The church community continued to grow, and with it the student population increased by 50 the second year. Parents were obviously pleased with the results achieved by the IHM sisters! In 1922, the first graduating class received their diplomas. Over the coming years the parish would continue to meet both the physical and educational needs of the parish and its staff. Subsequent efforts supplied the parish with a rectory, a convent, and finally its magnificent Romanesque style church started in 1929 just as the Great Depression ensued. The parish prevailed until better days arrived. Fr. Sharpe's final legacy to the parish came in 1954. A separate high school building that kept up with modern educational needs was introduced. With the post war baby boom, the school population contined to grow each year. The educational tide did change unfortunately with a Michigan 1970 state constitutional change. Barred support to parochial schools, increasing inflation and dwindling religious vocations, contrituted to the fate that Sacred Heart High School, like many parochial schools, was forced to accept to close its doors. Unable to sustain a highschool, Sacred Heart families worked all the more diligently to strengthen their grade school. Today Sacred Heart Elementary is known for preparing its students well for the rigors of high school academics, whether in parochial or public instituions. High School class alumni from Sacred Heart Heart High continue to reunite, celebrate and appreciate the nearly 55 years of excellent high school education provided at Sacred Heart rom 1918 to 1975. It is hoped that alunus continue to find the value and support parochial educaion within their family and communities.