BOALSBURG — About 180 students, relatives and supporters of St. Joseph’s Catholic Academy attended a formal dedication ceremony Monday for the new high school.

“In my remarks at the celebration, I started off with an adlib,” Bishop Mark Bartchak, the head of the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown, said afterward.

He asked the students — who he called pioneers — to stand up and be recognized.

“And everyone just burst out into applause. And the young people were just beaming,” Bartchak said. “They were just so filled with joy and pride about the experience.”

The private school with 40 students opened last month in the former Boalsburg Elementary School. It draws students from Centre County, as well as surrounding communities, such as Lewistown and Huntingdon.

“All students participated in the dedication in some form,” said Doug Bleggi, the school’s principal and CEO.

He said the school focuses on four ideals: leadership, service, faith and academics.

Because it’s the school’s first year, students will write the alma mater. They’ll also pick the school’s colors and mascot. Committees of students will meet this week.

“I think they’re going to come up with two or three (options) for the student body to vote on,” Bleggi said.

Ed Mahon can be reached at 231-4619.