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Whether students wish to catch up on some reading, converse with friends, study in tranquility, or immerse themselves in nature, Convent of the Sacred Heart’s recently renovated campus is bursting with new niches for students to enjoy.
Instead of using the Core Center during frees and breaks, Sacred Heart encourages students to make use of the new, expanded dining room. In the midst of many circular lunch tables is a floor-to-ceiling fireplace and mantel, stationed against the far wall. Several navy striped couches are situated around the fireplace, and a small mahogany table stands in front of each. The Daigle family donated this section of the dining hall, which is now referred to as the Indoor Student Lounge.
“I think the new cafeteria design and couches make going to lunch and being with your friends more enjoyable,” senior and student body president Grace Passannante said. “I really love the new blue sofas. They’re so comfortable and relaxing, and make me feel even more at home.”
In past years, students sat on the grass or stairs to dine outside. However, Sacred Heart now features an outdoor dining area directly outside the new cafeteria, complete with wooden picnic tables and green-cushioned chairs. An outdoor brick fireplace is located to the right of these tables, offering another location for students and faculty to relax and spend time warming up when the thermostat begins to drop. The Gabelli Foundation donated the outdoor terrace and fireplace.
“I love eating outside when the weather is nice. The new picnic tables and chairs are super comfortable, and provide students with outside seating so we don’t have to sit on the grass,” senior Katrina Rodriguez said.
In addition to constructing the outdoor terrace, Sacred Heart utilized more of its 118 acres by building an outdoor amphitheater a short walk away. This new facility consists of a circular stage made of stone surrounded by two rows of stone bleachers and stairs. It allows teachers to conduct classes outdoors, while maintaining the academic atmosphere present in classrooms.
If the outdoor terrace is too chilly and the dining hall too noisy, Sacred Heart’s new gym features a lounge area in The Mr. and Mrs. John P. Heffernan Lobby. June Dolce Heffernan was a Sacred Heart graduate in 1959. Her daughters and granddaughters all attended the school as well. Several purple couches and tables are located to the left of the entrance. An additional seating area is situated near the front door, where 20 blue and purple cushioned seats are positioned around four circular tables.
Students and faculty now have a number of new locations to explore and enjoy without leaving campus.
– Alana Galloway, Content Editor