Most Precious Blood School Celebrates 50th Anniversary

The Rev. Father Marcello Latona, pastor of Most Precious Blood Roman Catholic Church announces raffle prize winners.

On November 24, more than 500 people attended a festive evening event to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Most Precious Blood parochial school in Long Island City. The event, "Coming Home to MPB", began with a mass at 5:30 p.m., celebrated by the Rev. Father Marcello Latona, pastor of Most Precious Blood Roman Catholic Church. During the Prayer of the Faithful, students and faculty who have died were remembered by the congregation.

Alumni toured the school after the mass. Different 10-year groups of graduates were hosted in different classrooms throughout the school building. The evening culminated in a dinnerdance held in the school gymnasium. Against a backdrop of fall foliage and festive decorations, Barbara DeMaio, incumbent principal, welcomed the guests. Assistant Principal Dona Flynn thanked the local businesses and community members who had contributed to the evening.

The school Glee Club performed a candlelight rendition of "Happy Birthday", guests enjoyed an open bar and buffet dinner, danced to selections from the nine-piece band known as Risky Business and competed for raffle prizes. Each family also received a copy of the alumni journal commemorating the occasion.

Faculty and staff of Most Precious Blood School prepare to man the serving tables at the buffet dinner. The Most Precious Blood Parochial School Glee Club performs "Happy Birthday" by candlelight. Frank and Lisa Zupcich and their nieces, Dana and Alexa Ruossos, enjoyed celebrating the 50th anniversary of Most Precious Blood parochial school.