Hannah Crockett was proud to be in the inaugural eighth-grade graduating class of the first new Catholic school in Norfolk in 50 years.

"I gained self-confidence," said Hannah, who was among 36 eighth-graders to graduate from Saint Patrick Catholic School in mid-June. "I gained experience in public speaking, and I think that will help me a lot in the future."

Saint Patrick, at 1000 Bolling Ave., celebrated the eighth-grade graduation three years after opening its doors in September 2005. The school has a total enrollment of about 400.

Hannah, 13, said her time at Saint Patrick helped prepare her for challenges she may face at Maury High School, where she will enter ninth grade in September.

Hannah, who went to public school before going to Saint Patrick, said the staff, students and teachers were always eager to help. She also noticed another benefit of attending a small, private school.

"At Saint Patrick I was in a class of 15," said Hannah, who participated in many extra-curricular activities including the soccer and basketball teams and tennis club. "In public school, I was in a class of 40."

While the larger class size might not be an issue for some students, Hannah said the small classes helped her.

"I like to have one-on-one time with my teachers," she said. "I like to ask lots of questions all the time."

Saint Patrick requires all eighth-graders to give oral presentations about their development and growth at the school. The 30-minute talk is made to a four-member panel of school staff, teachers or board members.

Hannah lives in Larchmont with her parents, Rebecca and Michael Crockett, and two sisters, Lauren, 19, and Madeline, 9, who also attends Saint Patrick. Her father, a recently retired Navy commander, was stationed at Little Creek Naval Amphibious Base.

With all of her hard school work behind her, Hannah plans to spend her summer on hobbies, such as piano, sailing and art, and volunteering at a local food bank and libraries.

While Hannah is excited to start high school, there is at least one thing she will miss about Saint Patrick.

"The teachers and staff just seemed happy all the time," she said. "That made everyone happy."

Cindy L. Smith,

CindyLSmith26@aol.com [1]