Wednesday, January 8, 2014

ST. THOMAS AQUINAS CONTINUES SITE IMPROVEMENTS

HAMMOND - Progress continues on the campus of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic High School. "People have been very excited because we have a solid strategic plan and have been working hard on the fundraising for the project,” said Principal Jose Becerra. "But there are still many steps that need to happen. We are focused on moving forward and continuing the progress.”

Since the plan was formulated for growth at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic High School, donors have provided a majority of the needed funds to accomplish the goals of the building plan. Architectural plans will soon be presented to the Diocesan Building Committee, and once that approval is received, the Diocesan Finance Committee will review the project. "Nearly 90% of the needed funds have been raised, which is a testament to the strong community support for STA," said Advancement Director Errol Gauff. "With the fulfillment of a few pledges, we are confident that the financial end of our plan will make the project a reality. This community really showed their faith in our school and in Catholic education in this parish with the Campaign Challenge this past fall, and now we are moving forward. The faith put in this Campaign committee is a huge responsibility, and so we want to ensure along with the Diocese that we are being good stewards with the generosity of our benefactors."

So far, the campus has had several improvements. Clearing has begun for the construction access road to provide an additional entrance and exit road for the school. Because this land is in a wetlands area, many permits and land studies had to be performed during the past year. Additionally, two of the temporary buildings have been removed and the soccer field has been relocated on campus. Once the field is graded and seeded, it will still take many months for the field to be ready for play. “We are energized by the generosity that has taken over St. Thomas Aquinas,” said Becerra.

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