A College Preparatory Private School with Two Campuses in Suffolk, VA. Pre-Kindergarten – Grade 12.

Celebration Highlights Main Campus Improvements

The Hawks Library

On Monday, September 23, the Office of Advancement and the NSA administration held an event at the Main Campus to recognize the contributions of our dedicated volunteers and generous donors, who made the renovations to the Hawks Library, stadium enhancements and the installation of a new water bottle filling station near the playground and the Varsity Baseball Field possible. The celebration highlighted the strength of our community and served as a powerful reminder of what NSA can achieve when we unite toward a common goal. 

Our school mascot, Bernie, and members of the NSA Marching Saints and the Varsity Cheerleading Team warmly greeted guests as they arrived to celebrate in the newly renovated Hawks Library. Head of School Mike Barclay welcomed members of NSA's Board of Trustees, former Head of School Debbie Russell, past faculty and staff, current faculty and staff, donors and NSA friends before fourth grade students officially kicked off the celebration by singing "You're a Grand Old School." 

Director of Advancement Kenda Council '91 joined Head of School Mike Barclay in thanking all of the guests for their dedication and commitment to our school. Renovations to the Hawks Library, along with Phase I of renovations to the stadium are part of an exciting $10 million capital campaign, “The Saints Go Marching On,” that will enhance every facet of life at NSA, positively impacting students and faculty across both campuses. Thanks to early donations, construction on the Hawks Library began in May with an all alumni vendor team, including Mark Brinkley '87 with C.W. Brinkley, David Russell '88 with Tile and Terrazzo, Lauren Perry '08 with HBA Architecture, Rick Evans '90 with Chesapeake Controls as well as Matt Tuttle '05 and family with Total Business Solutions, who assisted with the design, signage and furniture. The library, which was last updated in 2004, has been transformed into a more collaborative learning space and commons, complete with flexible seating and areas for group and individual work. 

Alumni who assisted with the Hawks Library Renovation

David Russell '88, Lauren Perry '08 and Matt Tuttle '05

 

Individual leadership support from several donors, including Melissa and Carney Hawks ’92 and Jim and Claudia Hawks, coupled with corporate and foundation leadership support from Birdsong Peanuts, the Birdsong Trust Fund and the Blocker Foundation, made the $500,000 renovation project possible.

 

The Hawks Family with Head of School Mike Barclay

Head of School Mike Barclay, Jim Hawks, Claudia Hawks and Carney Hawks '92

 

"Let me tell you—impressing teenagers is no easy feat, but they absolutely love this new space!" exclaimed Kenda. "They say it feels like a college, and it’s filled with students every day. Thank you to everyone who helped make this renovation possible!"

 

Head of School Mike Barclay, Sarah Taylor, Bob Aston and Kara Wood

 

In addition to upgrading the Hawks Library this summer, Phase I of the stadium renovation began in June, which included new bleachers, a press box and lighting. While Saints fans were able to get a first look at these improvements during the Varsity Football Team's game against Collegiate School, finishing touches will be added later this fall, including landscaping and school branding elements. Fundraising is currently underway to complete Phase II of stadium upgrades, which will include updating the field and track, constructing a new concession stand and restroom facility and relocating the current maintenance facility near the Varsity Baseball facility. Once all of the improvements are complete, the NSA community will have a versatile space for gatherings, games and events. 

"The stadium is our community space," said Kenda. "It also hosts school activities, physical education and NSA community events, like our Homecoming and annual Saints Fest. Our new Coed Saints Flag Football League utilizes the stadium as well, engaging students from kindergarten through eighth grade with student coaches in grades nine through 12. Additionally, the stadium supports our Band and our Band Parents Association’s efforts to raise funds through concession sales at events. The stadium has provided a safe space for the NSA community and local organizations, including Pop Warner and the Suffolk Police Department, to exercise, gather and celebrate for decades. For all these reasons and more, we knew it was time for improvement to be made to this important community space!"

The completion of Phase I of the stadium renovation project was made possible with the early support of the TowneBank Foundation and the Beazley Foundation. In addition to financial contributions, many NSA community members dedicated hours of their time and talent to the project, including Brennan Branch and Michelle LoGioco (BC Branch), Richard Blair '92, the Blair family and Jon Hlinvosky (Blair Brothers), Clifton Harrell '87 and the Harrell Family (Suffolk Iron Works), the Buildings and Grounds Committee led by Matt Sawyer '99, our maintenance team and the Hoover family. The logistical, behind-the-scenes support NSA received was also invaluable. The Alphin family at Commonwealth Gin stored the stadium lights before they were installed, the Birdsong Trust Fund enabled us to purchase a new shed at the stadium to store our athletic equipment and Past Chair of the Board Billy Chorey purchased a new American flag for the stadium. Individuals and companies like Rick Evans '90, Dexter Casterlow, Hoist and Crane and Leitner and Sons were also instrumental in moving the project forward.

The Hawks Library and the stadium weren't the only areas at the Main Campus that received upgrades this year. A new water bottle filling station was installed near the playground and the Varsity Baseball Field, thanks to Emmaline Johnson '33. Last year, Emmaline saw the need for a water fountain in the area and discussed her idea with her parents and Head of Lower School, Main Campus, Alex Bartlett '01. She then shared her vision with the Board of Trustees, and a generous donor helped her to secure the funding needed to install the water fountain.

Lisa Johnson, Ben Johnson '97, Henry Johnson '30, Emmaline Johnson '33, George Johnson '35 and Christi Johnson '01

 

"Emmaline truly embodies our mission to engage, inspire and empower our students," said Kenda. "Congratulations, Emmaline, on a job well done!"

At the conclusion of the event, guests enjoyed refreshments while touring the Hawks Library. Attendees were also offered golf cart and bus rides to view the newly renovated stadium, which will also be showcased at the NSA Family Picnic this Friday, September 27. 

Thank you again to all of the donors and volunteers who have made these projects possible! Go Saints!

 


 

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