to see the school continue for a long time. Fishtown is so small and everyone knows everyone. This school helps the community.”

The school has gone through the appeal process and at press time, they are presenting their appeal to the Archdiocese.  School administration has been told that they will find out the status of their appeal around the first of February; in the meantime, all 237 students continue to be hopeful for a positive outcome.

“We fit all the criteria for having a good standing school,” Feenan said. “The Archdiocese just needs to get their business together and stop making hasty decisions.”

For some students, this could even be their second time moving schools.

“My son (Brendan Klenk) went to Holy Name first, but they closed back in 2006 when he was in first grade,” said Karen Klenk, parent of a now seventh grader.  If the school’s appeal is not granted, Klenk’s son would have to find a new school for eighth grade.

Some of the parents expressed their disgust with the politicians, but also feel strongly about keeping their children in Catholic schooling.

“The politicians are disappointing because there is no help for school choice or freedom of education. I hope the politicians give us school vouchers,” said Klenk. “I want my child to have core religious values, which only come through private schools.”

The students and faculty of St. Laurentius want the public to know that they will continue to work hard through the appeal process and will keep alive the theme of “FIGHT ON”.