WILMINGTON — St. Mark’s High School added six members to its Hall of Honors on Oct. 23 as part of the school’s second annual Alumni Weekend. The hall recognizes graduates, faculty, staff and friends who have served St. Mark’s.
This year’s class brings to 34 the number of inductees. Previous inductees were honored for service or professional accomplishments; significant contributions to their students and the St. Mark’s community; and special service to the school.
The class of 2014 included:
• Margaret Carney McCaffrey, Class of 1973. McCaffrey, the first of nine children of Jack and Ann Carney to graduate from St. Mark’s, was recognized for her long record of loyal and generous service. Most recently, she gave a leadership gift to help complete the renovation of the school theater.
• Father James Nash, Class of 1980. Currently the pastor of Ss. Peter and Paul Parish in Easton, Md., Father Nash was honored for his service as a spiritual guide for the school, chairman of the board of directors, and for being an ardent proponent of St. Mark’s. He has been a board member since 1994 and chair the last two years.
• James and Judy Groff, who were recognized for being the most loyal, dedicated and generous donors to St. Mark’s each year. They established a scholarship in memory of their daughter, Julie A. Groff, a member of the Class of 1984. Jim Groff is a member of the school board, serving as chairman of the finance committee.
• Joe O’Neill, who served at the school from its opening in 1969 until his death in 2009. O’Neill was a counselor and cross country coach, the only coach until 2008. His four daughters – Amy (1989), Elise (1992), Maureen (1994) and Megan (1996) – are all graduates, and his grandson Brendan is a senior.
• Geraldine Talley, who is a longtime teacher, as well as founder and director of St. Mark’s EMMAUS program. EMMAUS provides academic support to students with diagnosed learning disabilities. Her children Justine (199$) and Kyle (1997) and grandson Jacob Beck (2013) are graduates.
The weekend continues tonight when the Spartans’ football team hosts Caesar Rodney at 7 p.m. The boys’ soccer team plays tomorrow afternoon at 12:30 p.m. vs. William Penn.
