Cardinal Gibbons opens new wing

RALEIGH, N.C.

Bishop Michael Burbidge was at the school Thursday for the dedication at the school which boasts more than 1,200 students.

Officials say enrollment continues to expand, and could double.

Burbidge said the school is an important resource for the growing Catholic population in eastern North Carolina, and learning in a religious setting is important.

"What is at the heart of it is that, how do we prepare leaders to go forth and bring the faith, the principles, the morals, the values we stand for into the workplace, into the community?  And that's, that's what Cardinal Gibbons is dedicated to," explained the bishop.

The new facility dedicated Thursday will be important for faculty members like Kevin Ferguson who teaches drama.

"The thing that's been holding us back from really realizing the astounding creativity of our students and faculty, because we've got some great people and kids working here in the arts, is the limitations of space.  So having all this new space is like having a new playground," he said.

The new wing will provide fine art students with new band rooms, and a drama theatre. Athletes will get an auxiliary gym, a new weight room, and more. There's also new classroom space as well.

The student body president - a senior - will only get a few months in the new facility but is still celebrating its opening.

"I've had a great time and for the younger kids to be able to experience that, you know, I couldn't ask for anything else, you know.  For them to have the opportunity to have a, you know, an even better experience - that's really all I need," said Dominick Vellucci.

Classifieds | Report A Typo |  Send Tip |  Get Alerts | See Click Fix
Follow @abc11 on Twitter  |  Become a fan on Facebook

Copyright © 2024 WTVD-TV. All Rights Reserved.