NSA Looks to the Future with Campus Enhancements

To officially open the new road, which allows the Saints community better access to the acreage behind the Main Campus in preparation for future growth and development, Head of School Debbie Russell ceremoniously cut a ribbon with help from a few students. The new road, which is surrounded by beautiful new landscaping, is beside the Harriet C. Naismith Outdoor Classroom. The classroom first opened in 1993 as a tribute to Harriet Clay Naismith, a Suffolk native and the late wife of Dr. Doug Naismith. At the Sept. 16 event, Director of Advancement Kenda Council '91 rededicated the area to Harriet following a year of upgrades to the green space, which include a new outdoor podium featuring the school’s signature blue and gold colors. Students and teachers can now better utilize the area, and our Saints will be able to enjoy the natural beauty of the Main Campus for generations to come.

Improvements to the pond around the Harriet C. Naismith Outdoor Classroom were also made over the last two years. Past parent and past trustee Keith Horton had the vision to restore and revitalize the pond and the area around it, with the ultimate goal of allowing NSA to incorporate the study of the pond and the natural resources into the school's daily curriculum. Because of the countless hours and resources Keith dedicated to the project, the pond around the Harriet C. Naismith Outdoor Classroom will now be known as Horton Pond. Moving forward, work will continue around the pond to remove vegetation, install fencing and a new dock. Additional seating and study areas for students will also be created.

These three projects are just some of the enhancements NSA has been able to complete thanks to our generous donors. Over the last few years, we've also been able to make improvements to the campus landscaping, tennis courts, softball field, baseball field, locker rooms and fitness center. Director of Advancement Kenda Council ’91 expressed her heartfelt appreciation to everyone who made these campus enhancements possible. "We all greatly appreciate all you have done to improve the Saints experience."

More improvements are also on the horizon. "Some of our next major projects will be to renovate the Hawks Library, build a new maintenance shed and renovate the Arthur E. Jones Athletic Field," said Kenda. "We would also like to make enhancements to the Lower School, including renovating the Becky Godwin Memorial Lower School Library and repurposing the amphitheater."

It's the hope that some of the younger Saints in attendance at the Sept. 16 event will be able to see all of those plans come to fruition, and more. If you would like to support any of these future projects for the next generation of Saints, please contact the Office of Advancement.