Serra High
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Serra Catholic High School
Serra Catholic High School was founded in 1961, housed at Holy Trinity Parish School with an enrollment of 89 boys. Serra's patron to this day is Friar Junipero Serra, O.F.M., founder of 22 mission churches in California. Serra is presently located in McKeesport, situated on Haler Heights. This location was a thirty-two acre parcel of sloping land, 1082 feet above sea level. The first administration staff included: Fr. Luke M. Ciampi, O.F.M, as headmaster and superior, Fr. Emil De Cicco, O.F.M., as vice principal.
Serra was relocated in the beginning of the third year. The cornerstone of the present building was laid and the school was officially dedicated on September 13, 1963 by his Excellency, the Most Reverend John J. Wright, Bishop of Pittsburgh.
The first Senior Class, numbering 96 boys, graduated on June 7, 1965. From its start in 1961 to 1972 Serra was an all boys institution. In 1972, the administration accepted approximately 100 girls, making the institution coeducational.
The first school year was started with the celebration of High Mass in Holy Trinity Church, sung by Fr. Luke. After Mass, Fr. Luke addressed the first student body saying, ". . .and, I mean men of character, men who know the difference between right and wrong and unhesitatingly always do what is right. . ." Some may ask, "Why?" As a long standing tradition at Serra, we would simply reply, "Because we're Serra."
