Remember La Reine High School? It stood tall in Suitland Maryland. A place where dreams took flight for hundreds of young women.
La Reine High School opened its doors in 1960. It was an all-girls Catholic high school. The school’s history is interwoven with the lives of its students and teachers. Many of its alumnae went on to achieve great things. They became doctors entrepreneurs and leaders in various fields. La Reine was a beacon of academic excellence and innovation. It even earned the prestigious Blue Ribbon School of Excellence award in 1985.
Sadly La Reine closed its doors in 1992. Its students then moved to Bishop McNamara High School. However its legacy lives on. The school’s beautiful stained-glass windows found a new home. They now grace Our Lady of the Presentation Catholic Church in Poolesville Maryland.
But even more remarkably a new science and innovation center at Bishop McNamara High School now bears the La Reine name. It stands as a testament to the school’s enduring impact. This new center will feature cutting-edge technology and state-of-the-art labs. It will provide students with hands-on learning opportunities. The center even incorporates elements from the original La Reine School. The La Reine crown and atom are embossed into the floor. A statue of the Virgin Mary also stands as a reminder of the school’s Catholic heritage.
The Last Chance Dance in June 1994 was a bittersweet reunion. Alumnae from across the country gathered. They reminisced shared memories and celebrated their time at La Reine. It was a moving tribute to the school and its legacy. The building was later demolished. A middle school now stands on the site.
Though the building is gone La Reine High School’s spirit endures. Its legacy of excellence innovation and leadership continues to inspire. It lives on in the hearts of its alumnae and in the new La Reine Science and Innovation Center. The story of La Reine is a reminder that even though buildings may fade memories and legacies remain.