View source for St. Mary's Preparatory

{{Short description|Private, co-divisional school in Orchard Lake Village, Michigan, United States}}
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{{Use American English|date=July 2025}}
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{{Infobox school
 | name                    = St. Mary's Preparatory
 | logo                    = Orchard Lake Schools Seal.png
 | logo_size               = 150
 | streetaddress           = 3535 Commerce Road
 | city                    = [[Orchard Lake Village, Michigan|Orchard Lake Village]]
 | state                   = [[Michigan]]
 | zipcode                 = 48324
 | country                 = USA
 | religion                = [[Roman Catholic]]
 | oversight               = 
 | trustee                 = 
 | founder                 = Joseph Dabrowski
 | headmaster              = Bob Pyles
 | ratio                   = 13:1
 | type                    = [[Private school|Private]], Co-divisional.
 | grades                  = [[Ninth grade|9]]–[[Twelfth grade|12]]
 | campus_type             = [[Suburban]]/[[Rural]]
 | campus size             = {{convert|125|acres}}
 | conference              = [[Catholic High School League]]
 | slogan                  = 
 | song                    = 
 | fightsong               = Hail Mary
 | motto                   = "Initium Sapientiae Timor Domini"
 | motto_translation       = The beginning of wisdom is the fear of God.
 | accreditation           = Michigan Non-Public Schools Accrediting Association
 | rival                   = 
 | patron                  = St. Mary
 | nickname                = Eaglets
 | colors                  = [[Red]], [[white]] and [[black]]<br>{{color box|red}} {{color box|white}} {{color box|black}}
 | yearbook                = 
 | publication             = 
 | newspaper               = 
 | established             = 1885
 | status                  = 
 | closed                  = 
 | enrollment              = 515
 | enrollment_as_of        = 2021
 | homepage                = {{URL|http://www.stmarysprep.com}}
 | module                  = {{Infobox NRHP
  | embed = yes
  | name = St. Mary's Preparatory
  | partof = Orchard Lake Schools Historic District
  | partof_refnum = 82002859<ref name="nris">{{NRISref|2009a}}</ref>
  | nrhp_type = cp | nocat = yes
  | image =
  | caption =
  | location= Indian Trail, [[Orchard Lake, Michigan]]
  | coordinates = {{coord|42|35|38|N|83|21|28|W|display=inline,title}}
| locmapin = Michigan#USA
  | architecture = Gothic, Tudor Revival, Queen Anne
  | designated_nrhp_type = March 19, 1982
}}
}}
'''St. Mary's Preparatory''', often referred to as '''Orchard Lake St. Mary's''' (OLSM) or '''St. Mary's Prep''', is a [[Catholic]] [[college preparatory school]] located in [[Orchard Lake Village, Michigan]].<ref>{{cite web |title=About Us |url=https://www.stmarysprep.com/about-us/ |publisher=St. Mary's Preparatory |access-date=1 July 2025}}</ref> The school's stated core values are "God, Family, St. Mary's."<ref>{{cite web |title=Mission and Values |url=https://www.stmarysprep.com/mission-values/ |publisher=St. Mary's Preparatory |access-date=1 July 2025}}</ref> St. Mary's classes are taught in a co-divisional education model and the school offers both [[day school]] and [[boarding school]] programs

==History==
On January 14, 1879, [[Pope Leo XIII]] authorized the establishment of a seminary dedicated to training priests for [[Polish-American | Polish]] immigrant communities in the United States, following a petition by Rev. [[Leopold Moczygemba]].<ref>{{cite web|title=History|url=https://www.orchardlakeschools.com/history/|publisher=Orchard Lake Schools|access-date=1 July 2025}}</ref>

Initially known as "The Polish Seminary," the institution was officially founded in 1885 by [[Józef Dąbrowski]], who became its first [[Rector (ecclesiastical) | rector]]. It was originally located at 4671 St. Aubin Street in Detroit. Due to expanding enrollment, the [[seminary]] moved to the former campus of the [[Michigan Military Academy]] in Orchard Lake Village in 1909 under the leadership of Rev. Witold Buchaczkowski.<ref>{{cite web|title=Our Campus|url=https://www.stmarysprep.com/our-campus/|publisher=St. Mary's Preparatory|access-date=1 July 2025}}</ref>

