CHARLOTTE — Gratitude and joy flowed at St. Ann School on Sept. 29 at a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the school’s extensive renovations over the summer.
When students returned to school in August, they walked into a school completely transformed in 11 weeks by workers from Charlotte-based Choate Construction.
The $5.1 million renovation that touched every part of the 70-year-old school, which opened in 1955 and hadn’t received such a significant update since then.
The work included new paint in hallways and classrooms, a new HVAC system, improvements to the library and playgrounds, new cabinets, flooring, lights, acoustic ceiling tiles, tutoring classrooms and more.
This was made possible by a $3.5 million grant from Shea Homes, part of the Shea Family of Companies, one of the most significant supporters of Catholic education nationwide since the 1980s. Funds for the renovation also included $600,000 from the Mecklenburg Area Catholic schools systems, $700,000 raised by the school and $300,000 by the parish.
Principal Celene Little fought back tears of joy as she opened the ceremony attended by Bishop Michael Martin, diocese schools superintendent Dr. Gregory Monroe, other diocesan staff and donors from the parish and school community.
“It’s unbelievable what has taken place in this school,” Little said. “We have a safer, brighter, more inspiring place for our children to learn.”
Bishop Michael Martin offered a prayer.
“As blessed as we are this day to realize the great ways in which so many people have worked together, have brought their gifts to bear so this school can be a better place for learning … we’re even more grateful for what transpires here every day,” he prayed to God. “…Our teachers, our assistants and our parents all work together so we can find even more creative way for your children to grow as disciples of Your Son Jesus.”
Father Timothy Reid, St. Ann's pastor, reflected on the school’s history and how the renovation changed the building he has known since becoming he was appointed in 2007.
“For years and years and years I walked through these halls and I’ve always thought I would love to renovate this school,” he said . “…What is amazing about this project is that so many different groups came together to pull this off. The money was one hurdle, and the other was getting this done in the course of a summer. I was amazed at how this building got transformed…truly a very beautiful testament to God’s work.”
The St. Ann student choir sang a moving tune called “Graditude” by songwriter Brandon Lake.
John Shea Jr., who lives in the Charlotte area, represented his family’s foundation at the ceremony and took of a tour of school alongside Bishop Martin and others.
After the ribbon-cutting, students presented him with a special gift – a photo of all 356 students surrounded by thumb-prints gathered from every student, with a different color representing each grade.
“It’s exhilarating to see what has happened here at St. Ann’s, and amazing to see that it happened in such a short time,” Shea said.
In a 2024 interview with the Catholic News Herald, Shea said the family’s commitment to Catholic education is motivated by belief in what Catholic education can do for children and society as a whole.
“Learning Catholic values in school and, for me, at home – like loving your neighbor – is key,” he said. “We believe the more kids educated in the Catholic system, the better our future world will be.”
— Christina Lee Knauss. Photos by Troy C. Hull
