Saint Vincent school still reaping 'The Best'

Courtesy photo/Saint Vincent de Paul Catholic School

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SALT LAKE CITY — After 48 years Louise Best’s charism of love and service continues for Saint Vincent de Paul Catholic School. In 1963, Best played an intricate part in getting the school opened.

"We need a Catholic school here," Best told Father Mark Benvegnu, who was then pastor.

"What planted a seed in my head was the children were traveling so far on the bus from St. Therese’s in Midvale to the Bishop Glass School (in Salt Lake City)," said Best, who believed that "children are our future and we must evangelize" and "every child should have a Catholic school education."

She took on the challenge of having her dream of a school come true in what was then an orchard in Holladay.

As the school was being built in 1963, Best taught in the basement of the old St. Vincent church, now St. Jude Maronite, in Murray.

"We didn’t advertise at all," Best said. "We had 64 kindergartners registered. It was all God’s doing, not mine. I had 32 children in the morning and 32 in the afternoon with no aide."

However, the school and parish community were blessed when five Presentation Sisters arrived from Ireland, Best said. "They will always be remembered with gratitude and love for helping to make St. Vincent’s the outstanding school it has become. The school was built by volunteers."

Best, now 88 years old, is a graduate of St. Mary of the Wasatch College. She vividly remembers the school’s shrine of St. Therese with a little flower, where she meditated and prayed. This is where her lifelong mission began. "We have to keep our Catholic schools strong and help those who can’t afford a Catholic education by supporting our schools," she said. "It is not an expense but an investment."

Best feels current Principal Mark Longe is a key factor in keeping her dream alive because of his value of not just producing "smart kids" but also "loving kids."

Her love and service for the school continues to this day. She visits regularly, attending many assemblies, the Saints parade, the fifth-grade Bible ceremony, school Masses and other events. Recently she was at the Veteran’s Day Assembly.

"It was nostalgic to see Mrs. Best talking to so many St. Vincent parents, who she taught many years ago," said Carol Barman, development director.

In 1988, after teaching 32 years, Mrs. Best retired and the Louise Cairo Best Award was established in her honor. Each year an outstanding St. Vincent 8th grader who exemplifies academic achievement and Christian ethics is presented the award. For 23 years, Louise Best has presented the award, still touching and influencing the hearts of many pupils.

Sincere gratitude is extended from the entire Saint Vincent community to Mrs. Best for establishing the charism of love and service at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School.