STORY
Toledo Junior Academy Opens New Gym
February 17, 2024
Francis Tuffour
Toledo Junior Academy held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to open its new gymnasium today in Toledo officially.
Shaun Lazarus, the school's principal, in his welcome address, acknowledged some guests and introduced his team of co-workers. Kojo Twumasi, church pastor for Toledo First Seventh-day Adventist Church, welcomed the guests, including pastors from the nearby churches who attended the event. President Bob Cundiff Oswaldo Magaña, Executive Secretary, and Roy Simpson, Treasurer from the Ohio Conference, graced the dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Dr. Gerald Marsa shared a vision for the academy and expressed an appreciation for the school's support so far. Still, he encouraged people to continue to give so that needed additions could be made to the facility.
Rick Bianco, Education Superintendent of the Ohio Conference, emphasized the importance of education that goes beyond academics. He said, "Today is the day we can celebrate the whole child Toledo Junior Academy that gives them the experience of what's to truly be educated fully on a daily basis, not only spiritually, which is first and foremost, not only academically, not only social but also physically." He also commended each person who contributed to the project.
On behalf of the Ohio Conference administration, Roy Simpson presented a check of $100,000 to Toledo Junior Academy for its expansion project.
Katie and Gary Swackhamer appreciated the school board, building committee, and others for their immense contribution to the building project. Dave Pate was honored for his exceptional leadership and dedication to overseeing the construction of the building.
There was a slideshow of visual moments from the ceremonial groundbreaking, with people digging with shovels, structural framework, and roofing to the facility's completion.
Pastor Mike Fortune delivered the dedication message and focused on the foundation of Christian education. He stressed, "It's the cross of Christ and the love of God that is on full display that forms the foundation of Christian education. So more and more students, parents, members, and guests will be drawn closer to Jesus because it's Jesus and the teachings of Jesus that matter, that are foundational and still worth sharing."
Following the ribbon cutting, Pastor Bob Cundiff invited all the children at the ceremony to join him and offered the dedication prayer. Guests toured the new facility with a gym, classrooms, offices, a warming kitchen, and restrooms.
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