The Heart of St. Ann School: A Story of Community, Faith, and Education

​​​​The Heart of St. Ann School: A Story of Community, Faith, and Education

In 1967, Fran Luther and her husband, John, were newlyweds eager to make their mark in a new town. They moved to Stoughton, where John’s service in the Army Reserves would often keep him away, and Fran found herself seeking ways to get involved in their new community. Her journey began on a Sunday morning, just after their arrival, when she walked to the local church to attend Mass. At that time, the church was a small chapel nestled within Nazareth House, the nursing home beside the rectory. The parish was young, with only a handful of Catholics in the area—Stoughton was, after all, predominantly Lutheran.

The small but close-knit parish quickly became a central part of Fran’s life. She and John joined the community, and she was assigned parish envelope #193—an enduring number that she still uses today.

A Family’s Dedication to St. Ann's Education

Fran and John went on to have five children, all of whom attended St. Ann’s Catholic School. During the early years, Fran worked as a substitute teacher at the local high school for a decade, but it was her involvement at St. Ann’s that left a lasting impact. When their eldest child, Derek, was in 5th grade, he came home one day with a note: the school was in need of a new Language Arts teacher. Fran went to speak with Sister Joseph, the school principal, and was told they actually needed a third-grade teacher even more.

Without hesitation, Fran took the job—and soon after, she found herself teaching her own daughter in that very third-grade classroom. Fran would later transition to teaching 5th grade, a position she held until her retirement in 1997. Even after retiring, Fran remained deeply involved in the school, continuing to substitute until the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. All five of her children graduated from St. Ann’s, and Fran has always spoken highly of the school’s commitment to academic excellence.

"When my children graduated," Fran recalls, "they knew science better than anyone else! A St. Ann’s education has always been strong. The teachers here form real relationships with their students, and that connection leads to fewer discipline issues. The kids know their teachers love them and are committed to helping them reach their full potential."

The St. Ann’s Community: More Than Just a School

St. Ann’s has always been more than just a school—it’s a community, a family. The sense of belonging at St. Ann’s is rooted in a strong culture of service and volunteerism. Families are not just involved; they are invested in the success and well-being of one another. This shared commitment creates an environment that nurtures both academic and personal growth, making St. Ann’s a place where students thrive, both in their studies and in their faith.

“Service work and volunteerism are what make St. Ann’s a special place," Fran reflects. "We have an incentive to create an environment that’s good for everyone. It’s not just about individual success, but about supporting each other and working together.”

The Value of Catholic Education: A Gift for Life

When asked whether she believes St. Ann’s is worth the cost, Fran doesn’t hesitate: “It’s totally worth it. These kids have the power of the Holy Spirit with them all the time. They’re given grace, and learning about their faith helps them throughout their lives. Personally, I don’t think there’s anything better we can offer our children. It’s a very special gift.”

Fran’s words reflect the deep-rooted values that have guided St. Ann’s community for decades: a commitment to academic excellence, a nurturing and supportive environment, and a strong foundation in faith. For Fran, the decision to be part of St. Ann’s was never just about the classroom—it was about helping her children grow into well-rounded, compassionate individuals who are ready to face the world with faith and integrity.

In a world that often feels divided, St. Ann’s continues to stand as a beacon of unity, where families, faith, and education come together to create something truly special.