By Courtney Dienna

Lansdale Catholic is full of love. Walking down the hallways, you are guaranteed to see smiling faces and laughs full of joy. Love is an essential piece of what makes up our LC Family. One person within that family, Mr. Casey, recently announced his plan to retire at the end of this school year. As an essential member of LC for 33 years, he has truly made a difference and now it's time to cherish our final months with this authentic, selfless leader. I had the pleasure of talking with Mr. Casey as he reflected on the love he sees every day at Lansdale Catholic. His responses were so unique and uplifting, and they truly demonstrate how love thrives in our green and gold building. 

Mr. Casey loves many things about our school, especially the small community. Each person has a role that is essential in making up our family. Whether through the drama club, sports teams, or many other extracurriculars, LC provides the space and opportunities students need to thrive. As Mr. Casey put it, “Everyone knows everyone. We use it a lot, but it is a little family.” He believes that the way students treat each other creates this environment. No one and no school is perfect; however, students are kind and considerate at LC. Everyone is known here; that is what makes it so special to Mr. Casey. This environment of love provides a good work environment for adults and a great learning atmosphere for students.

The students hold a special place in Mr. Casey’s heart. “Students are open and very kind to each other. They like being in school, but they love being here.” During the interview, Mr. Casey reflected on how happy it makes him to see students happy to be in school. Students could leave immediately after school, but many choose to stay and participate in activities and clubs. I like to think that the building is never truly empty. People choose not to leave it for a reason.

Faith is the foundation of LC. Faith not only grows us closer to God but also closer to those around us. Considering events like Kairos retreats and weekly prayer group gatherings, Mr. Casey spoke about how faith is a huge part of the LC family. “Faith formation is unique here, an experience that you cannot find at most other schools.” When you come to LC, you do not just receive a proper education. You're welcomed into a community, an everlasting connection with God and others.

Many memories surface as Mr. Casey reflects on his 33 wonderful years here, a dedication to Catholic education which is also impossible for us to succinctly summarize. However, his favorite LC tradition is blocking off Lansdale Ave. at graduation, so graduates can walk from LC to Saint Stan's. Teachers are also a part of this walk. A new tradition in the past couple of years has been having the 50th-anniversary class process with the new graduates. When I graduate in 2025, I will have the class of 1975 walking with me in golden robes. This tradition once again ties in with the family aspect of LC. 

While we will certainly be sad to see Mr. Casey leave, we look forward to the much-deserved congratulations and celebrations that will be sure to accompany his final months here. Not only will we miss him, but he will miss us. At the end of the interview, I asked him what he is going to miss the most about Lansdale Catholic. After taking a moment to think it over, he said, “I will miss the way faculty, staff, and students all [contribute] to make this the community that it is. LC is almost 75 years old, and each member of the community shaped it to be the way that it is today.” As an essential member of our community, Mr. Casey has certainly made his mark on our school and in our lives. There will always be a second home for Mr. Casey on 700 Lansdale Avenue.