The Incarnate Word Academy, one of the oldest educational institutions in the Rio Grande Valley, announced they will close at the end of the year.
The announcement was made during a news conference held Friday afternoon at the school’s gymnasium by the leadership team who explained their decision came down to finances.
“Several years of tracking diminishing enrollment and income have led to the conclusion that maintaining our school is no longer possible,” Sister Annette Wagner, the superior general, said.
Parents will be receiving letters from the school to break the news to students.
Wagner said all school activities will continue as planned until the end of the academic year. This year marks 175 years of service for the school.
“In 1853, four Incarnate Word sisters arrived in Brownsville at the request of Bishop Jean Marie Odin. Today we stay committed to stay present and active in the Valley community. We look forward with anticipation to discover new ways to bring the love of the Incarnate Word to all we encounter,” Wagner said.
A visibly emotional Edward Camarillo, president of the academy, took a minute to compose himself before delivering his remarks.
“I’m already saddened today and heartbroken to learn that Incarnate Word Academy,” he said, before taking a long pause and continuing, “will close at the end of the academic school year.”
Camarillo pledged to help faculty and staff find jobs at other Catholic schools and told parents they will listen to their concerns as they reach the end of the school year.
“I realize this is not the direction we want to take, but I will do everything necessary to help ensure that you each end up where you need to be,” Camarillo told parents.
The school became incorporated in 1865. Camarillo, who served as president for the last 10 years, said the experience was a personal blessing he will cherish.
“Prior to my working at IWA, my faith was absent at times. Maybe sometimes nonexistent. At Incarnate Word Academy and the Sisters of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament changed me and I am grateful to them,” Camarillo said, fighting against a cracking voice.
Bishop Daniel E. Flores of the Catholic Diocese of Brownsville joined to share words of encouragement.
“We will see better days,” Flores said. “So let us always remember what the incarnate word sisters taught us, that in all things, Praise be the Incarnate Word,” the bishop said.
Others in the crowd responded, “Now and forever. Amen.”
Although the school will close, the leadership reminded the public of their commitment to the community.
“Our presence in Brownsville and Matamoros is changing, not ending,” Wagner said. “We recognize that God is calling us to something new in service to His people.”
