PARKERSBURG - Catholic schools are opening their doors to the public with a variety of events this week in celebration of Catholic Schools Week.
"Catholic schools week happens yearly and gives us a chance to celebrate Catholic education, the ability to observe our faith while getting a first-class education," said Karen Robinson, principal at Parkersburg Catholic High School.
The annual festivities kicked off Sunday with students speaking at local Masses about their Catholic schools experiences. On Monday, Parkersburg Catholic High School held Mass for both the high school and Parkersburg Catholic Elementary.
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Photos by Michael Erb
Prekindergarten students look at a cake based on the “The Rainbow Fish” Monday at Parkersburg Catholic High School. The cake was one of 24 creations being auctioned by the school as part of its Catholic Schools Week celebration. The event also coincided with Right to Read Week.
Later in the day the high school presented guest David Wells, a trumpet player and motivational speaker who talked with students about personal empowerment.
Monday also saw a related event with a cake decorating contest. The contest coincides with Right to Read Week and a school-wide library and food pantry fundraiser.
"We have about 24 cakes," said teacher and librarian Yvonne Powderly. "I was hoping for 10, but we had a wonderful turnout."
Powderly said contestants were challenged to create cakes with a book or reading theme. Throughout the day students dropped coins in the buckets of their favorite cakes to vote for the "Students' Choice" award. The cakes also were part of a silent auction, with people bidding to take home their favorite cake.
Powderly said the money raised will be split between the school library and the Matthew 25 Food Cupboard.
Throughout the week Parkersburg Catholic High will be giving tours to interested parents and students.
"If they are interested in Catholic education, they can stop by and sign in at the front office and we will have someone take them around the school," Robinson said.
For more information on Parkersburg Catholic High School and for a full listing of local Catholic Schools Week events, visit www.pchs1.com.
