To cheering delight of the 344 students at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic School in Port Charlote, Father John Fitch used a huge pair of scissors to cut the ribbon on the doors to a new state-of-the-art gymnasium and science and engineering center.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony and subsequent celebration took place on Aug. 12, 2024, the first day of School for the 2024-2025 Academic Year.
Father Fitch, Pastor of St. Charles Borromeo Parish, told the students that it was the generosity of others who made the new center possible.
“They are not benefitting from this. They did this for you,” Father Fitch said. “Foster this attitude of gratitude in your hearts. This doesn’t just happen. It is a lot of work and sacrifice to present this gymnasium and the center for science and engineering to all of you. Be grateful and say, ‘Thank you,’ when you see someone at church. The credit for this beautiful building goes to them.”
Once the ribbon was cut, the students then entered the newly completed gymnasium, as teachers with pom-poms cheered and motivational music played on the loudspeakers.
The new gymnasium and center for science and engineering boasts a full-sized basketball court with bleacher seating, a state-of-the-art sound system and six retractable basketball goals. In addition, there are two ground floor classrooms that will be used for math classes, and two upstairs rooms, one is a fully equipped science lab, and other will be used as a robotics and STREAM (science, technology, religion, engineering, arts, math) lab.
“The facility will equip our students academically, physically, and spiritually so that they can more fully achieve their potential as children of God,” Father Fitch said.
The concept of building a dedicated gymnasium began in the 1990s, with the formal effort to raise the necessary $7 million starting in 2019. With an increased demand for student with expand STREAM skills, Bishop Frank J. Dewane encouraged the planners to include room in the project for specialized classrooms. This proved to be insightful, as enrollment has rapidly increased in the past five years, which has created challenges in having special rooms for math and science in the original School building.
Principal Amy Barron said the faculty and staff at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic School, “strive to educate the whole child, body, mind and spirit, and this addition to our campus will provide a place for our students to play, grow and learn, while also being a source of School pride and spirit. We are truly blessed.”
Once inside the new gymnasium, the festivities began as the cheerleaders/teachers performed cheers and dance routines, with the students encouraged to join in from the bleachers and sidelines. Coach Larry Taylor, dressed as the School mascot, a Middle Ages Crusader, made a grand entrance with the help of a fog machine and laser lights.
A retractable basketball goal was lowered before a teacher, the principal, two students, the coach, two of the primary contractors, and Father Fitch, attempted to make the first basket. Once the first basket was made by eight-grader Christian Telhomme, confetti cannons blasted and a roar of joy rose from the students.
Additional fun activities took place throughout the day with students later getting the opportunity to have fun on the basketball court.
St. Charles Borromeo Catholic School was established in 1960 and is the only Catholic School serving Charlotte County. It serves children from Pre-K through 8th grade and is one of 15 Catholic Schools within the Diocese of Venice, which serves about 6,500 students in grades pre-K through 12th grade.
The School states as its mission: “St. Charles Borromeo Catholic School is a place where every child is spiritually and academically nurtured to their fullest potential, creating lifelong learners who value and live our Catholic Faith.” For more about St. Charles Borromeo Catholic School, visit https://www.stcbs.org.
The African Caribbean American Center (AFCAAM Center), a program of Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice, Inc., has been a stalwart since 1988, providing after-school tutoring and mentoring in a positive and safe environment.
Bishop Dewane said shuttering AFCAAM during the pandemic was a difficult but correct decision, and the program reopens with much-improved facilities and the same mission; to offer educational support for children.
“Today we are celebrating a return of a great program to this community,” Gloria said. “We feel AFCAAM is an incredible resource for the children and families. Catholic Charities is proud to be part of the incredible achievement for this great community.”
“This is a safe and fun place to be,” Callwood said. “It is a place where young minds are encouraged to dream and to thrive academically, socially and physically; Tutoring, reading, reading comprehension and writing skills are implemented to ensure each child improves his or her academic and social performance. For the middle to high school-aged youth, they are mentored, encouraged and engaged as they mold their personal lives in preparation for life beyond.”
