ACADEMIA DEL PERPETUO SOCORRO

 

HISTORY

 

 

 

ACADEMIA DEL PERPETUO SOCORRO, (APS), was founded by the Redemptorists Fathers and opened in September 1921. It first director was Reverend Father William McCarthy, C.Ss.R., and its first Principal was Sister Mary Alacoque, S.S.N.D.

 

 

During the first four years, classes were conducted in the sacristy, the choir, and the back part of the church, with forty-nine students. When the new building was blessed in 1925, eight grades were in progress. The school was accredited by the Department of Education on May 12, 1925. The following school year, the School Sisters of Notre Dame came from St. Augustine’s school to live in Miramar. In June 1932, the first senior graduation was held at the municipal Theater in San Juan. The School’s Auditorium was not completed until 1940.

 

 

For twenty years, the church dedicated to Our Lady of Perpetual Help was considered a chapel of the Puerta de Tierra parish until the Redemptorists established a separate community in Miramar in 1921. When it became evident that the school facilities were no longer adequate enough to accommodate the large enrollment and the long list of applicants, plans were formulated for the building of a new junior and senior high school.

 

 

The first step in the plan took place on September 15, 1954, when a committee from the Parents-Teachers Association, accompanied by Father Francis Salmon, director of the School, personally visited “La Fortaleza” the governor’s palace, to begin negotiations for the purchase of the site of the former Laureano Vega Public School. Negotiations continued until December 23, 1955, when the purchase was finally made and the deed for the property, signed by Father Salmon and the representative of the insular Government in the presence of Parent-Teachers Association Leadership. The property was sold to the Redemptorists Fathers by the government for 36,500.

 

 

The possession of the site for the building necessitated immediate plans for fund-raising. The first large contribution was made by the school children, who, within a period of two weeks during the month of November 1955, raised the sum of $24,000. In addition to this amount, $4,000 was donated by the Redemptorist's Fathers. The Directors of the PTA, under the guidance of Father Salmon, launched a Building Fund Campaign, setting as its minimum goal the sum of $200,000. For its operation, Father Salon obtained the services of Mr. Thomas e. O’Brien, head of the professional fund-raising company, who worked out a plan of pledges to be paid over a period of 30 months. At the termination of the campaign on April 20, 1956, a total of $192,000 had been received in pledges from 500 families.

 

 

On February 15, 1957, construction of the new building was begun under the direction of Designer Mr. William Biscombe. The building was ready for occupancy by September 15, 1957, when it admitted 437 students into 15 classrooms, Grades 7 to 12. The building was a four-story “L” shaped structure containing, in addition to the 15 classrooms, three offices, a home economics room, a library, an assembly room, chemistry, physics, and biology laboratories, a large foyer, and open corridors. The new school was blessed on December 22, 157 by His Excellency Bishop James P. Davis, DD.  On March 1959, the High School was accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools, becoming the first parochial school on the island to receive this distinction.

 

 

The Schools Sisters Notre Dame who served as principals from 1921-1966 were: Sister Superior M. Alacoque, Sister Superior M. Justilla, Sister Superior M. Deotila, Sister Superior M. Etto, Sister Superior M. Elaine, Sister Superior M. Coaina, Sister Superior M. Benedict Joseph, and Sister Superior Miriam Francis.

 

The Redemptorists Fathers who served as directors of the Academy from its beginning until 1966 included: Father William McCarthy, Father Joseph Lorden, Father Edward Rodig, Father Alphones Strassgugher, Father John Hosey, Father John May, Father William Jameson, Father Francis Salmon, Father Edward Whalen, and Father Thomas Maher. In 1966 Father George Phillips became pastor of the Perpetuo Socorro Parish and school director.

 

 

A fundraising campaign was begun in April 1966, for the purpose of purchasing property across from the high school. The price, $420,000 was to be paid over a period of five years. Of this amount, $265,000 was acquired by means of a fund-raising campaign. The remainder was raised by parish activities. The land was intended for a new church, for an addition to the schools, and also for a community center. As money for immediate construction was not sufficient, the property was converted provisionally into a recreational area. It quickly became a center for athletic activities for the members of the parish.

 

 

Sister M. Rosemary became principal in 1966 when it was determined that an assistant was to be named for the elementary level. It was then that Sisters David Marie, M. Marcelina, and Rita served in this capacity over the years.

