GLEN CARBON — The leadership team that spearheaded the fundraising and oversaw construction of the new Father McGivney Catholic High School building will thank the community at a dedication ceremony on Sunday, Aug. 30 at 2:30 pm.
A pivitol part of the ceremony will be when Bishop Thomas John Paprocki of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois will bless all areas of the facilities including the building, grounds and even the parking lots. McGivney officials said the dedication is open to the public, and all are welcome to tour the school and meet the families of the school.
"I am anxious to convey good wishes of our diocese to all the students and their families and to bless McGivney as holy ground for learning for generations to come," said Bishop Paprocki.
"The new school is awesome," McGivney Principal Mike Scholz said. "It will provide our students endless opportunities. Thanks to all who have contributed to make this possible."
No group it seems was more excited for the first day of school than the McGivney families. Opened in 2012 in the north wing of St. John Neumann Catholic School in Maryville, McGivney quickly outgrew its space as school planners expected. A successful capital campaign was lauched last school year and raised more than $5.1 million from over 1,600 local families. This year the first class of students who started as freshmen at the SJN building will be seniors who will graduate from the new building in May 2016.
The first day of school was Aug. 20 for freshmen through seniors, the majority of whom come from 10 local parishes including Holy Family and St. Elizabeth in Granite City; St. Mary and St. Boniface in Edwardsville; St. Michael the Archangel in Staunton, St. Cecilia in Glen Carbon, St. Paul in Highland, Ss. Peter and Paul in Collinsville; Mother of Perpetual Help in Maryville; and St. Jerome in Troy as well as students from nearby O'Fallon, Fairview Heights, Belleville and Fairmont City. McGivney students come from both Catholic and public grade school backgrounds.
Scholz said McGivney is a so-called "laptop" school with an emphasis on technology, faith formation and strong academics.
"Father McGivney Catholic High School will always be on the cutting edge of technology." said Scholz. "It's our committment and the best way to prepare for the future. Our students put it to good use."
McGivney boasts AP and dual-credit classes, a growing athletics program and a unique "house" model where students form friendships and learn leadership in an academic and service-oriented environment.
Beginning its fourth year, McGivney offers a variety of IHSA sports and will field its first varsity men's and women's soccer teams this year. In addition, the number of clubs and student organizations is growing the school and new facility. With opportunities ranging from fine arts and robotics to Scholar Bowl and Green Griffins environment club, McGivney offers something for every one of its anticipated 150 students this fall.
The new Father McGivney Catholic High School facility is 53,000 square feet that includes state-of-the-art classrooms, science labs, art room, gymnasium, chapel, and student lounge. Financing for the building was supplied by First Cloverleaf Bank. Hurford Architects designed the facility, and Holland Construction served as construction manager. The school sits on an 80-acre lot with room for a planned athletics complex and future expansion.
More information is available at www.mcgivneygriffins.com.