Passing down family tradition, one Catholic school education at a time

Three families share what Catholic education has meant to them over the years

Several 2026 graduates of diocesan Catholic high schools are part of a long line of family members who are fellow Catholic school alumni. For these multi-generational Catholic school families, there are many reasons why Catholic education has remained a priority and a tradition that’s been passed down from one generation to the next. The Catholic Sun sat down with members of three of these families to find out why they’ve chosen to continue that tradition and how Catholic education has shaped their families from one school year to the next.

 

Bishop Ludden-Grimes Junior/Senior High School

By Elizabeth Landry
Staff writer

For many families who choose to send their children to Catholic schools, Catholic education is more than just a solid foundation that sets them up for future success — it’s also a community of tight-knit, like-minded families they can rely on along the way. One such family is the Brisson family, which includes three generations of family members who’ve attended Bishop Grimes (and now Bishop-Ludden Grimes) since the 1970s.

Catholic education has always been important to the family in order “to be around other Catholic families and those who have similar values,” said Gary J. Brisson, ‘97 BG graduate, religion teacher at the school from 2002 to 2008, and father of three children who each attended Bishop Grimes: Isabella (‘22), Ashlee (‘24) and Gary M. Brisson, who is graduating this year from BLG. Gary’s sister Beth also graduated from Bishop Grimes, and their mother, Diane Brisson (nee Desimone), along with her twin sister Debbie, graduated in 1974.

Although sending their children to Catholic schools was often a financial sacrifice, both Gary and Diane expressed that they never considered any other option — their faith, the lifelong friendships their families have made, and the supportive community always made Catholic schools the only choice.

Diane, who attended Catholic school from kindergarten at St. Daniel’s all the way up through 12th grade and who still remains close friends with some of her peers from elementary school, emphasized how close their family is and how they’ve enjoyed finding a similarly close-knit community at BG and now at BLG.

“It’s all [about] community. It’s a community, and it’s faith-based,” Diane said. “It doesn’t matter how old you are, and if you have a family and you’ve got 20 million things going on with work and family, it doesn’t matter, because you know they’re always going to be there for you.”

Gary and Diane reminisced about the many memories they have from being so heavily involved in the school community over the years. Diane was involved in many school activities, from being in the PTO to helping keep score during athletic games. They both mentioned Father David Sambor’s musicals as a highlight of their time at BG, and one special connection they share is that Monsignor George Sheehan was principal when Diane graduated, as well as when Gary taught at the school.

“I was involved in helping out with all the plays, I coach soccer and basketball, and I’ve coached baseball,” Gary said. “I used to umpire for them, or run the scoreboard, or whatever they needed throughout the years. I did the research, and one-third of my life has been involved with Grimes in some way, between going there, or my kids going there, or teaching there, so it’s been a cornerstone.”

When asked about what has changed in the school community over the years, naturally, the merging of Bishop Grimes and Bishop Ludden last year was brought up as a significant development. Reflecting on the past year, Gary shared that “Bishop Ludden students have been wonderful, and the Grimes students have been wonderful. And the parents opened their arms and did the best they could, trying to include the students and everybody else,” but also said there’s more work to do in terms of incorporating and merging traditions from both schools.

When she first heard BG would close and merge with BL, Diane said she felt bitter, but as she became more involved with the BL community, she found that “everyone was extremely welcoming and kind.”

Gary’s son recently received the Father Kevin Murphy Award, a long-standing award at BL given to a graduating senior. While this award is surely significant for his son and their family because it reflects young Gary’s accomplishments, it’s also special for another reason.

“It’s a big award [the school] gives out, and they gave it to a Grimes kid,” Gary said.

For Diane, an event that recently occurred within the BLG community demonstrated how faith continues to be at the center of the school and has brought the students together more than anything else. On May 13, eleven students from BLG made their sacraments at the Cathedral and became Catholic. Diane and her husband went to the Mass because she knew some of the students and wanted to support them. She said she’d never seen anything like it before.

“There had to be 100 people there, students supporting students from Bishop Ludden, Bishop Grimes, seeing the teachers who were asked to be [there for] these students [as] Confirmation sponsors and baptismal godparents,” Diane said. “It was probably one of the highlights, the most momentous time [for] a Catholic school I have ever experienced. I couldn’t stop crying, and if there was one change to me that was the best thing I’ve ever seen in my whole life in a Catholic school, [it was] to see those students, the teachers, the bishop, priests, the parents, and the family members … it changed my whole perspective about the integration of Bishop Grimes and Bishop Ludden, and to me, seeing that happen was the highlight of Catholic education. … To see these young adults make a choice and say, ‘I want to be Catholic. I want Jesus in my life.’

“These students chose to become Catholic, with the support of their teachers,” she continued.  “What a gift the school is offering to these young adults. This is what our Catholic education is all about!”

 

Notre Dame Junior/Senior High School

By Tami S. Scott
Editor

When Robert Hickey crossed the stage to receive his diploma from Notre Dame Junior-Senior High School last month, he became the fifth generation of his family to graduate from the school, continuing a tradition that began more than a century ago.

