With the construction of a new lower school wing, Bethany is on the threshold of opening the doors this fall to our first kindergarten students and of providing dedicated classrooms for lower school students, art, and an outdoor amphitheater. Here is a recap of how Bethany made it to this point.
Through the hopes of a strategic plan, which was formalized in 2020, the administrative team and board of trustees envisioned Bethany becoming a K-12 school serving students in the community who come from Anabaptist traditions along with a broad range of religious and ethnic backgrounds.
After the completion of the Great Strides Campaign, which provided an update to the athletic complex, Bethany initiated the Bright Future Campaign. Then Advancement Director Sarah Krabill Lind began the process of obtaining pledges and funds. In the process lead donors, Ron (’64) and Liz Gingerich, made an initial commitment of $1 million to the project and invited alumni to join them.
In January of 2023, Bethany’s board of trustees gave the green light to start building. With nearly $4 million committed of the $7.5 million needed for the project, the board felt the time was right to set the process in motion.Mild spring weather allowed excavation and preparation of the new wing’s foundation to begin in April 2023. E.F. Hooley Construction, owned and operated by alum Eric Hooley (’75), was ready to start early so the building could be completed by the beginning of the 202425 academic year. Eric said, “Getting ahead of the game has so many ramifications, like making sure the subcontractors are available, pricing, and of course supplies are available. I am glad we were able to get started early and have the time to get things finished.” Construction continued along an aggressive schedule, allowing the building to be sealed for interior work before the threat of winter weather.
Brent Miller, facilities director, said, “There are always little hiccups along the way, but we were fortunate there weren’t any major issues in this project.”
Funds are still needed for the capital building project. Lindsey Mason, who replaced Sarah as chief advancement officer in January 2024, is eager to complete the campaign, which has $2 million remaining. As Lindsey is getting to know the community, she is optimistic there are individuals and families who care about Bethany and will cheerfully give out of their own love and support of Bethany.
Bethany is opening the doors to a bright future, a future that envisions a dynamic K-12 learning community in which students are known, loved, and prepared for their journey beyond school.
As the lower school wing approaches completion, here are a few comments from people within Bethany’s community.
“I am so excited about our state-of-the-art facility and the opportunities it will give Bethany’s youngest students. The new spaces are flexible and allow us to do education how we want to. The architects built spaces for students to collaborate, cook together, and even store their muddy boots and rain pants! Our outdoor amphitheater will be a wonderful spot for students to explore, play, and perform.” –Juanita Hershberger, lower school principal
“I am really happy how the amphitheater turned out. It is wonderful to have a retention area that isn’t just a hole in the ground. This is going to be a useful space that is in essence another classroom.” –Brent Miller, facilities director
“As an alum, I am glad to be a part of a major project here at Bethany nearly 50 years after I was a student. It has been one of the most enjoyable projects I have ever worked on.” –Eric Hooley, president of E.F. Hooley Construction
“I’m looking forward to physically being a part of the school–not having to take an umbrella or a winter coat [from the “barn”] to go to lunch or chapel or to make copies! I love the lights and the big window in my new space and look forward to having neighbors for the first time.” –Christa Janzen, art teacher