Aquinas Catholic Community School marked the completion of $3 million in upgrades during a ribbon cutting June 12.
More space was needed to address the Merrillville school's enrollment, which grew by 37% since 2017. The school serves children in preschool through eighth-grade.
The project included two new classrooms and new space for students with more learning needs. The school's front office and entrance also were upgraded.
The expansion was made possible by donations from the Dean and Barbara White Family Foundation, Holy Martyrs Northwest Indiana and Big Shoulders Fund Northwest Indiana.
On hand for the ribbon cutting were: Bishop Robert McClory, Catholic Diocese of Gary; Lisa Gutierrez, principal, Aquinas Catholic Community School; Bill Hanna, executive director, Dean and Barbara White Family Foundation; and Joshua Hale, president and CEO, Big Shoulders Fund. About 250 people attended, according to Big Shoulders Fund Northwest Indiana.
About 180 students attend the school, according to a U.S. News & World Report profile, with 90% in a minority group.
Caption: About 250 people gathered June 12 to cut the ribbon on the expansion of Aquinas Catholic Community School at 801 W. 73rd Ave. in Merrillville. (Provided by Aquinas Catholic Community School)
