In a culmination of vision, and with an expression of pride, students and staff of St. Joseph's Catholic High School, along with special guests and dignitaries, officially "launched" the new expansion of SJCHS with a blessing offered by His Excellency, the Most Reverend Michael Mulhall in a Monday afternoon ceremony.In his remarks, Principal Mark Searson alluded to the hard work by many stakeholders over the years who took a dream and, by virtue of their dedication and resolve to make a difference, fashioned it into a reality.
Among those on hand were Andy Bray, the current Chair of the Renfrew County Catholic District School Board, who Searson credited with being one of those on the ground floor of all the ideas that reached their fruition in the completion of the new wing and the various specialties contained therein. Bray, whose children began attending St. Joe's about, as he put it, " a quarter-century ago," was also part of the drive that resulted in Arnprior students being able to attend St. Joe's through an expansion in transportation capability.
Also present was Michelle Arbour, the Director of Education. An ardent advocate of SJCHS expansion since her arrival to the Board, Ms. Arbour was also credited for her role in the incorporation of the local grade 8 classes into the St. Joe's community, and the resultant effects of increased enrollment and retention of Catholic students within the system. Mr. Searson, referring to Ms. Arbour's role, used a compelling line from the movie "Field of Dreams" when he spoke of the former superintendant, and now director's belief, that if "you build it, they will come."
Mr. Searson was also effusive in his praise of all the stakeholder groups that banded together in common cause over the years, sharing the goal that is now concretized in bricks and mortar, and made alive by the people who bring it to life. Special mention was made of former SJCHS principal, and now Superintendant of Education Jaimie Perry, whose presence and guidance over the last few years has been, in Searson's view, instrumental to today's successful outcome.
Following the official blessing, participants were entertained by an impressive range of the St. Joesph's performing arts community, a fitting celebration to conclude the proceedings.
