ABOUT US

OLFSFHSAA is a combined Association of former students and faculty of Our Lady of Fatima and Saint Francis High Schools in Maryland County, Liberia, currently residing in the United States. We are a certified 501(c)(3) charity entity pursuant to IRS guidelines.   OUR MISSION We are committed to the education of students at Our Lady of Fatima and Saint Francis High Schools and to maintaining fraternal relationships among former students and faculty.     PREAMBLE WE, the graduates, former students, and faculty of Our Lady of Fatima and St. Francis High Schools of Maryland County, Liberia, now residing in the Americas….. Inspired by a common determination for unity of purpose of our alma maters as they endeavor to educate and prepare the young people of Liberia for a complex and sophisticated world, and doing so within a spiritual and moral environment, deem it compelling to:   ·   Organize ourselves by forming an alumni association to be called "OUR LADY OF FATIMA & ST. FRANCIS HIGH    SCHOOLS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION IN THE AMERICAS", a non-profit, non-political organization;   ·   Foster and sustain the tradition of close relationship between our two high schools;   · Support and sustain the educational efforts at our schools.

A Brief History About Us   The idea of an Alumni Association from Our Lady of Fatima in the United States was a dream for many years of Mrs. Madeline White (Sr. Marlene), a former faculty member. She would occasionally mention the idea to one of her former students, Juah Doe-Benson,  with whom she had maintained contact. Mrs. White realized the great joy and pleasure she experienced whenever she had the opportunity to meet her former students from Fatima, and envisioned other students sharing this amazing experience. Mrs. White was even more convinced that an Alumni Association was needed after the Civil War began to devastate Liberia. It was evident that many alumni had not seen one another since leaving Liberia. Furthermore, an ongoing civil war would make it difficult for some of them to return home. Therefore, an alumni association would be a wonderful opportunity to have them meet, renew old friendships and make new acquaintances.   While visiting Chicago in June of 1990, Mrs. White met Gregory Nimpson, a former student. During the course of this visit, she expressed the idea of an alumni association to him. Gregory agreed that it would be a great venture and was most anxious to see it become a reality.   In August of 1990, alumni Juah Benson, Joseph Davies, Francis Nimpson, Gregory Nimpson, and Francois Toe met at the home of Mr. & Mrs. White, and the plans for the alumni association were conceived. James Butty, Matthew Nimpson and Veronica Nimpson subsequently joined in the planning.   It was decided to include St. Francis High School because of its close ties with Our Lady of Fatima High School. Many graduates of Fatima High School had also attended St. Francis Junior High School prior to it becoming a High School in 1973. Monthly meetings continued at the White's residence until the committee chose July 6, 1991 for the inaugural reunion.    The inaugural reunion/convention was held at Catholic University in Washington, D.C.  The activities commenced with a mass at the Franciscan Monastery. Fr. James Perrone, SMA, former faculty member of Our Lady of Fatima and former principal of St. Francis Elementary School was the celebrant. The group in attendance was small, but full-hearted and enthusiastic as they greeted old friends and renewed acquaintances.   Since that sun-filled weekend in Washington, the Association's membership has dramatically increased. We have had Reunions/Conventions in New York City, Chicago, Rochester - New York, Cleveland, Atlanta, Dallas, Maryland, Minneapolis and Providence, Rhode Island.   During our initial stage, we adopted and provided assistance to a school for Liberian refugees in the Cote D'Ivoire operated by Sister Sponsa because our Alma maters were not operational due to the civil conflict. Today, we are assisting our Alma maters in the rebuilding process.   Once you have had the experience of a reunion/convention you will be drawn to return. There is nothing more pleasant and satisfying than to hear shouts of joy as former schoolmates greet one another.   Yes! THE DREAM IS NOW A REALITY