NORTH PALM BEACH | St. Clare School hosted a groundbreaking ceremony May 4 for its new early learning center and athletic complex on its campus in North Palm Beach. Because of rainy weather, the ceremony was moved into the parish hall.
Bishop Manuel de Jesús Rodríguez was on hand with Father Nick Zrallack, St. Clare’s pastor, Principal Rachel Polak, other diocesan officials and stakeholders. At the event, the school launched a capital campaign, Building Our Future Legacy, with an announcement that more than $2 million had already been committed by St. Clare families toward the $5.5 million goal, the most ambitious fundraising effort in the school’s 61-year history.
“We are deeply grateful for the generosity and faith of our community as we launch Building Our Future Legacy,” Polak said. “This campaign reflects our shared commitment to providing an exceptional Catholic education for generations of students to come. The enthusiasm and early support we have received is a testament to the deep love our community has for St. Clare.”
The campaign, which will fund modernization of the main school building’s windows, construction of a new early learning center, establishment of athletic fields and growth of the school’s endowment, has been building momentum in a leadership phase among the school’s closest supporters. The four campaign priorities reflect urgent facility needs and a long-term vision for the school’s future.
“The generosity shown by our early donors during the leadership phase of this campaign has been truly inspiring,” Father Zrallack said. “Their belief in this mission has given us a strong foundation from which to engage our entire St. Clare community.”
The campaign’s priorities address the school’s most pressing needs. Last summer, the original jalousie windows were replaced with ones that are safer, energy efficient and hurricane protected. The early learning center will unite the school’s pre-kindergarten and kindergarten programs in a purposefully designed facility closer to the main building. Investment in athletic fields will allow St. Clare’s 13 sports teams to practice and compete on campus for the first time. In addition, increasing the endowment will strengthen St. Clare’s long-term financial stability and mission sustainability.
Founded in 1964 under the direction of the Sisters of St. Joseph of St. Augustine, St. Clare School serves 439 students and families. Rooted in its mission as “one family of faith,” the school continues to model Catholic morals and values while fostering academic excellence and a love for learning.
For more information about Building Our Future Legacy, visit www.stclareschool.com, follow on Facebook and Instagram, or contact Karen Smith, director of advancement, at ksmith@sccsfl.org or 561-622-7171.
