Our Lady of Victory opens new junior high school

Published 9:15 am Wednesday, August 6, 2025

By Our Lady of Victory

OLV Catholic School marked the grand opening of its new junior high with a ribbon cutting alongside OLV Principal Justin Matias, OLV Pastor Father Kirby Hlavaty, Bishop Brendan Cahill, Victoria Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Jeff Lyons, students, and community members. (Taylor Janak photo).

A joyful crowd gathered on Monday, Aug. 4 as Our Lady of Victory Catholic School (OLV) hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony for its brand-new junior high building—marking a significant milestone in the school’s mission to provide strong, faith-based education for the Victoria community.

The afternoon ceremony included remarks from school and diocesan leadership, a blessing of the new space, and a formal ribbon cutting attended by OLV faculty and staff, donors and community leaders.

The Most Reverend Brendan Cahill, Bishop of the Diocese of Victoria, offered a blessing and spoke about the significance of Catholic education in today’s world.

“This building is a beautiful reminder that our investment in children’s education is also an investment in faith, family, and future,” said Bishop Cahill. “OLV continues to be a place where students grow in wisdom and in grace, and this new building gives them the space to do so.”

The state-of-the-art junior high educational environment will offer students more independence, and spaces designed to support their growth as they transition from childhood into young adulthood. This expansion will benefit the entire school community, as additional classroom space will allow for smaller class sizes in the lower grades as well, providing each student with the individual attention essential to their spiritual, moral, and intellectual formation.

“Our prayers, planning, and persistence have brought us to this joyful day,” said Father Kirby Hlavaty, pastor of Our Lady of Victory Cathedral. “The junior high expansion reflects not only growth in numbers, but growth in spirit.” Hlavaty shared his gratitude for the parish and school community that made the project possible.

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    • This highly-anticipated project represents OLV’s commitment to continue providing world-class education, with modern classrooms and technology-integrated learning spaces, while supporting the Catholic faith.

    “This building was designed with our students in mind—from flexible learning spaces to new technology,” said OLV Principal Justin Matias. “We are thrilled to open a space that nurtures both academic excellence and Catholic identity.” He emphasized how the new facility will enhance the educational experience for students in grades 6 through 8.

    The new junior high building includes:

    • Nine new classrooms, including a science lab and a flexible space for electives.
    • Enhanced security with access-controlled doors and advanced monitoring.
    • A new student entrance and reception area.
    • A 4,000-square-foot commons area with seating and a study lounge for students.
    • Future expansion plans for a 4,200-square-foot chapel and library.

    Jeff Lyons, President/CEO of the Victoria Chamber of Commerce, welcomed the addition as a positive step for the entire community and offered his congratulations to the school. Guests toured the new space following the ceremony, which features updated classrooms, a science lab, and collaborative learning areas specifically tailored to the needs of middle school students.

    The junior high expansion comes as OLV continues to experience increased enrollment and community interest. Founded in 1957, OLV serves students from Pre-K3 through 8th grade, offering a curriculum rooted in Catholic values, service, and academic achievement.

    For more information about enrollment or upcoming events at Our Lady of Victory Catholic School, visit ourladyvictory.org or contact Emily Rodriguez, OLV’s director of development at erodriguez@ourladyvictory.org.

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