Local committee comprised of borough residents, former students and administrators involved in raising funds for the project
Over the past nine months, the HMHS Beautification Committee, composed of parents, students, alumni, and community members, has initiated the development and funding of a plan to ensure that the physical spaces surrounding the high school will match the beauty of the refurbished building.
By improving existing spaces, creating some new park like areas and planting community gardens, the vision of the committee is to create an aesthetically pleasing campus for students, faculty, and community that encourages reflection, inspires creativity, promotes community and respects the environment.
Four main areas of the campus have been selected. The A-wing courtyard, a hub of school activity and a daily gathering place for students will be refurbished with new plantings and furnishings. The unused space between the A and C buildings has been designated for an outdoor study garden. The stadium courtyard will be redesigned and recreated into a patio area that allows for expanded seating outside the concessions and for pre and post game gatherings. Finally, a B-wing courtyard is being created that will be an extension of the cafeteria which will include outdoor covered tables, chairs and plantings.
This project is off to an excellent start due to the help of three partner groups. Nearly $200K of the $350,000 goal has been pledged.
According to Dr. Joseph Serico, former school administrator and president of the Beautification Committee, “Significant credit must go to the Haddonfield Educational Trust, who is our supporting 501(c)(3). They have pledged to dedicate $50,000 of the proceeds from the 2018 and 2019 HET golf tournaments to support the new study garden.”
The Trust has decided to name the study garden in honor of Sarah Tarditi Gallagher, HMHS class of 1994.
The Haddonfield Alumni Society has also made an important contribution to the Beautification Project. Serico indicated that the HAS raised over $20,000 for the project by donating the proceeds from the first alumni pig roast held in May 2018.
This was not the only alumni pledge that has been made to support the Beautification Project. A group of HMHS track alumni led by Tom Herdelin and Tom Brennan has committed to raising $100,000 to support the naming of the stadium patio area in honor of long time track coaches Nick and Maureen Baker.
The Beautification Committee plans to continue its work for the next 12-to-18 months. Several school and community events are in the planning stages. These events will include student engagement in the project, alumni track meet and barbecue, concerts and performances at HMHS, the golf tournament, the pig roast, along with direct alumni and parent outreach efforts.
There are several ways interested folks can help. First, the project continues to seek committee members who are passionate about uniting the community through productive projects. Second, the committee is looking for community ambassadors who might engage local clubs or organizations to sponsor a part of the project. Finally, folks can help by making a donation to the Haddonfield Educational Trust by visiting www.haddonfieldeducationaltrust.org/brick-fundraiser
