By LEIGH C. MERRIFIELD
News & Journal Editor
It has been nearly two years ago that leaders at Clarksburg’s Notre Dame High School began looking into some much needed improvements. They knew the immediate needs and had ideas but looked at how realistic their planning could be.
According to NDHS Advancement Director Ian McAra, there were several top priorities.
“The school originally opened in 1955, and the windows in the school were still the original ones – as was the gymnasium. Additionally, the roof was leaking and some of those leaks were in the gymnasium. We thought it would be pointless to do any gymnasium renovations without first taking care of the roof. So our thought was to try to combine all of these improvements into one fund-raising effort,” he stated. “This was a huge undertaking, but it has done very well.”
The campaign goal was $920,000, and fundraising began in December of last year. To date, funds committed to the project stand at $861,000, of which $768,000 has been collected.
“To make it easier for donors, we asked our contributors to pledge to donate over a period of time,” McAra added. “We are managing the loan now while we continue to collect those promised pledges as well as to solicit for new donations. We still need to raise $60,000.”
The repairs and renovations are complete. The 30-year old roof has been replaced as well as new windows throughout the school. The gymnasium has new bleachers, new flooring, new lighting, new scoreboards, new backboard systems, new team chairs and score tables – PLUS a new HVAC unit which will allow heat in the gymnasium to be controlled separately. The gym was also cleaned and repainted, and it is now in full use.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate all of these improvements was held on December 10th.
“We appreciate all of those who have supported this project with their gifts,” McAra concluded. “Although the work has been completed, the campaign still continues and donations are still being accepted.”
Interested donors may contact NDHS Advancement Director Ian McAra at 304-623-1026 or Athletic Director Steve Petitto at 304-203-5182.
