Iona Preparatory Lower School officially opened its Devlin Library & Center for Excellence with a ribbon cutting on Nov. 5 attended by educators, parents and supporters.
Brother Thomas R. Leto, president of the school, said,“We”™ve been able to do something very special here, re-envisioning our space, making our program stronger and making our facilities even better for our boys. We have a lot of people to thank.”
The renovation included technology and design upgrades, as well as a new “makerspace” to enrich project-based learning. Makerspaces provide collaborative workspace for students to explore their interests, become innovators, and solve problems. Project-based learning is a teaching method in which students gain knowledge and skills while working on complex challenges. For example, seventh-graders are currently involved in advocating and fundraising for clean water in South Sudan.
Brother James Kevin Devlin, the school”™s former headmaster, spoke about his family”™s commitment to education. “This Center for Excellence is both a tribute to my mother and father, Ellen and Louis, my sister Ellen and our family”¦. (and) a testament to all the wonderful Iona Prep teachers and students who, for over 100 years, have and continue to strive for excellence in education and assisting others,” he said.
