St. Joseph School began its 100th year with the sounds of children's feet hitting the pavement and laughter blending into sounds of greetings and story-telling as students shared their summer activities.

Triplets Julia, Luke and Myles Marciniak were seen racing to their second grade school entry door announcing "first in line...first in line!" Explaining that they had never gotten up earlier than this to get to school, the triplets proudly stood awaiting their teacher's arrival. Amy Marciniak couldn't believe how excited her children were and how early they rose for their special day. "I don't know what got into them this year, but they were all up and running today!" St. Joseph students spent three hours at the school for their first day followed by the traditional roller-skating party put together by the Parent Forum group and held at the Lombard Roller Rink.

Upon release on their first day of school, many students found parents awaiting them outside. New SJS first grader, Natalee Crane was greeted by parents, Jeffrey and Melanie complete with a bouquet of flowers and a star balloon. Melanie said her daughter comes home with something new to share each day. "She says she likes learning her math with new teacher, Miss Krueger," said Melanie, adding she came home singing "Taste and See the Goodness of the Lord" on Tuesday after attending her first All-School Tuesday Mass." She is learning the school little by little. "Today she loved jumping rope around the cones in gym class."

St. Joseph School has planned many community activities to celebrate their 100th year as a school. On Tuesday, September 1st, the school will begin with an 8:15 a.m. school blessing followed by a Centennial Celebratory Mass. All are welcome to attend.

And for the sports-minded, the annual Tailgate Trot 5K Run and 2.5K Walk/Kid's Run is to be held on Saturday, September 26th beginning at 8 a.m. This is sure to be a great kick off for this celebratory year. Sign up for this event is going on now. Registrations are being taken online or by mail. For more information, go to www.stjosephdg.org.