For his mother, fourth-generation graduate Kelli (Lebert) Hickey, the milestone brought back fond memories of her own days at Notre Dame as a member of the Class of 1987.

“I felt safe and protected within the walls of my school,” she said, adding that Catholic education was indispensable in her family. There was no debate and no other option. “Having religion and prayer in our daily lives was — and still is — extremely important.”

Looking back, she wouldn’t have it any other way.

“I love [Catholic] education because the standards are so high. You receive a great education, and students are held accountable for their actions,” she said. “Rules are enforced [and] with broken rules came consequences.”

Hickey also emphasized the school’s strong academic successes, noting that Notre Dame maintains a 100% graduation rate. In addition, she recalled the individualized attention students received through the many one-on-one interactions with teachers.

On a personal level, the friendships she formed have been lifelong. “I loved the camaraderie. I am still friends with many of my classmates today.”

Prior generations of Notre Dame alumni in the family include Hickey’s mom, Patricia Rosato (Melnick), Class of 1965; her grandmother, Francis Sullivan Melnick, Class of 1929; and her great-grandmother, Nora Rexford, Class of 1900.

Like present times, where we have mergers, closings, and name changes between schools and parishes, Notre Dame is no different. Since 1834, history buffs can find a plethora of rich details tracing the school’s evolution from the founding of Utica Catholic Academy (UCA) (ND’s early lineage) to what we now know as Notre Dame Junior-Senior High School.

Regardless of the changes, one constant has been the exceptional standards the schools maintained in academics, Catholic values, and the incorporation of real-life experiences. For instance, Hickey’s mother, Patricia, was a UCA grad when it was an all-girls school. Hickey said her favorite memory was when the class traveled to the World Fair in 1964 to see the Pietà. “She says the education was phenomenal,” Hickey said. Service programs were mandatory, and sports were offered for all girls, including synchronized swimming, she added.

“We always had so much going on,” Hickey remembered fondly. At the time of the interview, Father Cornelius Deep, a 2016 ND graduate, had just been ordained a priest. Pointing to his ordination as an example, Hickey said, “Great things can happen with Catholic education.”

 

Seton Catholic Central

By Eileen Jevis
Staff writer

If you’ve ever been active in an alumni group or association — whether high school or college — you’ve likely carried forth the traditions and values from one class or generation to another. There is a sense of pride and belonging that comes with the alumni connection — pride in your education, a sports team, common beliefs, and shared experiences.

Broc Malyszek is the most recent member of his family who will walk the stage at graduation this June. The 2026 graduate joins other proud alumni from his family who, for more than 50 years, have graduated from Seton Catholic. While the family is spread across the country — from California to Virginia and from Georgia to New York — there is a common thread they proudly share — the tradition of faith, community, and the educational experience that has helped shape them throughout their lives.

Marissa Malyszek (‘15), Broc’s sister, said that attending Seton Catholic complemented their faith life — participating in daily Mass, praying the Rosary, attending May Crownings, and other events they cherished.

“Our parents participated in many of these same traditions as students years ago and later had the opportunity to experience them again as parents of their own children,” Marissa said. “Being able to pass these traditions from one generation to the next is something especially meaningful to our family and one of the many reasons Seton holds a special place in our hearts.”

Walter Malyszek (’73) is Broc and Marissa’s father. He reflected on his educational experience compared to that of his children. “My dad mentioned the difference in tuition costs, but he also reflected on the impact technology has on education,” said Marissa. “When he was at Seton, there was little to no access to computers; nearly all schoolwork was completed by hand. For Broc, nearly every assignment is completed digitally with students using 1:1 devices such as Chromebooks.” Marissa said that for her dad, research required spending time in the library searching through books and reference materials.

For many of the Malyszeks, athletics was an integral part of their school experience. During brother Cody’s (’18) time at Seton, some of his fondest memories were the basketball and baseball programs that were performing at some of the highest levels in school history. The teams captured seven championships, including two divisional titles, two sectional titles, two regional championships, and a STAC basketball title in a four-month span. “As a dedicated supporter of the basketball team and a player on the baseball team, Cody was able to experience the best of both worlds,” Marissa said. “Beyond the championships and accomplishments, what stands out most to him is the camaraderie he shared with his teammates and classmates — many of whom remain some of his closest friends today.”

As Broc prepares to graduate, like those before him, he shows tremendous school spirit through his involvement in soccer, baseball, lacrosse, and, most recently, hockey with the BC Bills. “Watching him and supporting him alongside fellow alumni has brought the family much joy and pride,” said Marrissa.

Marissa said she is indebted to Seton Catholic for the friendships that remain an important part of her life. Most importantly, she said, she’s grateful to have met her high school sweetheart while a student there. They are entering their second year of marriage.

“I look back fondly on the many memories created through our close-knit class, lifelong friendships, and the countless opportunities provided throughout our time at Seton,” said Marissa. “While the school has undergone many beautiful updates over the years, it has still maintained the charm and sense of community that make Seton special. We can’t wait to see how it continues to grow and prosper for future generations.”