Bishop Dunn Memorial School concluded their annual celebration of Catholic Schools Week on Friday, February 2 with a student talent show highlighting the various talents of the school community.

National Catholic Schools Week, defined by the National Catholic Educational Association, begins on the last Sunday of January and is celebrated throughout the week. This period of time celebrates Catholic education throughout the United States. The celebration began in 1974. Students, faculty and families take part in the celebration of Mass alongside other activities.

For 2024, Bishop Dunn celebrated the theme of “United in Faith and Community!” for Catholic Schools Week with event themed days that included Celebrate Your Faith, Pajama Day, Who Wants to be a Catholic Millionaire, Show off Your School Spirit and the Talent Show.

“It was really exciting for me to plan this entire week. We did a lot of fun activities for the students, and we invited the families in so that was really nice,” said Melissa Broe, Director of Admissions. “The kids were so excited. They couldn’t wait for this week to come.”

Students at the talent show Friday morning showcased their singing talents through renditions of popular hits, dancing and gymnastics and their musical instrument expertise.

“I think it’s just exciting not only to see your own child, but all the kids get up,” said parent Liz Brown. “You could feel the energy and the excitement of it. It’s really nice to see that, you know, the positive reinforcement they get from their peers.”

“It’s definitely, definitely a shock to see your kids going up there. My little one was one of youngest ones to go up there,” said parent Omar Brown. “To my little one: Keep going, to all the little ones honestly, keep going.”

With Valentine’s Day approaching, Bishop Dunn students also took the opportunity to be a part of Congressman Pat Ryan’s Second Annual “Valentines For Vets” initiative tying it in with their Catholic Schools Week celebration.

Bishop Dunn Kindergarten Teacher Colleen Middlemiss came across the program online and brought it to her principal to get approval. Along with the kindergarten class, the pre-kindergarten, first and second graders also created cards for the veterans.

“This would be perfect for five year olds to do. We love to make cards and draw and make pictures,” she said. “My children are very excited for Valentine’s Day and they can’t wait to pass out their treats for each other.”

The 58 Valentines Day Cards from Bishop Dunn were to be delivered to the congressman’s office on Monday, February 5. The collected cards would be distributed to veterans at the Castle Point VA Hospital in Wappingers Falls and additional locations.