75th Anniversary

On Wednesday, December 14, the John Carroll Catholic High School Fine Arts Department hosted Christmas at Carroll, a Showcase of the Fine Arts programs and a celebration of the 75th Anniversary of the blessing of the opening of the school. The Cavalier choirs, concert band, theatre students, and visual arts students came together for one exciting evening of Christmas entertainment and rejoicing! From the beautiful Honors Mixed Ensemble singing of Veni, Veni, Emmanuel (John Michael Trotta) and the John Carroll Concert Band's timeless rendition of Christmas Time is Here (arrangement by Mike Story) to the combined choir and band 'sing-a-long', the music was inspirational, collaborative, and fun, and hi-lited the best of JCCHS fine arts! Other songs performed by the choir included; Come to the Music (Joseph Martin), Jazz Gloria (Natalie Sleeth), What Child is This, Sing We Now of Christmas (arrangments by Fred Prentice), Jingle Bells (arrangement by Maurice Draughn), and Sleigh Ride (arrangement by Hawley Ades).  

The band's lineup also included; Ukranian Bell Carol (Richard Saucedo), Renaissance Christmas (Johnnie Vinson), Carol of the Bells (Brad Palmer), and a special debut performance by the Cavalier Beginning Band students.  

The John Carroll theatre department showcased four of the Cavalier's record-setting 2022 State Trumbauer performances; Anthony Cucinotta (1st place Musical Drama Varsity Event for "If I Can't Love Her" from Beauty and the Beast), Amelia Massa (High Excellent Ranking, Acting Category, "Noah's Wife" from Thus Said Eve by Christ Wind), Kristen Cleary (1st Place Musical Comedic Varsity, "100 Easy Ways to Lose a Man" from Wonderful Town by Leonard Bernstein), and Janie Spratley (1st Place Musical Dramatic Intermediate for "See I'm Smiling" from The Last Five Years by Jason Robert Brown).

Following the showcase, students, family members, and friends of the school gathered in The Commons for special treats, coffee, hot chocolate, and hot cider. At the same time, they viewed the table decor art and a unique art gallery created by the visual arts students. Thanks to the inspirational work of the students, the real 'reason for the season' was celebrated by everyone in attendance.  

The John Carroll Fine Arts Department is led by Department Chair, Veronica Wheeler ('80). The Choir is under the direction of Mrs. Ginny Hughes, the Marching and Concert Band, Dr. Mark Foster, and the theatre program, Mr. Joey Plaia ('00). 

In addition to the showcase, the evening marked the 75th anniversary of the blessing of John Carroll. On December 14, 1947, city and county civic leaders gathered with faculty, staff, and students for the official dedication and formal blessing of the new Catholic high school in Birmingham, AL - John Carroll Catholic High School.

At that occasion, Archbishop Toolen thanked everyone who contributed to making the vision of a school in Central Birmingham a reality; in particular, he thanked the Catholic community of Birmingham and the many non-Catholic citizens whose pledges and contributions were responsible for the completion of the dream.

Father Bob Sullivan ('82), Director of the John Carroll Educational Foundation, reminded those gathered of the significance of the blessing, 75 years ago:

"The blessing of the school - the sprinkling of water throughout the building, in the classrooms, across our athletic facilities, and around the campus....it signified to everyone that the work of God was being done there.  That same commitment holds true today.  We are here to do the work of God and the work of God is being done at John Carroll."

Father Bob Sullivan ('82), Director JCCHS Educational Foundation