By Joanna Puddister King
JACKSON – St. Richard Catholic School officially dedicated its new campus on Sunday, Aug. 10, 2025, marking a milestone in the school’s mission to provide faith-filled education for future generations.

Founded in 1953, St. Richard has been a cornerstone of Catholic education in Jackson for more than 70 years. Generations of families have walked its halls, building a legacy of academic excellence, faith formation and community that continues to shape the city today.

Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz blessed the campus during a dedication ceremony, joined by faculty, students, alumni and parishioners. The renovations include upgraded classrooms, new technology, the Father Brian Kaskie Memorial Chapel and spaces designed to meet the needs of the whole child.

“This is an important moment for Catholic education in our diocese,” Bishop Kopacz said. “My hope is that this new campus will help our students grow as disciples and serve as a visible witness to the Catholic faith in the Jackson community.”

The project began in 2023 when an unexpected opportunity arose – the nearby Meadowbrook Church of Christ property – just off I-55 on Frontage Road, near St. Andrew’s Episcopal Lower Elementary – became available. Recognizing how the site could meet both current needs and future growth, St. Richard parish and school launched the A Future Filled with Hope capital campaign and purchased the campus. Over the past year, the site has been transformed into a state-of-the-art Catholic school facility.

Principal Russ Nelson said having a location that puts the school “front and center” in the community is a game changer. “In the past, there were many people in the Jackson area who didn’t even know St. Richard School existed,” he said. “Now, our visibility alone will open doors, spark conversations and help us connect with more families than ever before.”

Nelson, who guided the project from concept to completion, said the process was more than construction – it was a mission-driven transformation. He credited much of the project’s success to Gerald Beard, the volunteer project manager whose dedication, expertise and countless hours of service helped bring the vision to life.

A parishioner at St. Richard, Beard brought decades of construction and public service experience to the role, including his tenure as the City of Jackson’s director of public works in the 1990s. Since 2012, he has volunteered at St. Dominic Hospital and previously oversaw the St. Richard Early Learning Center project. “With every detail and every decision, Gerald gave his very best – and we are profoundly grateful,” said Nelson.

With the assistance of Beard and the generosity of parishioners, alumni and friends of the school, Nelson noted that the new campus is “designed to inspire learning, foster community and reflect the joy we have in Catholic education.”

The new campus also honors individuals who have made lasting contributions to St. Richard. The main academic building now bears the name of Eve Walsh, a proud graduate of St. Richard and a beloved member of St. Richard parish’s Special Kids program. Born with Down syndrome in 1972, “Miss Eve” has been a lifelong member of the parish and a joyful witness to the school’s inclusive spirit. After graduating from the Special Kids program, she began working in the school cafeteria in September 1999 and retired in 2024.

Known for her ever-present smile, warm greetings and tireless work ethic, Eve helped prepare and serve meals, visited with children and pitched in wherever needed. “Eve has been the heart of our school for decades,” said Father Joe Tonos, pastor of St. Richard. “Naming the building in her honor tells every student that they, too, are loved and valued here.”

Among the most distinctive additions to the new campus is the Wiggle Room – a calm, supportive space designed for students who need a moment to refocus or regroup. Created with intention and care, the Wiggle Room reflects St. Richard’s commitment to nurturing the whole child – mind, body and spirit. The space is filled with sensory elements and calming areas where students can feel safe, supported and able to reset before returning to class ready to learn.

“It’s a blessing for both students and teachers,” said development director Celeste Saucier. “It’s more than just a room – it’s a message to our students that we believe in their ability to succeed, and we are committed to helping them feel calm, comforted and confident every step of the way.” This focus on well-being is part of the school’s broader commitment to meet students where they are, strengthen its exceptional education program and ensure that every child – no matter how they learn – can thrive.

Among the most meaningful additions to the renovated campus is the Father Brian Kaskie Memorial Chapel, a quiet space where students, faculty and visitors can pause for prayer and reflection. A large, smiling photo of Father Brian greets all who enter, capturing the joyful, approachable spirit he was so well known for. Father Brian, who died in 2021 at age 57, was beloved for his larger-than-life personality, quick wit and deep compassion. He had a special gift for connecting with young people, often making them feel seen, understood and valued.

Father Joe Tonos, a close friend, recalled how much Father Brian loved being among students and sharing the faith in a way that made it real and personal. “I think he would be thrilled to see a space where students can encounter Christ daily, right here in the heart of their school,” Tonos said.

The St. Richard School campus move and renovations also address safety, accessibility and long-term sustainability. Upgraded entrances, enhanced lighting and energy-efficient systems ensure the campus meets both present needs and future growth.

While much has been accomplished, the A Future Filled with Hope campaign continues, and there are still opportunities to be part of this chapter in St. Richard’s story. Naming opportunities remain for classrooms, stained-glass windows, the playground and the refectory, which houses classrooms, the gym and the cafeteria. “Every gift helps us reach our goal and leaves a lasting mark on our school’s story,” Saucier said.

The project represents years of planning and collaboration between the parish, school leadership and the community. Nelson said he hopes the campus will serve students for decades to come. “This is about preparing our children academically, spiritually and socially for the world they will enter – and reminding them they are never alone on that journey,” he said.

To learn more about supporting the campaign, A Future Filled with Hope, or exploring naming opportunities, contact Celeste at csaucier@strichardschool.org, call (601) 366-1157 or visit www.strichardschool.org.

More photos from Father Jeffrey Waldrep’s Celebration

More photos from Father Sam Messina’s Celebration