Quigley Catholic High School
In Memoriam: A Small School with a Big Heart (1967–2020)
Perched on the hill at 200 Quigley Drive in Baden, Quigley Catholic High School was more than a building. It was the only Roman Catholic high school in Beaver County, Pennsylvania, and for generations it formed minds, deepened faith, and knit together families across our parishes and towns. Opened in 1967 and named for Monsignor Thomas J. Quigley, the school closed at the end of the 2019–2020 year—but its spirit lives on in every graduate who still carries the Burgundy & White with pride.
A Legacy Rooted in Service and Faith
Quigley’s story began long before the doors first opened. The Sisters of St. Joseph laid the groundwork for Catholic secondary education in the valley—founding an academy in 1902 and Mt. Gallitzin High School for Girls in 1913. In 1924, St. Veronica High School opened in Ambridge, staffed by the Sisters and parish clergy. By the mid-1960s, the Diocese of Pittsburgh moved to bring these efforts together.
Under Auxiliary Bishop John B. McDowell, land was purchased from the Sisters in 1966 and construction began. Quigley Catholic High School welcomed its first 440 students in September 1967 —even as finishing touches were still underway. The building was blessed and dedicated on April 28, 1968. Founding leadership included Father Robert J. Reardon as headmaster and Sister St. Bede Downey, CSJ, whose steady presence shaped the school for years. From those early days forward, Quigley drew students from many parishes and backgrounds, united by faith, friendship, and a shared mission.
What Made Quigley Different
Close-knit community: Small classes where teachers knew your name and stayed after the bell to help.
Whole-person formation: Strong academics, arts, athletics, retreats, and service—each part of one education.
Traditions we still cherish: Homecomings and musicals, senior retreats and service days, pep rallies and Friday-night lights.
Pride in the Spartans: Competing in the WPIAL as the Spartans, students learned teamwork, humility, and grit—win or lose.
A Community Built by Many Hands
Quigley’s heartbeat was its people: the Sisters and clergy, devoted faculty and staff, tireless volunteers, and generations of parents and alumni. Many remember the quiet service of supporters like Edward “Mr. D” Driscoll, honored at "The Edwin D Driscoll Athletic Field". Their everyday acts—keeping stats, selling tickets, mentoring students, saying yes when help was needed—made Quigley feel like home.
We gratefully recognize longtime teachers who shaped generations at Quigley—“Mr. Wax” (Tim Waxenfelter), Nancy Yanyanin, Beverly Walley, Robert McClane, Mr. Hevia, and many others whose dedication made our school a family.
The Closing—and the Covenant We Keep
When Quigley closed in 2020, we did not say goodbye to a mission. We promised to carry it forward: to think clearly, love deeply, and serve generously. Today that legacy lives in classrooms and parishes, businesses and nonprofits, families and friendships—everywhere our alumni have taken what Quigley gave them.
“Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Thank you to everyone who taught, coached, cheered, prayed, and sacrificed to make Quigley Catholic what it was.
