Built in 1863, Thriving in 2026 A Legacy That Won’t Quit

Built in 1863, Thriving in 2026

A Legacy That Won’t Quit

Sasha Bush

The Ashland Beacon

For 160 years, one school in Ashland has quietly shaped generations—building not just scholars, but a community rooted in faith, resilience, and purpose. Today, Holy Family Catholic School stands not only as a pillar of education, but now officially as one of the oldest schools in Kentucky, a distinction that underscores a legacy few institutions can match.

A Beginning Forged in Faith and Opportunity

The story of Holy Family begins in 1860, when the Kentucky Iron, Coal & Manufacturing Company offered land to religious groups willing to build churches and schools. Among the six congregations that answered the call were the Roman Catholics, who accepted a lot with a bold condition: construct a brick church and school within three years.

By the fall of 1863—amid the uncertainty of the Civil War era—Holy Family Catholic School opened its doors, becoming the first institution in the region to offer formalized education. It began humbly, staffed by lay teachers, but its mission was clear from the start: to educate the whole person.

Built to Endure

As the decades passed, Holy Family evolved with the needs of its students. In 1877, the Sisters of St. Francis of Rochester arrived to help guide the school, marking the beginning of a long tradition of faith-driven education. They served faithfully until 1948, when the Sisters of Divine Providence continued that mission alongside dedicated lay educators until 1992.

Physical growth mirrored the school’s expanding vision. A new brick building replaced the original frame structure in 1890, and by 1947, construction began on the foundation of the campus that still stands today. Additions in 1956 completed a space designed not just for classrooms, but for community—featuring offices, a cafeteria, and gathering spaces that have hosted generations of students.

Through wars, economic shifts, and societal change, Holy Family has never closed its doors—a rare and remarkable achievement.

More Than a School—A Family

For alumni, Holy Family is not just a place of learning; it’s a lifelong bond. “It is truly a community unlike any other,” said Rachael Wells, a 2011 graduate. “The education is top-notch, but the family that comes with it—it’s a step above the rest.”

That sense of belonging has spanned generations. Wells now watches her own family walk the same halls she once did. “We all feel so blessed knowing they’re safe, cared for, and receiving the best education in the area,” she said.

That enduring connection is no accident. Holy Family has long emphasized not only academic excellence but also the formation of character and faith—values that continue to resonate decades later.

A Foundation for Life

For April Russell Perry, a 1982 graduate and now CEO of KFB–The Better Bank, the lessons learned at Holy Family became a blueprint for success. “Holy Family provided me with a great foundation that I’ve carried throughout my life,” Perry shared. “Understanding how to be a good person, make good choices, and do the right thing—those are things I still rely on today.”

She credits the school with preparing students not just for college or careers, but for meaningful lives. “People who attend Holy Family are well equipped to go out and make a very positive difference in their community,” said Perry.

Innovation Rooted in Tradition

While its history is long, Holy Family’s approach to education remains forward-thinking. The school serves students from pre-kindergarten through grade 12 and offers a unique partnership with Ashland Community and Technical College. Through this program, students can become full-time college attendees as early as their junior year—graduating with both a high school diploma and an associate or technical degree.

Principal Scott Osborne sees this as part of a larger mission. “This school has been here for over 160 years, never closing its doors,” he said. “It has done such a great job at forming the whole person—body, mind, and soul.”

A Homecoming of the Heart

For Father Andrew Garner, serving as pastor for the past eight years has been both a professional calling and a personal homecoming. “Ashland is my home,” he said. “It’s a great blessing to be back and serve this community.”

It was through historical research that Father Garner and others fully realized the magnitude of Holy Family’s legacy. “When the school opened in 1863, it was the first in the area to offer formalized education,” he noted. “That’s a significant piece of history.”

A Celebration of Legacy

That history was formally recognized during a recent celebration marking 160 years of continuous operation. In a symbolic gesture of appreciation, Chuck Charles presented Father Garner with the key to the city—honoring not just the institution, but its profound impact on generations of families.

Looking Ahead

Holy Family Catholic School’s story is one of perseverance, faith, and community. From a single lot granted in 1860 to a thriving educational institution in 2026, it has remained steadfast in its mission.

And while much has changed over the past 160 years, one thing has not: the sense that within its walls, students are part of something bigger than themselves.

A school. A legacy. A family—still going strong.