In 1927, the school reorganized into three separate institutions: [[SS. Cyril and Methodius Seminary]], [[Saint Mary's College (Michigan) | St. Mary's College]] (now a satellite campus of [[Madonna University]]), and St. Mary's Preparatory, collectively known as Orchard Lake Schools.<ref>{{cite web|title=Our History|url=https://www.orchardlakeschools.com/history/|publisher=Orchard Lake Schools|access-date=1 July 2025}}</ref>

In 2020, St. Mary's transitioned to a co-divisional model by admitting female students. Classes are taught in single-sex classrooms, while extracurricular activities, clubs, sports, and arts programs are co-educational.<ref>{{cite web|title=Admissions|url=https://www.stmarysprep.com/admissions/|publisher=St. Mary's Preparatory|access-date=1 July 2025}}</ref>

==Academics==
St. Mary's Preparatory's academic program is designed to meet [[college]] entrance requirements. Graduation requirements include four years each of [[theology]] and English; four years of [[mathematics]]; three years each of [[science]], [[social studies]], and [[foreign language]]; and one semester each of [[computer programming]], [[computer applications]], [[physical education]], health, fine arts, and speech. Students must earn 28 credits to graduate.<ref>{{cite web|title=Academics|url=https://www.stmarysprep.com/academics/|publisher=St. Mary's Preparatory|access-date=1 July 2025}}</ref>

More than 60% of the school's 90 courses are offered at Honors or [[Advanced Placement]] (AP) levels.<ref>{{cite web|title=Course Catalog|url=https://www.stmarysprep.com/course-catalog/|publisher=St. Mary's Preparatory|access-date=1 July 2025}}</ref>

St. Mary's is accredited by the Michigan Non-Public Schools Accrediting Association (MNSAA), the Archdiocese of Detroit, the Detroit Catholic League, Oakland Schools Consortium, and the [[Michigan High School Athletic Association]] (MHSAA).<ref>{{cite web|title=Accreditation|url=https://www.stmarysprep.com/accreditation/|publisher=St. Mary's Preparatory|access-date=1 July 2025}}</ref>

==Campus and Student Life==
[[File:StMarysprepbuilding.jpg|thumbnail|left|300px|Main school building, originally part of the Michigan Military Academy.]]

St. Mary's Preparatory is noted for its unique historic campus, originally home to the [[Michigan Military Academy]]. Key historical buildings include the administration building, known as "The Castle," originally constructed as a mansion overlooking Orchard Lake for [[Joseph Tarr Copeland]], the founder of the Michigan Military Academy. The campus also houses the [[Chapel]] of Our Lady of Orchard Lake, the official Archdiocesan [[Shrine]] for [[St. John Paul II]], who visited campus and said mass at the Chapel in 1969 and 1976 while serving as the [[Archbishop of Krakow]].

In addition to historic buildings, the campus offers modern athletic and recreational facilities, including a hockey arena, multiple gymnasiums (one of which was originally a riding stable for Michigan Military Academy cadets), weight rooms, multiple baseball and softball stadiums, a wrestling room and a crew boathouse on Orchard Lake.<ref>{{cite web|title=Campus Facilities|url=https://www.stmarysprep.com/facilities/|publisher=St. Mary's Preparatory|access-date=1 July 2025}}</ref>

Athletics play a significant role, with St. Mary's competing in MHSAA Divisions I, II, and III. Traditional rivals include [[Brother Rice High School (Michigan)|Brother Rice]], [[Detroit Catholic Central High School]], and [[Detroit Country Day School]]. St. Mary's has achieved 41 state championships across various sports as of 2019.<ref>{{cite web|title=Athletics|url=https://www.stmarysprep.com/athletics/|publisher=St. Mary's Preparatory|access-date=1 July 2025}}</ref>

==Museums==
The campus includes the Polish Home Army Museum and numerous other collections highlighting [[Polish military]] and cultural history, housed primarily in the Ark Building. These museums open to the public on the first Sunday of each month ("Polish Sundays").<ref>{{cite web|title=Museums|url=https://www.stmarysprep.com/museums/|publisher=St. Mary's Preparatory|access-date=1 July 2025}}</ref>

==Boarding Program==
St. Mary's Preparatory provides [[boarding school | boarding]] options for both five-day and seven-day resident students.<ref>{{cite web|title=Boarding|url=https://www.stmarysprep.com/boarding/|publisher=St. Mary's Preparatory|access-date=1 July 2025}}</ref>