 

 

Sister M. Claudette followed Sister Rosemary as principal. In 1971, Mrs. Elmire Villafañe was named principal of the elementary school. Sister M. Julianna succeeded Sister M. Claudette in 1974.

 

 

The Parish Council was founded in 1967. A member of the Council served as a liaison with the P.T.A.; two students from the Academy attended the monthly meetings of the Council.

 

 

The high school was reaccredited by the Middle States Association for the second time in March 1969. When Colegio de las Madres closed in 1970, girls from Perpetuo Socorro Parish who attended that school requested and received the privilege of admission into A.P.S., a decision which necessitated the expansion of the school's facilities. A firm of educational consultants, Engelhardt & Engelhardt Inc. made a study of the school plant in order to project needs. Their report, completed in July 1971, contained a recommendation for the construction to an addition to the schools. By this time, the property purchased in 1966 had become such a center of activity that its continuance as a playground was seen as vital to the recreational needs of the community of Miramar. A decision was made to demolish the old auditorium and upon this site, a building housing an auditorium, classrooms, a library and additional rooms were constructed. This beautiful addition costing almost $1,200,000.00 was blessed by His Eminence, Luis Cardenal Aponte Martínez, on March 3, 1974.

 

 

The Academy celebrated its Golden Anniversary in September 1971. A varied program of activities involved graduates, students, faculty members, and parishioners in commemorating this event. At a cost of $100,000, property adjacent to the high school on Calle Central was purchased in 1975. This site was converted into a tennis court and was also used for physical education classes. In August 1975, the vice-provincial of the Redemptorist's fathers informed the Parish Council that because of a shortage of personnel, serious consideration was being given to the withdrawal of the Redemptorists from Miramar. This decision was made official on November 10, 1977, when the Cardinal formally accepted the Perpetuo Socorro Parish. The charisma of the Redemptorists Fathers has penetrated every phase of parish life. APS stands as a testimony to their service and dedication.

 

 

Academia del Perpetuo Socorro High School was reaccredited by the Middle States Association for the third time from March 6-8, 1979.

 

 

In August 1979, Mr. José Manuel Leavitt assumed the office of vice-principal for grades 9 thru 12. Sister M. Evaline had assumed the office of vice principal for grades 7 through 8 for the previous three years. The two vice-principals complement the work of the Principal and provide increased services for the students, faculty and parents.

 

 

Rev. George S. Phillips, C. Ss. R., our pastor and director for thirteen years, was transferred to the states on October 16, 1979. Padre Felipe followed Padre Phillips and he left an indelible imprint on Miramar. Padre Felipe, remembered with gratitude and respect by all those whose lives he touched during his years of quiet, capable, and devoted ministry, stands out as a true shepherd of souls and a wonderful educator.

 

 

The transfer of Perpetuo Socorro Parish to the Archdiocese of San Juan was completed with the assignment of Monseñor Rafael Fontánez as the pastor. Monseñor Fontánez was Vicar of Administration for the Archdiocese of San Juan at the time of his appointment in October 1979. Because of the importance of his work as Vicar, Monseñor was asked to return to the Chancery in June, 1980. Rev. Armando Alvarez was appointed as pastor. Father Alvarez had served in various educational positions and has brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to our Parish and school.

 

 

In 1982, Sister Armand Marie, S.S.N.D., succeeded Sister M. Julianna, S.S.N.D. as principal of Grades 7 through 12. Mr. Winston Gonzalez became Dean of Discipline and Academic Studies for Grades 7, 8, and 9.

 

 

Plans for the new junior high school were made and completed by January 1984. The 7th and 8th Grades became part of the high school when they moved to the new building. A new cafeteria was added and the school day was extended to 1:45pm to allow for a half-hour recess.

 

 

In 1985 the administration was reorganized in the following way:

 

 

Principal-Sister Armand Marie, S.S.N.D.

 

 

Vice-Principal grades 7-8-9 Winston González

 

 

Vice-Principal-Grades 10-11-12-José M. Leavitt

 

 

The Academy celebrated its 65th anniversary in 1986. Various activities were planned to celebrate this event.

 

 

After many years of dedication to Academia del Perpetuo Socorro, Mrs. Elmire Villafañe resigned as principal of the elementary school in February 1986 for health reasons, and Mrs. Patricia Ashby was appointed principal.

