New Statue Honors Teacher as Carlo Acutis Becomes Saint

A new statue commemorating the recently canonized Carlo Acutis was unveiled outside the former Holy Family School in Oglesby on September 27, 2023. This event, coinciding with the start of the new school year, serves as a tribute to Mary Kaye Happ, a beloved teacher who dedicated 39 years of her career to Catholic education before her passing on May 9, 2023.

Her husband, Larry Happ, sought a meaningful way to honor his wife’s legacy. After considering various options, he was inspired by a bronze statue of Acutis, who was canonized by Pope Leo XIV just days prior. The statue is now part of the Academy of Carlo Acutis, which formed from the merger of Holy Family School. “The timing is perfect,” Happ stated, expressing his gratitude to the donors who contributed to the memorial.

Community Support and Significance

The statue’s unveiling was attended by local clergy and community members, including Very Rev. Thomas Otto, pastor of St. Baptist de La Salle Parish. Otto remarked on the significance of the event, saying it honors “a beloved teacher who gave her life to serving and handing on the faith to the youth.”

Happ did not disclose the statue’s cost but emphasized that the school did not incur any financial responsibility for the project, thanks to the support of numerous donors gathered during Mary Kaye’s memorial contributions. He approached local Catholic pastors with the idea of acquiring the statue, which they welcomed enthusiastically.

Students at the academy have embraced both the statue and the story of Carlo Acutis, a young saint known for his dedication to the Eucharist and digital evangelization. Seventh grader Liam Tutaj expressed excitement, stating, “I love that our school is the first school named after St. Carlo.” His classmates echoed similar sentiments, highlighting Acutis as a relatable role model.

Inspiring the Next Generation

The principal of the Academy, Deb Myers, noted that the canonization of Acutis makes sainthood feel accessible to students. “You don’t have to be a person that lived 200, 300, 500 years ago,” she said. “You can be a 15-year-old boy who just loved Jesus.”

Acute’s influence is not new to the local community. In 2022, a traveling Vatican exhibit featuring Acutis’s work on eucharistic miracles visited La Salle and captured the attention of many. The exhibit showcased 160 placards that detailed miraculous events from around the world, crafted by Acutis, who passed away from leukemia at a young age.

The impact of Carlo Acutis’s life and the memorial dedicated to Mary Kaye Happ continue to resonate within the academy, fostering a sense of connection to their new patron saint. As students learn about Acutis’s life and values, they find inspiration in his legacy and the teachings of their beloved teacher.