The first makeover in more than four decades will add computer lab, double size of library.
LEWISTON – Holy Cross, a 78-year-old Catholic school that has served thousands of city kids, is getting its first real makeover in more than four decades.
Workers are doubling the size of the library and creating the school’s first computer lab. They’re gutting a pair of first-floor classrooms, refurbishing the roof, installing lockers and replacing some floors.
Soon, volunteers will install Holy Cross School’s first playground ever.
The work would have cost the parish hundreds of thousands of dollars. Donors paid for it all.
“My father always wanted to give money to the church,” said Normand Chabot, who went to Holy Cross in the 1930s. “Of course, giving to the school is about the best way you can help.”
He and his sister, Yvette Chalifoux, donated $150,000 in the fall. Another parish family, Pat and Del Gendron, matched it.
The gifts surprised the school’s principal.
“You never expect that kind of donation. Ever,” said Shawn Chabot, who is not related to Normand Chabot.
In a tide of smaller checks, parents donated $20,000 for the playground.
The money will completely pay for the projects. But many of the workers agreed to donate time and materials, just to be sure.
Leftover funds will be given to the church.
Volunteers will put together the playground, including a small climbing wall and four slides, next week. The rest of the renovations will take the summer to complete.
The work will allow the school to consolidate its elementary and junior high school campuses. This fall, the single building on Baird Avenue will open to 475 students in pre-kindergarten through grade eight.
Until then, 73-year-old Normand Chabot wanders the dusty building every day to help oversee renovations.
The old school worked for him, but he believes it’s time for something fresh.
“I’d like to see this continued, see if we can’t do four or five classrooms a year,” he said, watching the small construction crew wire the computer lab. “Modernize it.”
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