By Maureen Smith
COLUMBUS – Enrollment is exploding at Annunciation Catholic School so it’s time to expand. The school has launched a two-phase capital campaign aimed at enlarging the existing facilities and establishing a long-term plan master plan. Phase one calls for raising a little more than $3 million to add a new building to house six classrooms, a library, a science lab, a technology lab and a new administrative area. This phase will also renovate the cafeteria, expand the gymnasium and reconfigure the current building.
“Currently, we have eight classes and a computer lab in modular classrooms. It is time to make these temporary classrooms permanent in order for us to fulfill our school mission to the highest potential. Our school family has been praying for an opportunity for us to continue providing a Christ-centered environment for children in the Golden Triangle. We are thrilled to undertake this task as we continue to guide students to reach their full potential,” said principal Joni House. She has seen enrollment grow 95 percent in the past seven years. Some students are riding a bus from Starkville daily to attend Annunciation, the only school in the so-called Golden Triangle of Columbus, Starkville and West Point.
She credits the enrollment jump to a great staff as well as a supportive community and parents who believe in the mission of the school and parish.
Father Jeffrey Waldrep became the pastor of Annunciation Parish just last year and has embraced his role at the school. “It has been so amazing becoming a part of the Annunciation Catholic school family,” said Father Waldrep. “Joni House, our principal and mentor, has made it her ministry to enable a talented, creative and spirit-filled team of teachers and staff that rally around a single mission. That mission has and continues our growth in enlightening the minds and forming life-long learners of our students,” he said.
He said he has seen support from both Catholic and non-Catholic families who see the value of the education at Annunciation.
“These are some very blessed times at our school. phase one of this project will provide opportunities for all students to use new technology and science labs, along with a new expansive library. This is not to mention the six new classrooms, stage and locker rooms on the gym and full-service cafeteria. But with all blessings comes responsibility,” said Father Waldrep. He has invited everyone in the community to prayerfully consider joining the campaign.
Parent Kay Regimbal is one of the campaign supporters. “The foundation that ACS has provided for our children is constantly strengthened day after day and year after year through teaching excellence, character building and spiritual guidance. ACS is making a lasting impact on our children, our local community and our future by raising the bar for academic excellence, creativity and interpersonal growth, developing students who not only think for themselves but love, care and respect those around them. We consider ourselves incredibly blessed to be on this journey with our school family,” she said.
The second phase of the campaign calls for establishing a long-term planning committee, possibly adding another academic building on property the school already owns and adding a chapel. When planning started, the committee looked at several options, including purchasing new land and building from scratch and purchasing an existing school building, but in the end, the committee agreed that the school would do best if it repurposed and added to existing facilities.
Those interested in supporting the campaign can make a one-time donation or make a pledge they can pay off in installments. Call the school office for details (662) 328-4479.