Saint John School breaks ground on new student center
May 15—SAYBROOK — A vision inspired President of Saint John School Sister Maureen Burke to start the Capital Campaign, which will expand the school.
"For all of our young people in Ashtabula ... education is key to the future," Burke said. "We need strong schools to provide for that. Saint John is a strong Catholic school and we also recognize the importance of our public schools. We hope that they continue to grow and strengthen so that all of Ashtabula can benefit."
Saint John hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for the addition of its new student center on a sunny Tuesday morning.
Saint John Principal Scott Plescia said that there has been a need for this expansion.
"When the need arose that we needed more space, people came and started donating," Plescia said. "We have an incredibly supportive community and alumni body."
Saint John employed Partner in Missions, a professional education firm, to help them develop the Capital Campaign.
Burke said that the school currently has a challenge match for $1 million from local entrepreneur Larry Laurello and Dr. John Brace, both alumni.
"This is just a continuation of everything that Sister Maureen has brought to Ashtabula county," Laurello said. "She is really the angel that has come from heaven to make all of this happen."
A number of elected officials showed up to show their support for the project.
"I graduated from Saint John," said Ashtabula City Manager Jim Timonere. "To see it come from what we've had in the past to what Sister has built today along with the rest of the Saint John community and alumni ... it's just amazing. The fact that we now have to keep expanding is a great problem to have."
"Saint John provides such an important resource to our community," said Greater Ashtabula Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Greg Church. "Just investing in the future of young people in a faith-based way. It strengthens community here and then everywhere that they take it."
The faculty is looking forward to using this new space to continue their mission.
"Our motto here at Saint John School is developing scholarship, deepening faith and inspiring leadership," Plescia said. "This is going to help us continue our mission. We are very excited."
"This is a sign that Saint John is continuing to grow," Burke said. "Not only in numbers, but in the educational opportunities we provide to the young people of Ashtabula. We have built on the foundation of people who have been a part of the Saint John story since 1953 when the school opened."
According to Burke, construction is set to begin on June 3.
