During spring semester of 2010 at Saint John Vianney High School there were rumors buzzing around the halls about possible renovations to the school. The anticipation finally ended when the school released the official news. Mr. DiMezza, the principal of SJV, announced that the renovations would include a new and improved workout room, a new music room, and more space for gym class. The students were thrilled!
Construction began in the fall of 2011. While very exciting, the renovation process proved to be an extensive process for SJV but as the 2011 school year progressed, the renovations were slowly starting to come together. Students were often spotted peeking out classroom windows to catch a glimpse of the construction.
After a year of construction, the finishing touches were made this past August. The new multi-purpose building called the Vianney Activities Center (commonly referred to as the VAC) was finished. A state-of-the-art building located directly behind the school, the VAC is 12,000 square feet and has a steel framed, double-fabric exterior with a domed roof. The VAC is used for gym classes and athletic practices. The VAC is not only used during school hours but also after hours for various school activities.
What was once the small gym is now the new strength and conditioning area. At the entrance of the small gym is the new health class room followed by a new fitness room with top of the line equipment.
Chris Green, a senior football player, who spends much of his time in this new addition, said “the new fitness room is bigger, with much more efficient equipment. I am there Mondays in school and Saturday and Sunday for football practice. Then when track season starts I go to the workout room every day,”
Beyond the workout area, there is now a spacious new band room. Prior to the addition, the band class had to share the theatre room with many other groups, making for a chaotic atmosphere. The band teacher, Mr. Dalton, said “Since we don’t have to share the space, I don’t have to continually set up and tear down. In addition, because the band is not sharing space we don’t have to cancel or move for band, choir, and orchestra. The windows are a huge plus. Also, the location is key to mobility.” Haley Blanchard agreed that the new band room is much more convenient. “The band kids don’t need to share the same space as the theatre kids,” said Blanchard.
The students at SJV love all the state of the art additions and are very proud and grateful to be part of such a special school. The 2012-2013 school year is certainly off to an amazing start!