Joy, Gratitude as A&A Opens

9/9/2014

Montrose celebrates its “second founding” with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new building.

Under a sunny fall sky, Montrose School celebrated its “second founding” with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the opening of the new Arts & Athletics Center.

A large crowd of Montrose friends and family were on hand to mark the occasion, including founders, trustees, students, parents, alumnae, parents of alumnae, faculty and staff. The special day began with a Mass of Thanksgiving before the ceremony, concelebrated by Father Richard Rieman, Chaplain Emeritus, and Chaplain Father Jose Ruisanchez.

Neil Jacob, chairman of the Board of Trustees, welcomed the crowd, calling the opening of the A&A Center “a very visible beginning of a new chapter in the history of Montrose School.” He thanked Montrose School’s generous benefactors who have supported Montrose both in the past and in the current Capital Campaign, while noting the tremendous and growing support from parents of current and recently graduated students. “Montrose is truly blessed,” he said, while encouraging the participation of everyone in the Montrose family so that the school can meet – or even exceed – its $8 million Capital Campaign goal. To date, Montrose has raised $6.7 million of the $8 million goal. Give now to the Capital Campaign.

In the ceremony, Head of School Dr. Karen Bohlin reflected on how far Montrose has come since opening its doors in 1979. “In my twelve years as Head of School, I have been blessed to witness firsthand the dream and development of this great school, the amazing women it graduates and the impact they are having on the world.” She described the growth of the student body, the athletic programs and the performing arts programs, all of whom will benefit from “this inspiring and critically needed new building.” Thanking the many people who made the building possible – such as Mr. Jacob and the Board of Trustees, the Capital Campaign committee, and the architect and builders - Dr. Bohlin praised their commitment to greatness. “The A&A Center is emblematic of who we are and what we stand for – the education of mind, body and soul. Montrose students and alumane know they are called to greatness.”

Elle Schirripa ’15, Student Government president, echoed the thanks of Mr. Jacob and Dr. Bohlin to all those who made the building possible. “On behalf of the student body at Montrose, I cannot tell you how excited and grateful we are.” Elle predicted that future red and white competitions, basketball games and drama and music performances will bring the A&A to life. “It’s so special for us to be the students at this exciting time in Montrose history. We feel privileged to be the ones to cut the ribbon and open the gift. In gratitude, you can count on us to cherish this gift and pass it on to future generations,” said Elle.

Fr. Rieman blessed the building with holy water, to cheers from the crowd. Members of the Montrose community then flocked to the building for student-led tours, where expressions of delight could be overheard as they admired the spacious stage area, basketball court and fan section. At the picnic on Miracle Field, families enjoyed moon bounces, games, socializing and an Italian ice cart to complete the day.

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