‘Grounded in Faith – Building our Future’
Athletic and Activity Complex campaign kicks off with $1M gift
Christ the King High School’s “Grounded in Faith – Building our Future” capital campaign organizers and volunteers gathered for a kickoff event May 13 at the high school in Huntersville. (SueAnn Howell | Catholic News Herald)HUNTERSVILLE — Students and staff of Christ the King High School gathered in the school cafeteria on May 13 to hear some exciting news.
The school kicked off a $5.5 million “Grounded in Faith – Building our Future” capital campaign that day to fund a new Athletic and Activity Complex on campus.
During the kickoff celebration, the principal, Dr. Carl Semmler, said he is “thrilled to announce a lead gift of $1 million for our Athletic and Activity Complex. The anonymous donor family is happy to have a Catholic high school in the Huntersville area and is elated with CTK’s growth over the past eight years. The benefactors feel strongly that this capital campaign is pivotal in taking Christ the King to the next level.”
He also told students they are “million dollar people” and the donors’ confidence in them is evident in their $1 million pledge.
The capital campaign has already received another $980,000 in pledges, it was announced during the kickoff – and that news elicited rousing cheers from students and others gathered for the launch.
“I am awestruck with the outpouring of support for this venture. I feel very optimistic that after our kickoff today, the momentum will drive us to our goal in short order. Every gift will make a difference and, if we all pitch in, we can make our vision a reality,” Semmler said.
Christ the King High School has grown from 28 to 307 students in eight years, with enrollment expected to reach 330 for the 2019-’20 academic year.
Like the carefully managed growth of the high school itself, the capital campaign will fund the extensive Athletic and Activity Complex building project in stages – as each fundraising level is reached, designated phases of the project will be carried out.
When the first level of $3.5 million is reached, the gymnasium will be expanded to include a full-size court and two cross courts plus expanded seating from 120 to 690 spectators. Also included are men’s and women’s locker rooms for home and visiting teams, coaches and trainer offices, space for a fitness center and a new main entrance from the school lobby into the gymnasium, which will also serve as an awards gallery.
When the capital campaign reaches the second fundraising goal of $4.5 million, a full-size stage, including lighting and sound system will be built to accommodate student performances, school-wide liturgies and awards ceremonies.
At the final stage of the $5.5 million project, a pavilion will be built to serve as the new main entrance to the Athletic and Activity Complex and will include concessions, a Crusader ticket and spirit store and public restrooms. Also included in the goal is additional storage and completion of the fitness center which currently resides in the school building.
Jim Kelley, diocesan director of development, attended the May 13 capital campaign kickoff and helped pass out cookies to the students after the presentation.
“To receive $2 million in the first few weeks of the campaign is a great start, and to receive a $1 million gift is transformative,” Kelley said. “The momentum provided by this kind of gift will encourage others to make greater gifts themselves.”
— SueAnn Howell, Senior reporter. Steier Group contributed.
Learn more
Information about the “Grounded in Faith – Building our Future” capital campaign and how you can help is online at www.ctkchs.org. Questions? Contact Dr. Carl Semmler at 704-799-4400 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
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