 

 

In April 1987, the academy suffered a great loss with the death of our companion and teacher Mrs. Luisa F. Aparicio, who taught at APS for 37 years.

 

 

During the school year 1987-1988, APS underwent its self-study in preparation for the Middle States evaluation in the fall of 1988. In October 198, the visiting team visited the school, recognizing the Academy as one of the most outstanding institutions on the island of Puerto Rico. The same year Sister Armand Marie was chosen as commissioner of secondary education for the Middle States Association and also as a representative of the region of Puerto Rico at the Executive Committee of the National Catholic Education Association.

 

 

In May of 1990, Mrs. Ashby was appointed by His Eminence the Cardinal as Superintendent of Catholic Schools of the Archdiocese of San Juan and Mrs. Laura Vega became principal of the elementary school.

 

 

The death of Vice-Principal Winston Gonzalez, in August 1991, was a great loss for APS. Mrs. Elizabeth Cintrón substituted the well-known and beloved teacher, companion friend, as vice principal of Grades 7.8 & 9. An advisory team was created.

 

 

Sister Armand Marie was appointed principal of Grades K through 12 in 1993 and Mrs. Ana Sofia Raffucci and Mr. Ángel Cintrón, were vice-principals of the elementary school. An administrative team formed to advise, study, support, organize, and participate in decision-making was also created for the elementary level (and was restructured at a later date for both levels).

 

 

During the school year 1993-1994, Mrs. Ana Raffucci, vice-principal of the elementary school, retired after many years of service to the Academy. In September 1994, Mr. José Manuel Leavitt assumed the office of Vice-Principal for grades 7 to 12. Mr. Ángel Cintrón assumed the office of Vice-Principal for Grades K through 6. In 1996, APSS celebrated its diamond anniversary, seventy-five years of existence. Several celebrations which united hundreds of Alumni with teachers and students took place between September and December of that year.

 

 

During the school year 1997-1998, APS underwent its self-study in preparation for the Middle States Evaluation. For the first time, the entire school (K-12) was evaluated in February 1999, receiving its accreditation for 10 more years. The Visiting Committee found APS advancing the quality of educational experiences offered to its students while providing strong and varied academic programs that satisfy the needs of students in accordance with its established philosophy and objectives.

 

 

Mr. Ángel Cintrón became Vice-Principal of Academics for the entire school in 1998 and Miss Sarita Vázquez was appointed elementary school Vice-Principal.

 

 

On October 17, 2000, a long-awaited dream came true as we inaugurated the new gymnasium which stands out for its exceptional facilities, designed by Athletic Director, Mr. Carlos Ruíz, and Architect Luis Badillo. The building was dedicated to our Director Padre Armando Álvarez. Monseñor Roberto González, Archbishop of San Juan, blessed this modern structure which serves as the setting for physical education classes, intramural and interscholastic games, tournaments, and activities.

 

 

In September 2006, Academia del Perpetuo Socorro celebrated its 80th anniversary. Previous to this benchmark, the commemoration of “80 years of Excellence in Education and Spiritual Formation” prompted several activities held throughout the school year 2001-2002. These included: a family day, skits and presentations by the different classes, a Gala Buffet, and a dance organized by the PTA. A stage production, directed by Yalí Williams, turned out to be a highlight: “Perpetuo Vuelve al Tapia”. It consisted of scenes from several “zarzuelas” and musicals that had brought so much prestige to our school over the years under the charismatic leadership of Sister Mary Olivia Simko, S.S.N.D. Thus, the eightieth year is remembered as one of the significant accomplishments in the academic, athletic, and co-curricular activities.

 

 

In June 2003, Ms. Eva Umpierre, a truly dedicated and competent teacher who gave more than forty years of her life to APS, suddenly passed away. In September 2006, within an atmosphere of great joy and gratitude to God, the Academy and its surrounding community gathered to celebrate our 85 years of Academic Excellence and Spiritual Formation” at a special Mass held in our school gymnasium, Diverse activities, planned throughout the school year to commemorate the event, included: a commemorative panoramic photo of our entire faculty and student body, a PTA-sponsored “Family Day” which culminated with “Perpetuo Idol talent Show” and gala banquet with a dance.

