April 26, 2011

Archbishop's Review and Dedication

Saint Thomas Academy has honored to have Archbishop John Nienstedt at school to dedicate the bronze relief that was commissioned to honor its "co-founders." The relief, created by esteemed sculptor Foster Willey, (and financed by a generous, anonymous benefactor) depicts founder Archbishop John Ireland and Archbishop John Roach, credited as the "founder" of the Academy's current location in Mendota Heights.

The dedication was followed by a "mini-review" in the gymnasium as rain prevented a full, outdoor review. Archbishop Nienstedt is the first sitting Archbishop to review the Corps of Cadets since Ireland did so in the early 1900s.

Pictured are: Cadets Reid and Whalen, Archbishop Nienstedt, Major General Nash (Adjutant General of the MN National Guard, Mike Byrne (retiring assistant headmaster) and Richard Anderson (chairman of the STA board of trustees)

A video of the dedication is below - thank you to Mr. John Geroux III for the video.

Photos by Andy King - click a thumbnail for a larger image