The Planeta Family: Renewing a Legacy of Faith and Support

Few families embody the spirit of Saint Bernard School quite like the Planetas. With seven siblings graduating between 1978 and 1989—Mary ’78, Dorothy ’79, Jennifer ’80, Edward ’82, Michael ’83, Julia ’88, and Catherine ’89—their family story is woven into the fabric of the school.

In 1980, after the sudden passing of their mother, Dorothy, their father Edward Sr. created the Dorothy Planeta Memorial Scholarship. Having experienced firsthand the challenges of becoming a single-parent family, he wanted to ensure that other families facing similar hardships would still have the opportunity to continue at Saint Bernard.

The scholarship thrived for decades but was eventually depleted. With the passing of their father in 2023, the siblings felt it was time to “pick up the torch and reignite the intention for which the scholarship had been established.” As Edward Jr., ’82 explained, “As we are all at or near the end of our individual career paths, we fortunately have the resources to make an aspirational and achievable commitment over 10 years.”

That commitment is extraordinary: the Planetas have pledged $35,000 annually for the next 10 years, sponsoring one to two students each year through the Dorothy Planeta Memorial Scholarship. Their renewed support is deeply tied to Saint Bernard’s independence and newfound transparency.

“This was a huge component in our decision,” Ed shared. “The legal separation from the Diocese allowed the school to move forward on a new path. With strong partners like the Mohegan Tribe and a clear organizational structure, it gave us confidence that the school could continue successfully at its present location.”

For the Planetas, giving now feels right. “This whole idea of giving until it hurts bothers me,” Ed said. “I like the idea of giving until it feels good. If you know the organization is going to make good use of the donations and you have the ability, then why not give?”

Their generosity reflects not only a desire to honor their parents, but also a belief in Saint Bernard’s future. “The school is on sound footing. All the heavy lifting has been done. Now they just need more enrollment and endowment. It makes it easy to write the check,” Ed explained. “Life can chew people up and sometimes it doesn’t spit them back out. I like the idea that Saint Bernard is there to help a family through a rough patch and still give their kids the education they deserve.”

To fellow alumni, the Planetas offer a heartfelt challenge: “Many of us have been disappointed with issues within the Catholic Church globally, nationally, and locally. But Saint Bernard has hung in there through all of it thanks to families, faculty, administrators, and donors. Now is a good time to consider if you can add to that commitment. When things are going well, how come you can’t say yes?”

The Planeta family’s story is a testament to what happens when alumni believe again: when trust is restored, when independence empowers, and when the Saint Bernard community comes together to secure a future filled with promise.