Island School parents, students and board members celebrated the construction of the new gym in late September. They listened as board president David Pratt described just how far the school has come in reaching its goals. In clear view of
Island School parents, students and board members celebrated the construction of the new gym in late September. They listened as board president David Pratt described just how far the school has come in reaching its goals. In clear view of the audience was the steel frame of the regulation-sized gymnasium.
“David’s efforts have been instrumental in taking this campaign over the $4 million mark,” said director of development Joan Shaw in a release.
In the past several months, Pratt raised more than $1 million from the Wilcox Trusts and family alone. In honor of their contributions, the gym will be named the Samuel W. and Edith K. Wilcox Gymnasium.
While the school’s successes were emphasized at this “Raise the Roof Celebration,” it was made clear that the capital campaign still has a way to go before the board of directors can relax.
“We need your help,” said Pratt to the audience. “First, your participation matters. In addition, we need your help in identifying people and organ-izations who you think can make a significant gift.”
In total, this project will cost $5 million.
“At present, an additional $700,000 is needed just to finance the completion of the buildings now under construction,” said Shaw.
This phase of expansion includes the building of the Samuel W. and Edith K. Wilcox Gymnasium, the Mary D. and Walter F. Freer Center for Hawaiian Culture and the Arts and the construction of an access road leading to the school.
The gym will be the only regulation-sized gymnasium on Kaua‘i and may be utilized by other segments of the community.
The Freer Center will feature a pavilion-style design with walls that open and close and a hula pa (or mound) for hula performance. The access road is a cooperative effort benefiting Kaua‘i Community College, Kilohana and Island School.
Another key supporter in the school’s expansion efforts has been the Freer Eleemosynary Trust. Its donation of $350,000 led to the board’s decision to name the Center for Hawaiian Culture and the Arts after Mary D. and Walter F. Freer.
“The Raise the Roof Celebration marked the beginning of the ‘grass roots’ level of the campaign, where we appeal to parents, grandparents and other individuals for support,” explained Shaw. “The next phase will fund the completion of the interior of the gym and the construction of a locker room.”
For information about Island School or to contribute to their campus expansion fund, contact Shaw at 246-0233, ext. 232 or at joan@ischool.org.
