Graduate Support Director Kevin Todd (Huskies first basketball coach) with students on The Court at St. James School
St. James School’s New Recreation Area Officially Recognized
“Play is the work of childhood.”—Jean Piaget, psychologist (1896–1980)
Makiyah (7th grade) and Korey (6th grade) shared how The Court has dramatically improved their active lifestyle
All children need a safe place to play. And while St. James School is blessed to have a pastoral campus–with stately trees, ornamental shrubs, and raised-bed gardens–it became clear early in the school’s founding that the school really needed a proper area for recreation, an open place that could support recess activities and sports.
The ladies of Community Clothes Charity
Enter Community Clothes Charity (CCC of Devon, PA) and Bob Smith who spearheaded a fundraising campaign to build a recreation court on the St. James campus. Founded in 1957, Community Clothes Charity offers the proceeds of its annual new and vintage designer clothing sale to local nonprofit organizations. Along with other funders, the CCC and Smith went above and beyond to ensure that adequate funding would be raised to allow this dream of The Court to become a reality.
On Wednesday, May 3rd, The Court at St. James was officially dedicated. The Reverend Andrew Kellner, school chaplain and religion teacher, opened the ceremony with prayer and a blessing of the court. Head of School David Kasievich introduced Makiyah (7th grade) and Korey (6th grade) who shared with our nearly 20 guests how The Court has dramatically improved their active lifestyle, opening opportunities to explore physical endeavors.
During the dedication, guests and students gave The Court a workout by competing against one another with a few layups and some surprisingly strong tennis serves. Students then awarded our guests with beautiful framed certificates that included a photo of the court’s construction process with signatures from all students.
The students of St. James benefit from their daily recess and on-campus athletic opportunities, like soccer, basketball, tennis, and more. We thank these wonderful supporters for their continuing support of our mission at St. James School. Our Court provides an incredible space for students and children in our neighborhood to learn, grow, and play for generations to come.
Bob Smith poses with students on The Court at St. James School
