October 25th 2024.
On a sunny Wednesday, the 20th of October, Arrupe Jesuit High School finally broke ground on its long-awaited expansion project. However, before any construction could begin, Michael J. O'Hagan, the school's president, took a moment to ensure that the land was blessed by a higher power.
O'Hagan emphasized the importance of seeking God's blessing in order for the school to fully fulfill its mission. He also stressed the importance of working in partnership with God, a message that resonated with all those in attendance.
Located in the bustling Berkeley neighborhood of Denver, just off Tennyson Street, Arrupe Jesuit has been able to raise over $37 million for its expansion plans. The project will include a two-story, 35,000-square-foot addition that will provide much-needed classrooms and a new gymnasium for the students.
One of the challenges that the school currently faces is the lack of dedicated spaces for various activities. For example, there are no locker rooms, causing athletes to change in classrooms and coaches to use butcher paper to cover the windows. Additionally, there is no designated performing arts space, and the school's entrepreneurship course does not have a classroom. The honors programs are also limited for the school's 415 students. The small gym size also creates logistical issues, such as the inability to have multiple practices at the same time and the lack of space for athletic trainers.
However, with the new expansion, the school's footprint will increase to approximately 100,000 square feet. This includes the conversion of the existing gym space into new classrooms and the construction of a new pastor's residence and offices for the Holy Family Catholic Church, located across the street. The old building of the Holy Family Church was demolished to make way for the expansion.
O'Hagan estimates that the construction of the new addition will be completed by Christmas 2025, with the renovations of the existing school finishing eight months later. The entire redevelopment project is expected to cost $41.5 million.
O'Hagan has big plans for the school once the expansion is complete. He hopes to be able to offer new classes, such as coding, and expand the honors program to include juniors, not just seniors. These changes will provide students with more opportunities and experiences that are crucial for their personal growth and development.
Arrupe Jesuit is known for its commitment to providing education to those who may not have access otherwise. Approximately 90% of its graduates are the first in their family to attend college, and 70% are the first to finish high school. This year's tuition cost is $3,550, but no family pays the full amount. Every family contributes what they can, making it possible for all students to attend.
During an open house event for prospective students and their families, O'Hagan had a heartwarming encounter with a father who expressed his hope to see his child on campus next year. The father's response, "There are no other options. Arrupe is the only option," perfectly captures the school's impact on its students and their families.
For O'Hagan, this encounter was a reminder of the school's purpose and the reason behind the expansion project. It is all for the students and their families, to provide them with the education and experiences that they deserve. As he said, "These were never wanted dollars. These are all need dollars...experiences that all kids should have access to because they contribute to their full formation."
The expansion project not only signifies the growth of Arrupe Jesuit High School but also the growth and success of its students. And with the support of the community, the school is on its way to achieving its mission of providing education and opportunities to those who need it the most.
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