 

 

In December 2006, Father Armando Álvarez, director for 25 years, was named Monsignor by his Holiness Pope Benedict XVI through Archbishop Roberto González Nieves. During the summer of 2007, the APS Community suffered the loss of Ms. Julia Tierney Roake, a dear friend and companion who served this institution with loyalty and genuine commitment for more than thirty years.

 

 

Throughout the school year 2007-2008, Perpetuo’s truly committed faculty and administration engaged in a very thorough self-study in preparation for an upcoming Middle States Evaluation which had originally been scheduled for October 2008 but which, due to changes in the configuration of the school’s administration, did not take place until March 2009. In the summer of 2008, Monsignor Armando retired as parish priest and as director of the Academy, while Sister Armand Marie, S.S.N.D., remained as principal, thus giving continuity to the program. During the month of July, Padre Ángel Ciappi, Vicar for the Office of Economic Affairs of the Archdiocese of San Juan, became the new director for the Academy. In August Padre David Vargas Grajales, Vicar of education for the Archdiocese of San Juan, was appointed as pastor and spiritual director of the school. Sra. Maribel Vázquez was appointed vice-principal for Grades 4, 5, and 6 in order to facilitate administration and supervision within the elementary school. Among the significant changes implemented, the Administrative Team was restructured consisting of the director, the principal, the four vice principals, the accounting manager, and the technology department coordinator. The previous administrative team became an advisory board felt to be of the utmost importance in its role as link between administration and faculty until December 2009. The Administrative Team formed the embodied the director, the principals and the four vice-principals.

 

 

During the week of March 17 thru March 20, 2009, a very enthusiastic and competent Visiting Committee from the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools, validated the findings made during the self study, acknowledging Perpetuo’s magnificent tradition of excellence in academics and in the spiritual development of its students.

 

 

After twenty six years of assertive leadership and inspiration, Sister Armand Marie S.S.N.D. concluded her services as principal of both elementary and high school in June 2009. She is remembered within the school community for her dedication, great vision, and innovative trends. Sister Armand’s departure culminated an eighty-eight-year-long tradition of excellence and spirituality under the Schools sisters of Notre dame, which had permeated the school and community since its very foundation in 1921. Sister Mary Ellen Gemmell from the Congregation of Sisters of the Holy family of Nazareth, appointed by Archbishop Roberto González Nieves, was welcomed as incoming principal of the schools.

 

 

During July 2009, Monsignor Carlos Quintana, appointed by Archbishop Roberto González Nieves, assumed the roles of director of Academia del Perpetuo Socorro and pastor of the Perpetuo Socorro Parish. During that year, the Sports Committee of the PTA under the leadership of María Elena Torres Jiménez, (APS82), launched a new initiative: renovating the logo, Perpetuo Angels and uniting the students with faculty, alumni, community, well-known sports officials and leaders. At the same time, students continued to excel in a plethora of competitions maintaining the hallmark of excellence historically enjoyed by APS: The National Geographic Bee, a local Geography Bee, The Archdiocesan Spelling Bee, an international mathematics contest, various local mathematics competitions, English forensics, and Spanish Oratory competitions, the Archdiocesan Science Fair, the INTEL sponsored International Science Fair (ISEF), music festivals and artistic exhibitions, business education projects and leadership endeavors. At the same time, emphasis was placed on the pastoral aspect of the program aimed at leading all to Jesus, the center of Catholic Education.  

 

 

During 2009 a group of Perpetuo alumni decided to organize a new kind of alumni association. With an unprecedented determination, they decided to start an entity with the proper legal, financial and human resources and framework to last for decades to come. As such, they formed a legal entity and incorporated, conducted a general assembly, elected a board of directors, approved bylaws and have since successfully run a new entity called ORGANIZACIÓN DE EXALUMNOS APS., INC., a non profit corporation who was granted state and federal tax 501(C)(3) tax exemptions. Since 2010 they have raised funds for a restricted financial assistance endowment fund that grants financial aid to qualified and talented Perpetuo students, thus allowing them to remain in Perpetuo.

 

 

In May of 2013, after pondering different alternatives and attending to new demands in our school community, Monsignor Carlos Quintana and the Administrative Staff, decided to expand our APS family establishing the first Pre Kinder.

