The Braves…
“They are one hundred per head to feet. They’ve got that style, that smile, that winning way.” This is what rang out from a hundred voices around me. It is the Flaget Fight song. Flaget was a Catholic High School in the West End that existed from 1942-1974. At its peak it had 1,200 Flaget Braves student’s enrolled. Now, fifty-one years after closing its door, Flaget still has a strong alumni association who gather monthly to reminisce and stay connected. Another important piece of their association is fundraising and providing financial gifts to organizations. Many of the organizations they support are in the Shawnee and Portland neighborhoods that most of them lived in. They have supported us for years, and it is always special every year when we get invited to receive their gift, not just because of the financial help it provides, but also the encouragement.
Some of the alumni gift recipients with alumni.
When the Flaget alumni learn that we are located at the old Mackin and St Cecilia campuses they always are curious to come up to us and find out what all is going on in those buildings now. They tell stories of how they were involved in the history of those buildings. The years that the Mackin was used as an overflow building for Flaget. The basketball games they attended there and the fish frys that they went to at St Cecilias. They give you a firm handshake, look you in the eyes, and tell you thank you and to keep going. They also represent the power that community based education can have.
This is a group of men that were so impacted by the education and the community that was created inside the walls of Flaget, that they still gather a half century later to celebrate those things and see how they can pass those things on to future generations. It is an impact that I hope we are able to provide to our students as well. A community so powerful that it stays with them for decades to come. That we instill a loe for this community in them that no matter where they go, whether they live in Portland for the rest of their lives or move across the world, they will continue to contribute to the revitalization of their community. It is a beautiful reminder for us about the huge impact that education can have.
Ethan Essex
Mighty Oak Supplies Lists!!!
The start of the school year is here. If you would like to support through purchasing supplies, it’s not too late. You can find those lists here:
Supply Wishlist: https://a.co/4IDGPaN
Snack List: https://a.co/g4DnQYr
Merriment Online!!
If you are missing browsing our shelves, don’t fret, there are plenty of ways to browse online. To view our ebay store click here. If you want to view our larger items visit our Facebook Marketplace here. We are still accepting donations, if you would like to donate call (502) 930-9006. Check out one of this week’s featured items below.
Fish Fry Open!!!
The Fish Fry is OPEN! We look forward to seeing you so you can get your fix of fish, churched up tots, or whatever else is calling your name!
If you are interested in volunteering or to find out more information about supplies needed please email: info@lovecityinc.org or call (502) 272-078.