About 600 members of the St. Timothy Catholic school and church community of Chantilly were on hand Friday, May 30, to celebrate the groundbreaking of the new library/media center and new junior high wing.
The new building will house a full library and media center on the lower level, with four classrooms for the junior high on the upper level. The construction costs, which include a new multi-purpose hall for the church, total $2.1 million.
The Rev. Gerald Weymes, pastor of St. Timothy Church, blessed the groundbreaking site, while the choir and band led students in upbeat versions of "The Star Spangled Banner," "Immaculate Mary," and the school song, "Home of Brown and Gold".
"The ceremony was absolutely wonderful. The atmosphere was great, with the band playing in the background. I was so happy to see [Sully District Supervisor Michael] Frey there, and I thank the local authorities for all their support," Weymes said.
Principal Marilyn Valatka recognized the distinguished guests at the ceremony, including Frey, William Robson and John Morrison of Robson Group Architects, Paul May of the Diocese Construction Department, Superintendent of Arlington Diocese Schools Timothy McNiff, former parish priest the Rev. Alexander Drummond, former vice principal Kathleen Dolan, and former teacher Jacqueline Mackenzie.
With gold-plated shovels in hand, members of the St. Timothy community — including prospective pre-K students — broke ground on the newest addition to the school.
"When I did the last building renovation I swore I'd never do it again, but I am so happy with our latest project. I'm not finished yet!," Valatka said.
To all naysayers of the new construction, Frey added: "While some say it will only get bigger, I say it will get better."