“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it,” from 1 Corinthians 9:24 served as the ideal reading to consecrate the new edifice.
“This is pretty big for ILS. I never thought we’d build anything new since our school is already built up. It’s a lot to take in–new gyms, new building. Although this is the first step, I feel the future for ILS is already better,” said senior Juanmartin Gomez, one of the Lacrosse team’s captains.
Architect Luis Trelles explained that one of his inspirations for the design was ILS’s renowned next-door neighbor, Villa Vizcaya.
“The Moon Temple lines up in axis with the entrance,” Mr. Trelles said, adding that this is the first time his firm designed a stadium and locker rooms.
“After the pandemic, we wanted to focus on designing public venues,” he added.
Sister Mary Rinaldi, FMA, who was here for the Don Bosco Day celebrations yesterday, marveled at the new structure.
“From paper to this! Wow,” she exclaimed.
Principal Sister Kim Keraitis, FMA delivered the opening remarks during which she reflected that over 200 years ago Don Bosco had a dream.
“Today,” she began, “we celebrate the dream.”
She went on to explain that the dream isn’t about a building, but it is about the 886 students sitting in its bleachers as it will provide them with a venue to develop their talents and abilities.
Visiting dignitaries included alumnus and city of Miami Mayor, Francis Suarez, along with former ILS principal Sister Pat, Dr. Jim Rigg the Archdiocese of Miami Superintendent of Schools, and Board President Ignacio Halley.
Mr. Halley thanked alumni and donors as he additionally recognized ILS’ own Director of Campus Operations Gaston Arellano, and Director of Vision and Technology Eric Taggart for the sophisticated technological touches.
As Mr. Halley spoke, he reminded attendees the real purpose behind the stadium.
“It’s for the kids,” he said, adding that the vision for the stadium came originally from Sister Pat, but the driving force leading to its fruition has been Sister Kim.
Mr. Halley concluded his remarks with a particular exhortation directed at this year’s graduating class.
“Give back.”
