To the editor:

It is with a feeling of great sadness that this letter is written, but it is a letter that we are, at the same time, proud to write.

The following local businesses and residents must be thanked for their support of St. Joseph School this past academic year. Without their help and encouragement, many activities and cultural events held to enhance this, the final year of Catholic education in Salem, would not have taken place.

Thank you to all who supported our walkathon in September and to those who sold and purchased "The Salem Olde School Cookbook."

The city of Salem has a long and proud history with St. Joseph Parish and its schools. Many of Salem's most respected residents are graduates of a St. Joseph School education. Our city community is made up of many volunteers and contributing citizens who once walked the halls of St. Joseph School.

A memorial garden in honor of the spirit of St. Joseph School has been planted at Mack Park, here in Salem.

It is our hope that the friends and families of St. Joseph School will visit and care for this garden just as they cared for St. Joseph School.

Thank you to All Creatures Veterinary Hospital, Cabot Money Management, Crosby's supermarket, Crystal Springs, Dave Eng's Flowers, Dominion Salem Harbor Station, Eaton's Apothecary, Federal Street Neighborhood Association, Healthworks Fitness Centers for Women, Dr. Mike Kantorosinski, Ken Rothwell Catering, Landry & Arcari, Living Well, Mayor Driscoll and the City of Salem, Net Atlantic, O'Rourke Bros. Memorials, Pampelmousse, Peabody Essex Museum, Pencils Inc., Professional Roofing Construction, RAM Electrical, Rose Medallion Tea Room, Salem Council on Ageing, Salem News, Salem Getty, Salem YMCA, Seaboard Products, Seaport Credit Union, Shirts Illustrated, Steve's Quality Meat, Waters & Brown, Wire for Hire, and those donors who wished to remain anonymous.

Lorraine Harnett

Stan Szwartz

St. Joseph School Home & School Association

Salem