Kevin and Shannon Carbonneau from Oak Lawn anticipated sending their newborn, Lucy, to Queen of Martyrs, a Catholic school in Evergreen Park. Kevin had fond memories, calling it a tradition where multiple family generations attended. However, Lucy will not follow in those footsteps as the school is closing. Despite classes starting nationwide, the Queen of Martyrs community is mourning the school’s shutdown.
The Archdiocese of Chicago decided in June to close the school, which opened in 1953. St. Gianna Parish hosted a final Mass, school tour, and gathering for hundreds on a Sunday. Kevin, an alum, expressed disbelief over the closure. “I was devastated,” he remarked, recalling his school years.
During the visit, Kevin had a joyful moment in Room 2, where Eleanor Griegel, his first-grade teacher, was present. They shared a hug, and Griegel met Lucy. Griegel, who taught there for 18 years, reminisced about changes in the classroom since her tenure ended in 2003.
Former students revisited the library, finding award plaques with their names. Alumni like Matt Reidy and Sarah Scott expressed sadness over the closure but pledged to cherish the memories made at the school.
The archdiocese cited declining enrollment and financial losses as reasons for the closure. Enrollment fell from over 325 students in 2016 to 178 in 2025-26. Officials projected further decreases to 140 and a financial shortfall of $400,000. This contrasted starkly with the school’s early days when it had over 500 students preregistered before opening in 1953.
The last Mass at Queen of Martyrs was led by Rev. Benedykt Pazdan of St. Gianna Parish. He encouraged the congregation to view the closure as an opportunity for new learning experiences. Queen of Martyrs had served students from pre-kindergarten to eighth grade, and its closure prompted immediate outreach for new schools for affected families.
Jim Grohovena, a 1967 graduate, shared that his parents’ dedication to his Catholic education greatly influenced his life. The Queen of Martyrs Facebook page became a hub for communication and school referrals.