A multitude of joyous well-wishers celebrated a key milestone in the legacy of Transfiguration Catholic Elementary School when the esteemed Leimert Park institution marked its 75th Anniversary on June 9.
Members and guests joined Father Michael Tang, pastor, in a special Mass led by Bishop Edward W. Clark and enjoyed music by the Transfiguration Church Children’s Gospel Choir under the direction of Oscar Pratt.
The service included a salute to Dorothy Shea, founding trustee of the Catholic Education Foundation; Shane Martin, dean of Loyola Marymount University’s School of Education; and Mechele Yerima, retiring principal of Transfiguration School. The Honorable Diane Watson, former U.S. Congresswoman, served as the Anniversary chair.
“We’re the best hidden secret in Leimert Park,” noted Father Tang. “We have 75 years of giving Catholic education and we send our students to the best high schools in Los Angeles.
“We’re looking to increase enrollment in our summer school program which starts July 1 and our fall classes starting in September. Come out and visit us or give me a call because we are something special,” he said.
Incoming Principal Evelyn Rickenbacker added, “I graduated from here in 1989 and my mother graduated from here as well. I’m very excited to give back to the community that’s given so much to me.
“Our summer school, from kindergarten to 8th grade, is available to anyone who would like to attend and we offer classes in art, piano and dance along with cooking.”
Transfiguration School opened in 1937 and has endured in the midst of the changing population and ethnicities in the community. Recently, the school began offering the Pastor’s Scholarships from $500 to $2,500 per child.
“This is a tremendous way to welcome new families into our school and it’s an opportunity to help families who want their children to have a Catholic school education but cannot afford the full tuition bill,” said Father Tang.
“Also, on the first Sunday of every month, we have an Open House for parents and children and we invite the community to attend. You can also call us at (323) 292-3011 or visit us at transfigschool.com.”
