JACKSON – Prayers and blessings helped kick off construction of Phase 1 of a three-part series of renovations and additions to the classrooms and campus of St. Richard School, 100 Holly Drive, on Friday, Sept. 11.
During Friday’s Renovation Celebration 420 students with decorated yellow hard hats filled up the hillside near the old section of elementary school classrooms being renovated. The St. Richard Cardinal cheerleaders led the students in chants during the ceremony.
In his address to the students, Principal Jules Michel talked about the history of the first elementary school and how the renovations and addition of new campus structures will help to continue St. Richard’s tradition of educating the total student — spiritually, intellectually, socially, emotionally, and physically — in a safe, Catholic, Christian atmosphere.
Classrooms in the older elementary school building have already been gutted and are being renovated to meet current building codes and outfitted, along with the new classrooms, with the technological equipment to facilitate the school’s arts-integrated curriculum.
Guests included Bishop Joseph Latino of the Diocese of Jackson, who addressed the students before blessing the site, and Terrill & Betsy Hewett of Badia-Moro Architects, who designed the renovations and additional structures.
Completion of Phase 1 of the project is scheduled for the late spring of 2010, according to Michel.
