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Pasta is quite a popular dish.

Once again, St. Agatha Academy became a gathering place for such a treat.

On Thursday, Oct. 26, the school’s doors at 244 S. Main Street opened for the annual spaghetti dinner.

“The community loves to come in and dine in, and they just sit and talk and see old friends,” said Doris Gilbert, the administrative assistant at St. Agatha. “A lot of our students who used to come here will come and see each other and get together. [It’s] kind of a reunion for them.”

At times, individuals from just outside the community join as well.

“Sometimes, we have people in election years who will come and meet with people in the community,” Gilbert said.

St. Agatha started in 1919, describes itself on its official website as “a vibrant learning community, Anchored in Christ.”

Providing education for children from preschool through eighth grade, the school “has continued to prosper, holding true to its founding mission of providing spiritual and academic training to nurture the whole child.”

As such, it emphasizes classical education, features a Montessori education program for preschool and kindergarten pupils, and more.

Staff and others hope more students have the opportunity to benefit from such programs.

“Our spaghetti dinner is a fundraiser that we have in order to keep tuition prices down for our students,” Gilbert said. “We’ve been doing it for about 70 years.”

Meal costs were $12 for adults and $9 for kids.

However, quality food was never in question.

The spaghetti was prepared by Kevin Boarman, who – among many talents – is a managing partner and master chef with Longhorn Steakhouse.

Just under 200 meals, 198, were delivered.

Yet dine-in, carry-out, and more options were available.

As of Friday evening, the numbers were still being tabulated, though there is reason for excitement.

As a school-wide effort with a reputation for success that has only grown, it’s approximated that 100 volunteers assisted.

Many are parents of current St. Agatha students.

“It takes a lot of people to put this on,” Gilbert said.

Of the students who served as volunteers, enthusiasm was evident.

“Our students love to come and help,” Gilbert added. “We have students who actually go to school here, and we have past students who come…and help with the night. During the school week, our middle school helps a lot with setup and to get it ready…They think it’s great!”

Hungry attendees were not limited to spaghetti either.

A full meal included bread, salad, a cookie for dessert and a drink.

St. Agatha is already looking forward to next year’s edition.

“It’s pretty wide known,” Gilbert said. “I think people just like coming and talking to each other.”