GASTONIA — Major renovations will soon be under way at St. Michael School, thanks to a $990,000 gift from a donor, a grant from the Diocese of Charlotte’s “Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love” campaign and anticipated school fundraisers.
The $990,000 gift comes from Shea Homes, a new home construction company in the Charlotte area.
John Shea, a parishioner of St. Gabriel Church in Charlotte, says his family “believes in the education and values taught by the dedicated teachers at Catholic schools.”
Shea attended a Catholic grammar and high school and his own children are currently enrolled in the diocese. “We like to think that the kids get a little extra training in the love of one another, which they may not receive in other schools. That’s one reason why we’re excited to support Catholic schools,” he said.
Shea’s gift is being combined with a $500,000 grant from the diocese’s “Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love” campaign, and another $110,000 expected to be raised through school fundraisers, to completely fund the $1,600,000 renovation project at the 77-year-old school.
Principal Sheila Levesque said in a letter to parents and staff that she is “extremely excited and overwhelmed by the generosity being shown to our small school.”
Specifically, the $990,000 gift will fund:
- Renovation of the existing library to create a new state-of-the-art STEM Lab and Maker Space
- Renovation of the existing science lab to expand capabilities for hands-on learning and experimentation
- A complete renovation of the current technology infrastructure
- Construction of a new special education classroom to expand the learning environment for special needs students
- Fully fund the restoration of the elementary school restrooms
- Completely replace the existing roof
- Completely replace the aging rooftop HVAC equipment
Levesque admits it has been a bit of a whirlwind picking out wall colors, fixtures and furniture for the soon-to-be renovated spaces.
“It’s incredible! It’s exciting and it has really energized us,” she said. “It’s been a blessing.”
“I share the excitement with the entire school family,” said Father Lucas Rossi, pastor. “These renovations will move the school into a higher level of excellence and enhance its mission of bringing more children to Christ. The school is a great blessing in my life and I look forward to being present when the students return in the fall and see all the amazing improvements to their academic home.”
The extensive renovations at the school also include a new playground fence, a redesigned main entrance, new administrative offices and enhanced security features.
“This extraordinary gift will allow St. Michael School to address some facility needs that they couldn’t address alone,” said Jim Kelley, diocesan director of development. “Having top-notch facilities is critical to providing an excellent Catholic education to our students and support for our teachers and staff.”
Work will get under way June 7, after the academic year concludes June 6.
— SueAnn Howell, Senior reporter
WAYNESVILLE — Eighteen astronomy students from the University of Dallas have been special guests at St. John the Evangelist Church for the past two weeks.
The students have been meeting in the parish hall in Waynesville for a two-week course entitled “Astronomy in the Smoky Mountains,” and attending daily Mass each morning with Father Richard Sutter, pastor. After an afternoon break and dinner each day, they have been going up into the mountains to peer up at the night sky for several hours.
Waynesville and the nearby Pisgah National Forest make an ideal location for astronomers and astronomy enthusiasts because the area has clean air and very little light pollution. The area’s elevation ranges from 3,200 to 5,500 feet.
Under the instruction of their professor, Dr. Richard Olenick, students have been using an 11-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope for their nighttime observations. They have been studying basic astronomy – including constellations, the life cycle of stars, the formation of planets and solar systems, and the structures of galaxies.
Students have also been enjoying the natural beauty of the western North Carolina mountains, going hiking, whitewater rafting, ziplining and more.
The University of Dallas is a private Catholic university in Irving, Texas, and the astronomy students said they have greatly enjoyed the hospitality they have received from the Waynesville parish community.
“I’d like to thank St. John the Evangelist for being such a welcoming environment to really dive into the study of the stars,” said junior Gabi Helms, adding, “It’s been awesome to have the opportunity to go into the church if we need to.”
The astronomy class ends June 5, but the connection between the Catholic college and the mountain parish may continue.
“It’s been a joy hosting the students from UD and their professor this summer,” said Father Sutter. “My hope is to arrange a college scholarship to UD for one of our teen parishioners at SJE each year through our support of their ongoing summer study program here in the Smoky Mountains. I also hope to offer a UD Campus Ministry Conference and Mission for them during their spring break next year. God willing, we will host this event at the Living Waters Catholic Reflection Center in Maggie Valley! A great relationship is building between UD and us.”
— Catholic News Herald