==Notable alumni==
* '''[[Walter Ciszek]]''', Jesuit priest and missionary, [[Servant of God]]
* '''[[Adam Joseph Maida]]''' – Cardinal Archbishop of Detroit (1990-2009); created cardinal by Pope John Paul II in 1994.
* '''[[Jay Penske]]''' – Founder and CEO of [[Penske Media Corporation]]; owner of Dragon/Penske Autosport [[Formula E]] team.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jay_Penske | title=Jay Penske }}</ref>{{Circular reference|date=September 2025}}
* '''[[Thomas John Paprocki]]''' – Bishop of [[Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield in Illinois | Springfield]] since 2010; Orchard Lake Schools trustee.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://polishweekly.com/what-really-is-behind-the-decision-to-close-the-polish-seminary-in-orchard-lake/ | title=What really is behind the decision to close the Polish Seminary in Orchard Lake? | date=July 21, 2021 }}</ref>
* '''Stanley E. Milewski''' – Chancellor of Orchard Lake Schools (1977-2000) and namesake of Milewski Field.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://piastinstitute.org/members-emeritus.html | title=Members Emeritus }}</ref>
* '''Walter J. Ziemba''' – Rector of SS. Cyril & Methodius Seminary (1969-1987) and longtime Orchard Lake historian.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://detroitcatholic.com/news/msgr-ziemba-who-served-orchard-lake-bl-john-paul-ii-dies-at-85 | title=MSGR. Ziemba, who served Orchard Lake, Bl. John Paul II, dies at 85 }}</ref>
* '''Thomas C. Machalski Jr.''' – Chancellor-Rector of Orchard Lake Schools (2012-2018); Catholic chaplain to the New York Mets.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://thetablet.org/father-machalski-installed-as-st-marys-chancellor/ | title=Father Machalski Installed as St. Mary's Chancellor | date=February 22, 2012 }}</ref>
* '''Stanley Ulman''' – Detroit-area priest and Polish-American community leader.<ref>https://www.stmarysprep.com/alumni (“Fr. Stan Ulman (P’64) – 50 Years a Priest”)</ref>
* '''Leonard F. Chrobot''' – Catholic priest, author and former president of St. Mary’s College, Orchard Lake (Class of 1956).
* '''Lawrence W. Kulik''' – U.S. Air Force staff sergeant, decorated Vietnam War veteran, honored on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund Roll of Honor (Class of 1968).
* '''Leonard S. Suchyta''' – Vice-President & Associate General Counsel for Intellectual Property, Verizon Communications (2000-2011).<ref>https://www.sscms.edu/trustees (Trustees bio)</ref>
* '''Joseph Majcher''' – Former mayor (and current councilman) of Orchard Lake Village; retired General Motors executive and engineer.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.sscms.edu/trustees | title=Trustees }}</ref>
* '''Mac Watts''' – Nashville country singer-songwriter.<ref>https://www.stmarysprep.com/alumni (“Mac Watts (P’06)”)</ref>
* '''Ludvik F. Koci''' – Former President & CEO, Detroit Diesel Allison Corp.; longtime Penske Corporation director.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.sscms.edu/trustees | title=Trustees }}</ref>
* '''Walter Knysz, DDS''' – Founder of Great Expressions Dental Centers and UnifiedSmiles practice-management network.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.sscms.edu/trustees | title=Trustees }}</ref>
* '''Timothy F. Whalen''' - [[Rector (ecclesiastical) | Rector]] of [[Saint Vincent Seminary]]
* '''[[Boleslaus Goral]]''' - Professor, editor, Polish-language scholar
* '''Joseph T. Lentine''' – Founder and CEO of DENCAP Dental Plans; former CFO of Orchard Lake Schools.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.sscms.edu/trustees | title=Trustees }}</ref>
* '''Remek Błaszkowski, J.C.D.''' – Canon lawyer; pastor of San Jose Parish (Jacksonville); former seminary vice-rector.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.sscms.edu/trustees | title=Trustees }}</ref>
* '''Gary Michalik''' – Archdiocese of Detroit priest; veteran trustee and finance-committee member of Orchard Lake Schools.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.sscms.edu/trustees | title=Trustees }}</ref>
* '''Leonard F. Chrobot''' – Academic dean (1968-1976) and president (1977-1987) of St. Mary’s College; noted scholar of Polish-American studies.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.detroitcatholic.com/news/fr-leonard-francis-chrobot | title=Fr. Leonard Francis Chrobot }}</ref>
* '''[[Jeff Petry]]''', a professional [[ice hockey]] [[defenceman|defenseman]] currently playing for the [[Florida Panthers]] of the [[National Hockey League]] (NHL)
* '''Austin Niemiec''', Chief Revenue Officer of [[Rocket Mortgage]]
* '''[[Josh Bourke]]''', a former [[Canadian football]] [[Lineman (gridiron football)|offensive lineman]] who spent the majority of his professional career with the [[Montreal Alouettes]] of the [[Canadian Football League]] (CFL)
* '''[[David Bowens]]''', a former [[American football]] [[linebacker]] who played twelve seasons in the [[National Football League]] (NFL)
* '''[[Charles Davis (tight end)|Charles Davis]]''', a former American football [[tight end]]
* '''[[K. J. Hamler]]''' is a current American football wide receiver for the [[Buffalo Bills]] of the NFL
* '''[[Ralph Holley]]''' is a current American football defensive lineman for the [[Toronto Argonauts]] of the CFL
* '''[[Gary Ignasiak]]''' is a former [[Major League Baseball]] (MLB) player who played part of one season with the [[Detroit Tigers]]
* '''[[Mike Ignasiak]]''', a former MLB [[pitcher]] who pitched parts of four seasons in the major leagues between {{Baseball year|1991}} and {{Baseball year|1995}}, all for the [[Milwaukee Brewers]]
* '''[[Filmel Johnson]]''' is a former American football defensive back who played one season for the [[Buffalo Bills]] in the NFL
* '''[[Scott Kowalkowski]]''' is a former American football linebacker who played for the [[Philadelphia Eagles]] and the [[Detroit Lions]] in a ten-year career that lasted from 1991 to 2001 in the NFL
* '''[[Jim Paciorek]]''', former professional [[baseball]] player
* '''[[Brock Porter]]''', a baseball player in the [[Texas Rangers (baseball)|Texas Rangers]] organization<ref>{{cite web |title=Brock Porter Stats, Age, Position, Height, Weight, Fantasy & News |url=https://www.milb.com/player/brock-porter-702548 |website=MiLB.com |language=en}}</ref>
* '''[[Caden Prieskorn]]''', is an NFL football player<ref>{{cite web |title=Caden Prieskorn - Football - Post Graduate |url=https://athletics.forkunion.com/sports/football/roster/caden-prieskorn/2038 |website=Fork Union Military Academy Athletics |language=en}}</ref>
* '''[[Leonard Renfro]]''',  former American football [[defensive tackle]] who played two seasons for the [[Philadelphia Eagles]] in the NFL
* '''[[Allen Robinson]]''' is a current American football wide receiver for the [[Detroit Lions]] of the NFL
* '''[[Sam Rogers (linebacker)|Sam Rogers]]''', a former American football linebacker in the NFL for the [[Buffalo Bills]], the [[San Diego Chargers]], and the [[Atlanta Falcons]]
* '''[[Dion Sims]]''', an American football tight end for the Chicago Bears of the NFL

