For the fourth year in a row, Ravenscroft's student-led fundraising team for Crucial Catch has been recognized as the top fundraising school in the nation, exceeding their goal of $30,000 by more than $6,000, and once again winning the prestigious Pink Cleat Award.
Ravenscroft has announced plans to create a comprehensive center for student life, fulfilling an integral element of the Board of Trustees' long-term strategic vision for the school.
The new Center for Student Life at the A.E. Finley Activity Center will deliver a 33,000-square-foot facility with features including a dining hall for Middle and Upper School students, large- and small-group meeting areas, wellness and meditation rooms and a revamped school store.
The project entails a significant renovation and expansion of the A.E. Finley Activity Center, which has been central to students' experiences since its dedication in 1974. Supporting Mr. Finley's passion for community, activity and philanthropy, the center has housed athletics, fitness and physical education, schoolwide gatherings, fine arts, fundraising and more.
"In a wonderful confluence of long-term planning, real-time responsiveness to the needs of our students, and the generosity of a lead donor, we are pleased to announce plans to create a comprehensive center for student life," board chair Amy Batten said. "We are proud that Ravenscroft has always prioritized the health and well-being of our community, and now — during a time of continued uncertainty caused by the pandemic — we find it is more important than ever to be mindful of social, emotional and physical wellness."
Former board chair Kevin Anderson '82 and the previous slate of trustees were instrumental in the planning and development of Ravenscroft's ability to bring this dream to fruition.
"We are proud and grateful to build on Ravenscroft's legacy of excellence and ensure the A.E. Finley Activity Center will continue to provide an environment to foster community and build the skills students need to thrive in the world around them," Kevin said. "The combination of the new Center for Student Life and our Lead From Here citizen leadership framework will set the benchmark for a contemporary learning facility focusing on health and wellness, collaboration and connection."
The project, which will take approximately 18 months, is already in the initial phases and will break ground in August.