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lumni, students and friends of PC alike all share a common love – our historic and iconic gym! Over the years in our gymnasium, athletes have left it all on that court, students performed wonderful theatre and music, student-government has had many fun and crazy assemblies, students have gathered for homecoming banquets, meaningful chapels and just a few dodgeball games. Of course, the rumor of a swimming pool beneath the gym floor still seems to emerge during new student orientation. The years of wear and tear on the floor and the connected weight and locker rooms became an increasing concern to the administration. Denise Ebert, PC parent and volunteer for Heart for the City, played an instrumental role in finding and applying for the Arizona Sports and Tourism Authority (AZSTA) 2018 Youth and Amateur Sports Biennial Grant. Denise recently shared what inspired her to pursue a grant of this magnitude. “Hmm, what inspired me? I would have to say, the history of Phoenix Christian and the kids. This is their school. These are their facilities and they deserve the best we can provide. I had the opportunity to read a little about the history of PC. Did you know the PC gymnasium was originally dedicated on December 5, 1957 and it was funded by the One-Dollar-A-Week or OAW Program? That means people could pledge one dollar a week ($52/year) to support the building of the gymnasium. When I read about the history of the school and the sacrifices during that time and since then that the Board, faculty/staff, parents and students have made to establish the school and to keep it running, I am in awe. Their example of selflessness and faithfulness have made a huge impression on me. Having an opportunity to help continue their vision while watching the lives of our kids be transformed, is an honor and despite the long days is my pleasure!” After almost an entire year of renovations, the gym is almost complete! The renovations began with the weight room in December 2017: new equipment, flooring, and paint updated the space. The gym floor came next, along with an updated center court logo (same cat, more bite!). In addition the gym is receiving new bleachers, new scoreboards, a new score table, and new backboards. Finally, the boy’s locker room will be renovated. In addition to the above, new uniforms and sports related equipment have been ordered. Keith Baker, our Director of Athletics shared, “to this point, it is pleasing to see the transformation of our historical facilities and to renew them for the next group of students who will be able to utilize them.” He notes a few stand-out contributors, Denise Ebert (who wrote the grant), Shane Sluga (who began the process of acquiring bids and project scope), the Board (who supplied the support funds combined with the grant funds to complete the project elements to date). And of course, AZSTA for awarding PC this remarkable grant! We invite our alumni to stop by for a tour! We would LOVE to show you around the newly renovated yet still iconic Cougar gym.
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