==Notable former faculty==
* '''[[Dan Gheesling]]''', Winner of [[Big Brother 10 (U.S.)|Big Brother 10]]. Asst. Coach of a Football team, & Teacher of Health, Biology, & Physical Education at St. Mary's.
*'''[[Jeff Wall (lawyer)]]''', former civics teacher
*'''George Porritt''', former Athletic Director, Head Football Coach, Head Basketball Coach, Head Lacrosse Coach. [[Michigan High School Athletic Association | MHSAA]] Hall of Fame. Won ten total state championships across all three sports.

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://www.stmarysprep.com St. Mary's Preparatory] - official site
* [http://www.olsmathletics.com Athletic website]
{{Oakland County, Michigan High Schools}}
{{Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Detroit}}
{{National Register of Historic Places listings in Oakland County, Michigan}}

{{authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Saint Mary's Preparatory School}}
[[Category:Catholic secondary schools in Michigan]]
[[Category:High schools in Oakland County, Michigan]]
[[Category:Educational institutions established in 1885]]
[[Category:School buildings on the National Register of Historic Places in Michigan]]
[[Category:Polish-American culture in Metro Detroit]]
[[Category:Historic district contributing properties in Michigan]]
[[Category:Archdiocese of Detroit]]
[[Category:1885 establishments in Michigan]]
[[Category:National Register of Historic Places in Oakland County, Michigan]]
[[Category:St. Mary's Preparatory alumni| ]]