St. Patrick Catholic Academy, Bay Ridge, didn’t let a potential blizzard dampen its annual Catholic Schools Week celebration, which got underway with a Mass on Sunday, Jan. 25.

At the Mass, which was celebrated by Msgr. Michael Hardiman, pastor, Principal Andrea D’Emic presented the academy’s first-ever Distinguished Graduate Award to Eastern District Magistrate Judge Vera Scanlon, who reflected on her time at St. Patrick and the values that were instilled in her. She noted that her mother still volunteers at the academy.

Following Mass, families and visitors toured the school as part of an open house.

On Monday, the first of several Catholic Schools Week events took place as the auditorium was transformed into an art gallery. Original works of art created by students of every grade level were put on display.

The predicted blizzard forced the cancellation of events on Tuesday and Wednesday, but the observance continued on Thursday, with a prayer service and tribute to local law enforcement called True Blue Day. Officers from the 68th Precinct received cards and letters from the students, while members of the school chorus sang songs in their honor. “True Blue” T-shirts were sold throughout the week to benefit the PBA Widows’ and Children’s Fund.

On Friday, students and teachers enjoyed a Decades Dress-Down Day. Embracing the styles of the 1960s, ’70s, ’80s and ’90s, there were plenty of colorful costumes on display.