By the time World War II started, St. Michael Indian School was an almost completely self-sufficient community. The beautiful Chapel was finished, complete with additional classrooms above, a large gymnasium was added, along with a power plant that provided heat, electricity and water. A two-story boys' dormitory was built and additional dormitory space added to the west side of the original structure. The school had its own laundry facilities, kitchen and bakery; center shop, shoe repair and tailor shop, produce farm, dairy cows, stock barn, and a car/bus maintenance garage.

The enrollment was about 300 students, the maximum number it could accommodate. When the war ended, returning Navajo veterans came back with a new attitude toward the concept and importance of education. This drastic change in Navajo priorities had its impact on the entire reservation school system, including St. Michael.

In 1946 a lay-teacher couple, Mr. and Mrs. Giovanni, were hired to develop a ninth-grade curriculum. The following year plans were approved for the proposed high school annex, with construction starting in 1948. The building was completed in the spring of 1950, just in time for the graduation of the first high school class of four graduates.

Sunday; May 28, 1950, a beautiful clear day; was a "Real Red Letter Day" in the annals of St. Michael. It started at 7:15 AM with a solemn procession of the high school graduates, followed by the eighth-grade graduates up the, aisle in the Chapel. The school chaplain, Fr. Howard, OFM, said the Mass for the intentions of the graduates. After Mass the graduates had a breakfast in a private room especially arranged for the occasion.

About 10:00 AM Tom Mullarky, the photographer from Gallup, and Mr. Howard Emerson arrived at the school with a car load of ice cream, bananas and a variety of toppings. There was more than enough for everybody.

At 2:00 PM His Excellency Bishop Bernard Espelage arrived. Shortly the procession, now consisting of the four high school graduates, 10 eighth-graders, about 20 priests and 40 resident and visiting sisters, and Bishop Espelage, filed into the Chapel to the music of Ecce Sacerdos. Another 400 guests and parents then tried to squeeze into the remaining pews. After a few prayers, the procession exited the Chapel and formed up in the foyer of the new high school while the Bishop dedicated the building and blessed all the classrooms.

Then it was back to the Chapel, where the Bishop gave a sermon and then presented the graduates with their diplomas. The ceremony ended with a Solemn Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.

That evening, a formal dinner was served the Bishop and eleven priests by students from the Junior class. A fitting end to a most exciting and joyous occasion!

Two years later the school was again buzzing with activity. This time it was the celebration of the school's Golden Jubilee (1902- 1952). By mid-October, 1952, everything was in readiness, including a large wooden platform constructed just outside the main entrance to the high school for the outdoor Mass.

The Jubilee celebration was highlighted by a Solemn Pontifical Mass of Thanksgiving. The celebrant was the Most Reverend Bernard Espelage, O.E.M., Bishop of the Diocese of Gallup. The Most Reverend James Byrne, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe, preached the sermon. The colorful procession included both the Archbishop and Bishop, a number of Franciscans and visiting priests, nuns from several congregations, and the Honor Guard from the Knights of Columbus Assembly in Gallup.

There were over 300 Navajos and visitors attending the Mass. Special guests included Sr. M. Gertrude, one of the original group of nuns, and four of her surviving students from that class of 1902-03 - Luke Shorty, Ursula Blackgoat, Mary Whiteboy and Mary Redlady. Dinner followed the Mass, and in the afternoon the students presented a play; "Lelawala," and the Hopi students, with the help of their parents, entertained the Jubilee visitors with a series of Hopi social dances. By now; the school was doing quite well both financially and scholastically and on the football field as well. But that was all about to change . . .

Since she founded the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament for Indians and Colored People in 1891, Mother Katharine Drexel had been both hub and cornerstone of her Order's activities.

Even after her debilitating heart attack, suffered while she was visiting her western schools and missions in the fall of 1935, she continued to attend the needs and aspirations of her far-flung school network. Confined to the Motherhouse infirmary for 20 years, she bore her illness gracefully, and spent her waking hours in constant prayer.

Although sad, it came as no real surprise when Mother Irenaeus answered the phone on the afternoon of May 3,1955, and was informed that Mother Katharine Drexel had just passed away. She was 96 years old.

A Philadelphia newspaper wrote: "One of the most remarkable women in the history of America was called home to God yesterday; she belongs so truly to all America, but especially to the poor and forgotten people of the land - our Indians and Negroes. She was indeed a heroine of God."