Centennial gala planned for January

Courtesy photo/JMCHS

+ Enlarge

Gov. Gary Herbert recently presented Judge Memorial Catholic High School with a proclamation congratulating the school on its centennial. Accepting the proclamation is JMCHS parent Rey Butcher.

SALT LAKE CITY — A 100-year Judge Memorial Catholic High School celebration kick-off originally scheduled for last month has been postponed until next September. However, the school is finding ways to celebrate its centenary during the pandemic.

Utah Gov. Gary Herbert recently issued a plaque honoring the school’s anniversary. The plaque was accepted by Rey Butcher, a school parent who represented the Judge community. Herbert also sent a video tribute, which has been posted on the school’s website and which will be shared with students in virtual assemblies throughout the year.

A timeline posted throughout the school and regular spotlights during daily announcements honor many of Judge’s milestone achievements during its 100 years. The school’s administration is also planning to open a 1960 time capsule, and is working with the student council to assemble another that will be buried for 100 years. The date for this has not yet been determined. In addition, Judge officials have worked with the city to change the name of 1100 East between 600 and 700 South to Bulldog Avenue; signs have already been placed on the city streets.

A centennial gala is scheduled for Jan. 30. Currently plans are for a virtual event, but if pandemic restrictions are eased by that time, it could be a live event, Principal Patrick Lambert said.

Alumni and members of the Judge community are also sporting yard signs in their lawns to honor Judge and their association with the school. A Flat Bulldog (similar to Flat Stanley) social media campaign is highlighting Judge graduates across the nation and the world as they post pictures with their own Flat Bulldog.

To honor Judge’s 100-year legacy, a $100 for 100 Years fundraising campaign is under way. Alumni are being asked to participate with a minimum $100 donation to help support the school.

“When you look at the changing needs of a school over 100 years, the priorities change and right now our full priority is trying to be able to safely continue to educate our kids during the time of coronavirus,” Lambert said. “It’s an important outreach right now to reconnect with alumni and let them know that their dollars really make a difference in the lives of our students.”