After a year of construction, the Bolles School’s new 10,800-square-foot gym and multipurpose building at the Lower School Ponte Vedra Beach Campus was officially opened Aug. 13 — the first day of school — with a luau-themed celebration hosted by school leaders.
Dubbed George Hall, the new facility includes expanded areas for fine arts study and performance, gymnasium space to promote indoor “Power of Play” activities, a coaching staff office, bathrooms and an outdoor amphitheater.
“Today, we are fortunate to experience first-day-of-school zest at its highest height — not only are we beginning a new school year, but we are making official the opening of George Hall,” said Tyler Hodges, Bolles president and head of school, during the opening ceremony. “We certainly embrace the ‘it takes a village’ approach at Bolles, and the construction of this beautiful building has been no different. It took a village of special donors and leaders to step forward and build this incredible facility.”
Led by Hodges, Board of Trustees Chairman Dan Rice, Ponte Vedra Beach Campus Head Peggy Campbell-Rush and Chief Advancement Officer K.C. Cassell, the event included an extended show of gratitude to a long list of Bolles community donors who had made possible one of the campus’ largest construction projects in recent history.
Initial funding for the building came from Bolles Ponte Vedra Beach pre-kindergarten teacher Cathy Stupski, who made the lead donation in honor of her late husband, Karl. As a result of her donation, several other Bolles families provided financial backing to the project, including: Ellen and Greg Rogowski, Teresa Bennett and Dr. James Staman, Mr. and Mrs. Martin E. Stein Jr. and The Bolles Parent Association.
“We are so fortunate to have donors who made this much-needed campus addition a reality,” Campbell-Rush said. “We are all excited to get in there and play.”
Local building firm Sauer Inc. managed the facility’s construction. Students on the Bolles Lower School Ponte Vedra Beach Campus will utilize George Hall this school year for physical education and performing arts classes, among other special events.
