Newport Central Catholic High School launched the $13 million “Looking Up” capital campaign, which will fund renovations and significant new construction at the school.
Seventeen donors have committed $7.8 million to the fund with the remaining money coming from an upcoming public fundraising effort. Fundraising efforts will continue throughout 2023.
Initiatives that will be financed by the fund include:
- New Science Learning Center with STEM Labs. Renovations to the Science Learning Center could begin as early as spring of 2023.
- Improvements to existing facilities including roof repair/replacement, campus entryway enhancements, driveway expansion, and HVAC upgrades to the gymnasium and original school building.
- Elimination of debt.
- Construction of on-campus multi-purpose athletic complex providing a home field for boys and girls soccer, track, and football teams and a practice facility for baseball and softball teams.
“We are overwhelmed and blessed by the generosity of our benefactors who have committed investments in the silent phase of this campaign and are so excited for our students and community,” said Principal Kenny Collopy. “We are making improvements to more than just facilities, and these updates will go a long way in enhancing the NCC experience by providing great resources for our students, teachers, staff, and community.”
Faced with years of declining enrollment, the high school is projecting its first growth in enrollment in over 15 years for the 2023-2024 school year. School leadership hopes the new construction will build enrollment momentum and attract more students.
“These improvements have been a dream for many people for a long, long time,” said Advancement Director Charles Marks. “We are thrilled to be making this dream a reality and for the impact it will have on our students. We are very grateful for those who have already made a commitment and to those who will make a commitment in the coming months.”
