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