History

The first Catholic parochial high school in New York State, St. John’s Academic School, opened in Goshen, New York, in 1899. The plan was to house the school in the convent, which was the former rectory of St. John the Evangelist Parish. However, the remodeling was not quite finished when school started in September, so classes were held in the hall under the church until the building was ready. Upon completion, classes were taught on the first and second floors of the convent while the teachers, The Sisters of Charity of Mount Saint Vincentat Spuyten Duyvil, lived on the third floor. The sisters used the basement as a kitchen and dining room. The first principal, Sister Manuella, had a staff of four teachers each teaching three grades. St. John’s Academic School opened with 124 pupils in grades 1-12 (24 of those students were in high school.) With the support of Father McCorrey and the generosity of the parishioners of St. John’s the school was able to exist without charging tuition. St. John’s Academic School was accredited by the State of New York.

Garr Institute was built, thanks to the generosity of Christine Garr, on the corner of Murray and Erie Streets in 1905. Miss Garr, a resident of Goshen, donated $8,000 towards the construction of the three story building. Built with bricks from the Hinchliffe quarries at Mt. Eve, the building contained seven rooms, including a laboratory. Several grades were in each classroom. The cornerstone of Garr Institute bore the inscription, ‘God and Country” and in it was placed a copper box of mementos of St. John’s Church. At the dedication ceremony, Reverend Doctor Mahoney said the institute was a place where students could receive instruction in practical Christianity as well as secular study so that they might become better people and citizens. According to Reverend Dean McClancy, the children would receive moral, religious and mental training.

With applications to Garr Institute from nearby parishes increasing and a high school enrollment of 49, the parishioners of St. John the Evangelist Parish could no longer continue to bear the financial burden of the school. Therefore, in 1942, the Archdiocese of New York accepted the Institute as a diocesan school and later renamed it St. John’s Academic School. During this time, the Sister’s of Charity decided they were unable to provide enough teachers to staff the growing school. The Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Newburgh then took over it’s administration.

Recognized as an important center of the Catholic Education in Orange County, St. John’s High School continued to prosper. The student body of 120 maintained a tradition of excellence in academics, dramatics, and athletics into the 1950’s. Social activities were encouraged, and the students enjoyed roller skating parties, ring ceremonies and cruises around Manhattan Island. On October 12, 1955, St. John’s High School was featured on the Ted Steele Teen Bandstand Show on WWOR TV Channel 9.

John S. Burke Catholic High School opened in December 1964. It was named for John Stephen Burke, a philanthropist, trustee of Catholic Charities and chairman of the Cardinal’s Committee of the Laity. Cardinal Francis Spellman was present at the dedication ceremony to bless the new building.

In the years that followed, Burke Catholic students, grades 8-12, were involved in a wide range of extra-curricular activities. The Burke Broncos Spring Track team, Hawkeyes Basketball team, Wrestling, Ski and Swim teams Freshman, JV and Varsity Cheerleading squads and many intramural sports, were among the athletic pursuits of BCHS students. Beginning in 1968 the school mascot for all sports was officially changed to the Eagle. Photography, art, film, debate, science, foreign language and math clubs also garnered student interest. In 1979, the BCHS Model UN Delegation won the National Championship representing the country of Sudan. Stage production such as, The Tea House of the August Moon and Oklahoma thrilled audiences. The Young Christian Students Club was active. “Wind and Rain,” a literary magazine, gave fledgling writers an opportunity to be published. And most importantly to teens, driver’s education was started.

“Not Words, but Deeds,” the school motto, reflects the character of BCHS students throughout it’s hundred-year history. Concern for others and the pursuit of excellence remain hallmarks of this school. The success of the student’s is evident in the fact that 99% of BCHS graduates attend college.

It’s been 50 years since T. Cullen wrote these words in St. John The Evangelist Goshen, NY “Children from the surrounding areas came in increasing numbers seeking, at the cost of sacrifice and inconvenience, the benefits of Catholic education. St. Stephen’s Parish in Warwick supplied a bus to be used by their own children and others from Greenwood Lake. Parents in other communities pooled cars to drive their children to school. Chester School District provided bus service for it’s high school students.” Burke Catholic students continue to come from 22 districts and 40 grade schools in Orange and Sullivan counties seeking a proper Catholic secondary education.