Sage Hill School will be making some major renovations to its track and field after receiving a donation of more than $1 million from a local family.
The family of Sage junior Madison Jabara and her parents, Gary and Lisa, gave the gift to the school, which will use the funds to revamp Ramer Field, including adding new artificial turf and a running track.
A groundbreaking ceremony will be held on the field on Monday at 3 p.m.
The Jabara family will join Sage students, faculty and staff, members of the community, and representatives from the company manufacturing the turf, at the event.
“Sage Hill School offers a world class educational experience that enriches the lives of all Sage Hill students,” said Lisa Jabara. “My family and I saw an opportunity to make a donation to be used to improve the quality of Ramer Field so all the facilities at Sage Hill reflect the school’s commitment to helping students fulfill their personal passion in academics, athletics and the arts. We’re thrilled that this new field will benefit so many members of our community.”
The field is used by students, including Madison Jabara, a player on Sage’s girls’ soccer team, as well as by local groups, organizations and teams, including the Slammers Soccer Club, Concordia Lacrosse, Get It Done Sports and Newport/Mesa Seahawks Football.
“Renovations to Ramer Field will not only benefit Sage Hill students, but also hundreds of athletes from the surrounding community who use our athletic facilities every year,” said Head of School Gordon McNeill. “We’re thrilled that they will all have the opportunity to experience a world class field.”
The professional-grade artificial turf is being manufactured by Mondo Worldwide, which has been an official supplier for the Olympic Games for the past nine years, including for the upcoming summer 2012 games in London.
The Jabara family felt it was important to make a donation to cover all the costs related to renovating the field so that there would be no additional financial burden to Sage Hill, Gary Jabara said.
“We are honored that the Jabara family made this generous donation to improve our athletic field at Sage Hill School,” McNeill said.
Construction is expected to be completed by Aug. 3.
“The gift to Sage Hill School reflects the Jabara family’s commitment to Sage Hill’s educational philosophy of focusing on not only the classroom experience, but on the full development of its students,” the statement reads.
