Originally published here in The Oklahoman.
MIDWEST CITY — The St. Philip Neri Falcons concluded their first week back at school with a special event: signing a new gymnasium floor before the flooring is laid.
Students and staff were given permanent markers and penned their signatures along with inspirational sayings.
Housed in the St. Philip Neri Family Life Center, the full-size gymnasium will be complete in October, along with four meeting rooms, an industrial kitchen, restrooms, a concession stand and storage space. The $2.4 million project is funded by parishioners, fundraisers and grant money from the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City.
“Not many schools in this area are seeing the incredible improvements we have seen in the last few years at St. Philip Neri Catholic School,” Principal Brenda Tener said. “We are certainly blessed and appreciate the generosity of all those involved.”
The Rev. Timothy Fuller, parish priest, added, “None of this could have been possible without the generosity and sacrifice of so many people in our parish community. We are truly blessed by their dedication to St. Philip Neri.”
The Family Life Center will be formally dedicated Nov. 10, with Archbishop Paul Coakley presiding.
Joy Murphy is director of communications for St. Philip Neri Catholic School.