Notre Dame GP Launches $10 Million Academic Fieldhouse Project

Notre Dame-Green Pond High School in Bethlehem Township has officially commenced construction on a new academic fieldhouse, a project valued at $10 million. The groundbreaking ceremony, held on October 6, 2023, featured Bishop Alfred A. Schlert, who symbolically turned over the first shovelful of dirt to mark the beginning of this significant development.

New Facility Replaces Outdated Annex

The new fieldhouse will replace a one-story annex that has served the school since 1965. This three-story facility will include eight classrooms as well as various athletic amenities such as a gymnasium, batting cages, a weight room, and training spaces. Principal Jaclyn Friel emphasized the urgent need for expanded academic facilities, stating that all of the school’s nearly 550 students will benefit from the new building.

Construction is set to be completed by fall 2024, following the demolition of the old annex. The fieldhouse will be adjacent to the school’s recently constructed auditorium, which opened in 2022. According to Joe Kelly, President of the Notre Dame High School Board, the new facility aims to enhance the school’s competitiveness in an increasingly challenging educational landscape.

Community Support and Legacy

The decision to proceed with this project was guided by a comprehensive study conducted in 2016, which assessed the school’s strengths and weaknesses. It took two years of fundraising efforts to secure the necessary capital, with Friel expressing heartfelt gratitude to the donors whose support made the project possible. She remarked, “Thank you for believing, for building, and for boldly shaping the future of Notre Dame.”

John Janitz, a key figure in the fundraising efforts and member of the Faithful Futures Committee, passed away shortly before the groundbreaking. To honor his memory, a tree will be planted on campus. During the ceremony, Janitz’s family joined the committee members in shoveling dirt wrapped in navy blue and white ribbons, symbolizing their commitment to the school’s future.

Senior student Matthew Delaney represented the student body during the event, sharing his reflections on the old annex, which held significant memories for many. He remarked that the new building represents an opportunity for students to learn, compete, and aspire to greater heights. “It reflects the heart of a school that values tradition while being unafraid to imagine a new future,” Delaney noted.

During the ceremony, Bishop Schlert blessed the ground and led a prayer. A proud member of the Class of 1979, he highlighted the importance of the new facility in meeting the demands of the 21st century, particularly in terms of wellness and community engagement. “The ground beneath our feet will soon host the structure that helps to carry our Catholic mission into the future,” he stated.

Since its establishment in 1957, when it enrolled 413 students, Notre Dame High School has maintained its commitment to co-educational, college preparatory education. Bishop Schlert concluded the ceremony by expressing hope that the new annex will serve as a beacon of faith, excellence, and community for future generations.