By Marlene Quaroni - Florida Catholic
Father George Packuvettithara, pastor of St. Rose of Lima Church, and Dr. Richard Brown, principal of St. Rose of Lima School, hold umbrellas as the Bob Shop brass band performs in the school gymnasium during a gala celebration marking the kickoff of the school’s 75th anniversary celebration in Miami Shores April 25, 2026.
The Bop Shop brass band performs in the courtyard of St. Rose of Lima School as caterers serve hors d’oeuvres during a gala celebration marking the kickoff of the school’s 75th anniversary celebration in Miami Shores April 25, 2026.
Gala attendees enjoy hors d’oeuvres in the courtyard of St. Rose of Lima School during a celebration marking the kickoff of the school’s 75th anniversary in Miami Shores April 25, 2026.
Paul Magnes, co-president and general manager of Sunbeam Television, whose two daughters attended St. Rose of Lima School and whose son currently attends the school, poses for a photo with Lisa Magnes, Tatsiana Ansin, Andrew Ansin, chief executive officer of Sunbeam Development, and Father George Packuvettithara during a gala celebration marking the kickoff of the school’s 75th anniversary in Miami Shores April 25, 2026. The Ansin Foundation recently donated $75,000 to the school.
Michelle and Andrew Lenahan pose for a photo after placing the winning $2,500 bid during a live auction for priority school pickup for their three children who attend St. Rose of Lima School during a gala celebration marking the kickoff of the school’s 75th anniversary in Miami Shores April 25, 2026.
AJ Lopez, a photo booth attendant, takes photos of Juan Hoyos and Maria Cordoba during a gala celebration marking the kickoff of the 75th anniversary of St. Rose of Lima School in Miami Shores April 25, 2026.
Adrian Hernandez, whose two children attend St. Rose of Lima School, looks through school photos from past years during a gala celebration marking the kickoff of the school’s 75th anniversary in Miami Shores April 25, 2026.
Student artwork from St. Rose of Lima School is displayed during the silent auction at a gala celebration marking the kickoff of the school’s 75th anniversary in Miami Shores April 25, 2026.
Photography: Marlene Quarani | FC
MIAMI SHORES | From classrooms once filled with inkwells and fountain pens to students now learning computer coding and digital technology, St. Rose of Lima School has spent 75 years educating generations of children in the Catholic faith while evolving with the times.
On Saturday, April 25, the Miami Shores school celebrated its diamond jubilee with a 75th anniversary Mass and Legacy Gala that brought together alumni, parents, parishioners and supporters to honor the school’s history and future. The celebration also included a major gift from a prominent South Florida foundation.
“This is a terrific school,” said Andrew Ansin, chief executive officer of Sunbeam Development, whose Ansin Foundation donated $75,000 to the school. “The kids are being taught good values. Several of our employees have students at this school. We want to support quality education in the Northeast Miami-Dade area.”
For Paul Magnes, co-president and general manager of Sunbeam Television, the school’s mission is deeply personal. One of his sons currently attends St. Rose, and his two daughters are alumni.
From inkwells to innovation
The first St. Rose of Lima School opened in 1951 with the Adrian Dominican Sisters leading classrooms and helping establish the school’s Catholic identity. Over the decades, the school expanded both academically and technologically while maintaining its focus on faith formation and community.
In 1961, a new church opened at the southwest corner of the parish property, and the original church became the school gymnasium. A major expansion followed in the 1970s with the addition of a middle school, science lab, library and administrative offices.
Photographer: Marlene Quaroni/FC
Father George Packuvettithara, pastor of St. Rose of Lima Church, and Dr. Richard Brown, principal of St. Rose of Lima School, hold umbrellas as the Bob Shop brass band performs in the school gymnasium during a gala celebration marking the kickoff of the school’s 75th anniversary celebration in Miami Shores April 25, 2026.
A new era of growth began in 1981 when the Immaculate Heart of Mary Sisters assumed leadership of the school. Under their administration, the school continued to strengthen its academic reputation and expand programs for students and families.
In 1986 and 1994, the school received national recognition as a U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. By the mid-1990s, the campus had been rewired and retrofitted for cable and computer networking, becoming the first school in the Archdiocese of Miami to launch its own website.
Today, St. Rose serves approximately 500 students in prekindergarten through eighth grade and continues investing in technology, campus improvements and student programs. In 2025, the school courtyard underwent a complete eco-friendly renovation.
A school rooted in faith and family
During the anniversary gala, alumni shared stories of friendships, faith and traditions that have connected generations of families to the school.
Bennet Pumo, a graduate and longtime supporter of the school, recalled spending recess under a pine tree next to the campus and serving as an altar boy in the parish’s original church.
“I remember sitting under a pine tree in the empty lot next to the school during recess,” said Pumo. “I was an altar boy in the old church. My son and daughter also attended St. Rose. I stayed connected to the school as a Boy Scout master for 30 years. Like our school, our Troop 305 was outstanding, with 47 Scouts reaching the rank of Eagle Scout.”
Photographer: Marlene Quaroni/FC
The Bop Shop brass band performs in the courtyard of St. Rose of Lima School as caterers serve hors d’oeuvres during a gala celebration marking the kickoff of the school’s 75th anniversary celebration in Miami Shores April 25, 2026.
The gala featured silent and live auctions, a brass band, cocktails in the courtyard and dancing in the school auditorium. During the evening, St. Rose pastor Father George Packuvettithara and principal Dr. Stephen Brown unveiled a new anniversary logo from the school’s second-floor balcony.
Parents Andrew and Michele Lenahan won the auction bid for priority school pickup and drop-off for their three children who attend the school. Their $2,500 contribution will help fund future school projects. Other auction proceeds helped fully fund a new volleyball net, while additional fundraising efforts continue for a new electronic school marquee.
Celebrating diversity and looking ahead
St. Rose of Lima School has become one of the most culturally diverse Catholic schools in Miami-Dade County, with students representing more than 27 nationalities. School leaders say that international diversity has helped shape the school’s identity, creating a community where different cultures, languages and traditions are embraced and celebrated.
“For us, cultural diversity is one of the hallmarks of our school,” said Dr. Brown. “We celebrate the many nationalities and cultures represented by our students through special events, traditions and activities throughout the year. We encourage students to appreciate different languages and cultures, and we even reflect that diversity in our worship and prayer life.”
School leaders say the anniversary celebration was not only an opportunity to honor the past, but also to look toward the future of Catholic education in Miami Shores.
“We are repeatedly upgrading to keep up with the latest technology,” said Dr. Brown. “Our faculty and staff are committed to providing a safe, nurturing and Christ-centered environment for our diverse community. St. Rose is a great place to grow.”
As St. Rose of Lima School marks its 75th anniversary, the school continues building on a legacy that began with religious sisters and handwritten lessons and now prepares students for a rapidly changing digital world — while remaining rooted in Catholic faith and tradition.
