Holy Child Celebrates Expansion Of School In Harrison

HARRISON, N.Y. -- More than 450 people joined together at School of the Holy Child on Monday to celebrate completion of a new field house.

Father Matt Janeczko celebrated a Mass of the Holy Spirit on Monday at School of the Holy Child, blessing a new field house during a ceremony in The Kelly Gymnasium. Assisting him during the ceremony was Holy Child sophomore Annabelle Schultze.
Photo Credit: *Provided*

Local officials, trustees and students at School of the Holy Child shown breaking ground at 2225 Westchester Ave. in August 2014 on the expansion project that includes a new field house, theater and workshop.
Photo Credit: *Casey Donahue*

A view from outside of School of the Holy Child's new field house and original mansion. The campus expansion was designed to link Holy Child's longstanding traditions with its "bright and joyful" future.
Photo Credit: *Contributed/Michael Clancy*

The Kelly Gymnasium, part of the newly-expanded School of the Holy Child, as it looked filled with students and faculty on Thursday.
Photo Credit: *Contributed/Michael Clancy*

The Kelly family of Rye were honored in April by School of the Holy Child during its annual gala and fundraiser. The school's new gymnasium is named after Al and Peggy Kelly.
Photo Credit: *JoAnn Cancro Photography*

Jon Craig

09/22/2015 5:00 p.m.

Father Matt Janeczko led a Mass of the Holy Spirit and blessed the new 22,000-square-foot facility as part of the ceremony held in The Kelly Gymnasium.

Peggy and Al Kelly of Rye were honored during the school's annual gala and fundraiser in April for their longstanding dedication and generosity to the school, attended by girls in fifth through 12th grades. Peggy Parlatore, a Class of '77 graduate, and Al Kelly have been part of the Holy Child community for nearly 40 years. Two of their daughters are Holy Child graduates, and a third is in sixth grade.

"God, we sing your praises for you have done a marvelous deed in giving us a grand place for learning discipline, teamwork, skills, and confidence,'' Janeczko said during his blessing.

Holy Child raised about $6 million during a capital campaign for expansion of the school campus. The field house is complete. Construction on a state-of-the-art, 400-seat theatre is underway and will include dedicated space for music, dance and drama productions, liturgies and assemblies.

During introductory remarks, Sister Jeanne Ronzani said, "As a former head of the school and present trustee, I am honored to be here with you as we bless this newest campus addition."

Since the day Holy Child opened in 1957, Ronzani said, "We have seen a myriad of new construction and renewal, culminating in this, our extraordinary multi-building campus. . . . We look forward to a 'bright and joyful future/ in our new field house."

The field house includes: a 11,000 square-foot Kelly Gymnasium, allowing two basketball/volleyball courts with bleacher seating suitable for tournament play; an athletics training room, fitness room and dance studio; a student common area; Athletics Department offices and storage; and locker rooms.

The new theatre will include: a full stage; state-of-the-art lighting and sound equipment; dedicated space for music, dance, drama and other programs; dressing rooms and wardrobe storage."

"Bless all the people who helped plan and build this dream,'' Father Janeczko said. "May all who meet here be enriched by team spirit, hospitality and competitive fun so together we may offer you the praise that is your due."

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