Bishop Thomas J. Welsh of the Diocese of Allentown joined the Marian Catholic High School family in celebrating a turnaround in the enrollment at the school, announcing an increase of 15 students. Though modest, it breaks a steady decline in the student population.

Joining him on the steps of the school in Hometown was John P. Malarkey, principal, who said the 4.5% hike in enrollment over the previous year, breaks a steady decline that saw the school go from a high of 641 students in 1976 to a low last year of 334.

The bishop announced the school has received an anonymous gift of $20,000 that will be utilized strictly for financial aid to families who want a Catholic education for their sons and daughters.