30 Jun 2024 Catholic High School unveils Veterans Memorial Statue

Catholic High School for Boys in Little Rock unveiled a new veterans memorial statue on May 6. The statue was funded by the 2024 senior class of the Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) program. It honors all Catholic High family members who have served in the U.S. military, with a special emphasis on those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

The seniors raised more than ^$7,000 to fund the construction and placement of the statue. 

“As a senior in the JROTC program, I am honored to be part of this effort to recognize our veterans and fallen heroes,” said Cadet Lt. Col. Will Johnson, this year’s JROTC battalion commander. “This statue will serve as a lasting reminder of the sacrifices made by members of the Catholic High family and inspire future generations to serve with the same courage and commitment.”

  The statue of a male soldier solemnly kneeling at a battlefield cross was designed by SVJ Creative Designs of Kellogg, Minn., and installed by Jon Callahan Construction of North Little Rock. Callahan, a 1997 Catholic High graduate, donated the cost of the installation.

Army Col. Shawn Daniel, a 1987 Catholic High graduate, and Andy Rossi, both of Little Rock, spoke during the dedication ceremony. Rossi spoke on behalf of Army Sgt. Hubert J. Purifoy, a Catholic High student who left the school his junior year to fight in Vietnam. He was killed in action on Jan. 8, 1967.

 Monsignor Lawrence Frederick blessed the statue. A plaque on the statue reads, “In honor and appreciation for all Catholic High School Alumni who have honorably served in the U.S. Armed Forces with special recognition for those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their county.”

“We are proud to unveil this memorial statue, which stands as a testament to the courage and commitment of our students and the entire Catholic High community,” Head of School Steve Straessle said. “The JROTC program at Catholic High instills the values of leadership, service and patriotism in our young men, and this initiative exemplifies those qualities.”

Catholic High School for Boys has a long history of supporting the military and encouraging students to serve their country. The school’s JROTC program, established in 1967, has consistently produced young leaders who have gone on to distinguished careers in the Armed Forces.

Catholic High School for Boys, a college-preparatory high school in Little Rock, was founded by Bishop John B. Morris of the Diocese of Little Rock in 1930 to ensure that boys in the Little Rock area had access to quality Catholic secondary education. Nearly a century later, CHS continues its tradition of aiding boys of all faiths in their spiritual and academic growth. The school continues to provide boys the needed foundation to become outstanding fathers, husbands and leaders in their communities. Learn more at lrchs.org.