WAILUKU — St. Anthony School, located in Central Maui, has seen drastic declines in student enrollment, prompting school officials to rethink their strategies.
Known for graduating the trio referred to as the ‘Three Musketeers,’ Meldge Ponce, Rayna Ho‘opi‘i, and Yessenia Casillas, who made up 60% of this year’s small graduating class, the school is seeking ways to attract new students.
In 2022, the school’s enrollment dropped to just 99 students, a significant decrease from over 1,000 students who attended in its heyday during the 1970s and 80s.
The school, one of only two Catholic schools on the island, has decided to reinvent itself after a dip in numbers that reflects a broader trend in local educational institutions.
Rev. Monsignor Terrence Watanabe, who oversees the school and St. Anthony Church, highlighted the urgency of the situation, noting that maintaining enrollment is crucial to the school’s survival.
The school’s annual budget of $2 million to $3 million is heavily reliant on tuition and fundraising efforts, underscoring the need for increased student numbers.
To combat declining enrollment, St. Anthony is introducing new programs for the 2025-26 academic year, including a sports academy and an ʻŌlelo Hawai‘i learning plan.
These initiatives aim to attract both local students and children of alumni who have opted out of attending in recent years.
Watanabe remarked on the seriousness with which the board is approaching the issue, emphasizing the need for immediate action.
With a break-even point of 250 students, school officials understand the gravity of the circumstances.
For families considering St. Anthony, tuition for Kindergarten through fifth grade is set at $9,850, while costs for grades six through twelve reach $11,500, though there are scholarship opportunities available.
Despite these efforts, many families are choosing to enroll their children at alternative institutions, such as Kamehameha Schools Maui and Seabury Hall, which both enjoy higher enrollment figures.
Montalvo, an alumnus from the class of 1978, shared insights into how the school’s appeal has changed over the years.
The impact of small class sizes is evident, but the recent graduates are noteworthy for their impressive college plans.
The class of 2025 includes five students, with each student receiving substantial scholarships totaling nearly $2 million collectively for their college education.
Casillas plans to pursue nursing, Ho‘opi‘i is interested in political science, and Ponce, the valedictorian, is undecided on her major.
Ponce, who spent over a decade at the institution, expressed optimism about the new plans aimed at revitalizing student interest.
“The diversity and opportunities will definitely attract more students,” she claimed.
The sports academy, spearheaded by alumni Terrance Gomez and the late Hoapili Ane, aims to prioritize athlete development and broader opportunities for students.
Vernon Patao, a two-time U.S. Olympian in weightlifting, will oversee aspects of strength and conditioning, while Nikki Musto will focus on soccer training.
Musto expressed her excitement at being part of the inaugural sports academy, aiming to help students realize their athletic potential and dreams.
Patao relayed his commitment to not only the sports academy but also to underprivileged children, as HI Performance Athletics plans to operate after-school programs within the upgraded facilities.
“It’s a leap of faith,” Patao stated, highlighting the collaborative effort to enhance enrollment prospects.
The St. Anthony board has committed time over the last several months to devise plans intended to restore the school’s reputation and student base.
Nobriga, an alumnus from the class of 2004, stresses the importance of their educational experiences, noting how his time at St. Anthony impacted his success.
The school’s football legacy, however, has diminished since its last season as a standalone team in 2002, a fact that board member Nobriga is keen to address.
During the ho‘olaulea event held on June 28, plans to expand the school’s programming were revealed, demonstrating the school’s potential as a community beacon.
As an inaugural participant in the Maui Interscholastic League, St. Anthony has a proud athletic history, and the school hopes to usher back some of that spirit with the new academies.
Victorino, an alumnus and Major League Baseball player, noted the excitement surrounding the school’s aspirations for a sports academy.
The focus not only on changing academic offerings but also on strengthening community ties reflects a broader mission for the institution.
The ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i learning plan, named Kahikuhina a‘o Hawai‘i Me ʻŌlelo Hawai‘i, is set to significantly enhance the cultural education of students.
Sissy Lake Farm, recently appointed to coordinate the program, aims to instill a sense of Hawaiian identity among students through language and cultural initiatives.
Farm will direct language classes twice a week for younger students, alongside additional courses for middle and high school students, integrating the Hawaiian culture into daily learning.
Watanabe expressed that these programs will enrich the institution’s faith-based approach, integrating religious education throughout the curriculum.
Alumni sentiments resonate deeply within the school community, with Mayor Richard Bissen reflecting on the impactful relationships built there.
Bissen attributed much of his success to the foundation laid at St. Anthony School, valuing the integrity and standards instilled in students.
Michael and Joycelyn Victorino, having a lineage connected to the school, still contribute regularly to its operations, reinforcing their commitment to the institution.
Michael Victorino highlighted that numerous students have gone on to excel in athletics and academics, emphasizing the school’s role in such success stories.
He recalled the bustling atmosphere during his time at St. Anthony, with cars lining the roads during pick-up and drop-off hours due to high enrollment.
Alumnus Rob Ryane Gonzales attributed his acceptance to prestigious institutions like Notre Dame to the holistic educational experience at St. Anthony, underlining the long-term impact of the school’s community involvement.
Gonzales expressed hope that the new initiatives would place St. Anthony on equal footing with other schools in the area.
Both Watanabe and the board share the goal of keeping the Catholic educational tradition alive while adapting to the evolving needs of their students and families.
As the school prepares to implement these innovative programs, they hope to mark a new chapter in the institution’s long history, reinforcing its dedication to education, community, and faith.
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