 

 

The -Digital Learning Center School Sisters of Notre Dame- was inaugurated on October 16, 2014 by Dr. Ángel Cintrón Opio, high school Principal. This center replaces the original High School library. The traditional library was converted into a state of the art digital learning center for students and faculty. This center has individual learning areas as well as classrooms and team learning areas with a 21st century modern design. The two digital collaboration classrooms are dedicated to Sister Armand Marie SSND (School Principal from 1982-2009) and the other to Mr. José Manuel Leavitt (teacher and present day High School Vice Principal Senior).

 

 

The APS Gymnasium was dedicated and named after Mr. Carlos Ruiz, former teacher, coach and Dean of Students. A ceremony was performed in honor of Mr. Ruiz with students, faculty, a strong alumni presence and participation, friends and family, on October 17, 2014. 

 

 

In May 2015 a new Director and Principal was appointed for a period of three years; Rev. Father Juan Santa Guzmán.  Realizing the past, present and future threats to the School’s tradition of excellence, during his tenure Father Juan Santa Guzmán became a strong advocate and supporter of both the School Sisters of Notre Dame and of the Perpetuo Socorro Alumni Organization, as a means to bring back the school essence of academic excellence and spirit of mutual collaboration.

 

 

In September 20, 2017, hurricane María devastated all of Puerto Rico with strong category four (4) winds and torrential rains. Our alma mater was no exception suffering severe damage to all its general common elements and facilities. Under the leadership of the Director Santa Guzmán, the school’s principals, unconditional support from faculty, administration and several volunteer alumni, the school came back to its feet a month after and classes were resumed.  The following two years the school underwent significant repairs, renovation and upkeep, and the school’s Auditorium, was completely renovated.

 

 

In June 2018 Monsr. José Emilio Cummings, was appointed by Archbishop Roberto González Nieves, assumed the roles of director of Academia del Perpetuo Socorro and continued as pastor of the Perpetuo Socorro Parish. 

 

 

In September 2018, Perpetuo honored Prof. José Manuel Leavitt’s 50 year career as educator and -generational inspirator extraordinaire- at Perpetuo. A gala was organized in his name at Centro de Bellas Artes in Santurce by presenting his favorite opera, “Tosca”. This event was entirely organized and run by the Perpetuo alumni organization and net proceeds were destined to their restricted scholarship fund, managed by the Organización de Exalumnos APS, Inc., a non profit, duly registered corporation formed in 2009, whose finances, accounting and general funds run separate and totally independent from the School’s.

 

 

September 2021 will mark the first hundred years of our alma mater.

 

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Patroness of Our School

 

Our Lady of Perpetual Help is the patroness of Academia del Perpetuo Socorro. Her picture shows our Blessed Mother with the Infant Jesus in her arms.

 

School Colors

 

The school seal, designed by the Class of 1934, contains a lamp representing not merely wisdom, but more importantly, Christian learning. The open book under the lamp signifies education. On its pages we find the inscription “Esto Perpetua” -This is Everlasting- as Christian education prevails throughout life. Over the book hang two ribbons showing the colors of the school, wine, and green. On the right-hand side of the lamp is a star which sheds its rays in all directions, symbolizing faith and the divine illumination which guides students throughout all phases of their lives.

 

Around the seal is “Academia del Perpetuo Socorro”, the name proudly circling the symbols engraved in the hearts of all who treasure the Academy located in Miramar, Puerto Rico.

 

 

School Hymn

 

Cual cascadas de notas sonoras

Nuestras voces unidas están,

En honor de la escuela bendita

Que los triunfos nos harán gozar.

 

La Academia de Nuestra Señora

Del Perpetuo Socorro amad,

Recordemos los sabios consejos

Que aprendimos aquí a practicar.

 

Compañeros jamás olvidemos

Que el estudio será nuestro don,

Que por norte bendito tendremos

La virtud, la nobleza y el honor.

 

 

Cual estrella luciente y hermosa

Nuestra escuela por siempre será,

Nuestro faro con luz primorosa

Que el camino nos ha de alumbrar.

 

 

Music: Raúl Márquez

Words by: Josefa Palacios

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​*Reproducido según aparece en el actual Reglamento del Estudiante K-12, Academia de Nuestra Señora del Perpetuo Socorro, (2010). Puesta al día a partir del 2009, por miembros de la Junta de Directores de la Organización de Exalumnos.  Derechos Reservados A.P.S.