The Los Angeles Archdiocese's first new secondary school campus to be built in 35 years - a $20 million undertaking that took more than a dozen years, from conception to construction, to complete --- was celebrated Sept. 30 with the dedication and blessing of Mary Star of the Sea High School in San Pedro.

"My friends, the day has finally arrived," declared Cardinal Roger Mahony to prolonged applause. "Many of the students who will occupy this beautiful new Mary Star of the Sea High School weren't even in kindergarten when this project started.

"But today your faith and perseverance and your prayers and generosity and sacrifices are all seen now as worth it - especially for the young people who will be formed and educated here over the coming years."

The first phase of the project, which really took off in 1995 when U.S. Navy land on Taper Avenue became available, features a 39,511-square-foot, two-story concrete masonry classroom building along with a gymnasium-auditorium.

The three-sided, earth-toned structure is arranged around a courtyard, where the early Sunday evening dedication ceremony and Mass --- concelebrated by the cardinal, Auxiliary Bishop Alexander Salazar and more than 20 priests --- were held. Starting in the gymnasium, Cardinal Mahony blessed every room, lab and library toward the end of the liturgy.

Preceding the ceremony, students led parents, benefactors and other visitors on guided tours of still not-quite-finished classrooms and labs, where classes will start by late October.

Principal Rita Dever told The Tidings the dedication marked a "new beginning" for Mary Star of the Sea High School, a dream finally come true. In fact, enrollment increased by 45 students this fall, from 470 last year to 515. And over the next couple of years, it's projected to grow to a maximum of 600 students.

With classes still being held in the old high school at 810 W. Eighth St. - some even in the gym and parish center - all parties are eager for the actual move to take place.

"I think parents are very thrilled about the new campus," Dever said. "I've had nothing but positive support from them. And the teachers are very excited. They can't wait. We're in cramped quarters, occupying a building built for like 400 students, and we have over 500 students.

"Kids are funny," she added with a half-smile. "This has brought out their sentimental side. They say, 'Hey, Miss Dever, aren't you sad to leave our old building? They like change, but they don't like too much change. But now that they're here today, to see the excitement in their faces is just so inspirational."

Senior Jamie Pecina, 17, from Torrance believes the new school will only increase the community spirit at her high school. "I think it's going to be a great thing for Mary Star," she said. "We've anticipated the opening for a long time, and now it's almost here. Having a new campus is just going to make us feel even more like a big family."

Evan Tovar, a freshman from San Pedro, said he was surprised how much bigger the new school was. With more stairs and wider hallways, he thought it would be a lot easier to get around campus. And then there was the whole freshman thing.

"We're going to be the first freshman class to go through here," he said, looking down on the courtyard from the second-story balcony. "That's going to be pretty big. People have been talking about it opening up since like forever. I think it's going to be better. My mom is very happy."

Vanessa Roma, another freshman from San Pedro, was immediately taken by the bright green lockers, especially their size. The 14-year-old also "loved" the two open floors and large, air-conditioned classrooms. Fans at the old high school just seemed to move the humidity around.

She thought the building was quite future looking. "I'm kind of glad that I'm not seeing brick anymore because I went to Mary Star my whole life from kindergarten," she mused. "The stucco here is very nice with the green lockers. It goes good against the hills and trees and spacious courtyard.

"When kids say 'Mary Star of the Sea High School' from now on, they will think, 'Oh, the one that built the new high school,'" Vanessa stressed. "And then they'll want to come here. Mary Star is awesome right now, and, hopefully, it will continue to be awesome now for years to come."