Shillong, October: St. Mary’s Higher Secondary School, Rangblang — a renowned institution established by the Don Bosco Fathers (Salesian Congregation) — marked a proud milestone as it celebrated its Golden Jubilee with a meaningful gesture from its alumni. Former students of the school came together to donate ₹9 lakh for the construction of a new toilet block on the campus, reaffirming their deep gratitude and enduring bond with their alma mater.
For five decades, St. Mary’s has been a pillar of education in the South West Khasi Hills, shaping generations of students who have gone on to serve as priests, sisters, government officers, and community leaders. The institution has produced 17 priests, several sisters, and numerous civil servants, including Mrs. Mildred Iawphniaw, the retired Chief Post Master of India (GPO India).
The alumni’s generous contribution was formally announced during the closing ceremony of the Golden Jubilee celebrations on October 31, 2025. On the same day, the foundation stone for the new toilet block was laid by Fr. Anselm Nonglang, Vicar General of the Nongstoin Diocese, and Fr. Shining G. Lyngkhoi, Provincial Secretary of Shillong Province. The ceremony was attended by former students, priests, sisters, teachers, current students, and local residents.
Several alumni expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the school, acknowledging St. Mary’s as the institution that shaped their character, values, and success. They also reflected with pride that the school has produced one of the Church’s most respected leaders — Most Rev. Bishop Wilbert Marweiñ, Bishop of the Nongstoin Diocese.
Fr. Edmund Lakra, Principal of St. Mary’s HSS, and Fr. John Zosiama, Salesian Provincial of Shillong Province, extended their sincere thanks to the alumni for their generous support and unwavering dedication to the institution.
St. Mary’s Rangblang traces its origins to 1927 as a Lower Primary School. It was upgraded to a Middle English School in 1960 and later to a Secondary School in 1975 under the leadership of Fr. George Vanni (late), then Parish Priest of Pyndengrei Parish, Nongstoin. His compassion for the underprivileged and commitment to education laid the foundation for the institution’s growth — now proudly commemorating 50 years as a Secondary School.
The ₹9 lakh alumni contribution stands as a golden tribute to a century-long legacy of wisdom, service, and faith — a testament to the values St. Mary’s Rangblang continues to inspire in all who pass through its doors.
