St. Bernard School prepares to close its doors

Teacher Nellie Hennen asked a simple question of her nine first- and second-grade students at St. Bernard School in Cologne.

“How many of you love your school?” she said.

Almost in unison, nine hands shot up into the air.

The teacher flashed a smile, but her expression quickly turned sad. This would be the last day, May 28, that she could ask that question in her classroom — ever. It was the final day of classes for the school, which would close its doors for good the next day after a school picnic. The display board in front of the main office celebrating 135 years of the school’s history would be taken down.