PenDragon - the official magazine of Lyford Cay International School PenDragon Vol 5, Spring 2019 | Page 6

an outdoor amphitheatre. A second academic building will support further growth. “Over the past 10 years, developing our school has meant expanding educational and co-curricular opportunities for students while making sure we are operating at the highest international standards. Now, to continue that growth and meet increased demand for enrolment, we must build our new, state-of- the-art campus for our secondary students,” said Board Co-chair, Mr Bryan Glinton. On the current campus, numerous renovations have been underway for the past five years. Classrooms in the Early Learning Centre were recently renovated and a new play- based Preschool programme was added so children can begin their LCIS career at 18 months old. In addition, a 5,200 square foot multipurpose building, Dingman Hall, has been built to provide more space for performances, assemblies, gatherings and indoor play. Three new playgrounds and a kitchen that serves hot and nutritious meals have also been installed. The master plan for both campuses will guide the development for many years to come and the nonprofit school is grateful to have had support from so many families, neighbours, international foundations and corporate partners. “We cannot underestimate how crucial good schools are to the continued development of our community and economy,” said Glinton. “This vision has had a broad base of support and we are excited to continue partnering with philanthropists who are looking to make an impact in education in this country with their investments.” As part of the comprehensive fundraising campaign, LCIS has more than doubled its investment in Financial Aid and Scholarships for Bahamian students. “With $1.85M in new gifts to our endowment over the past 12 months, we are building the long-term sustainability of this programme and are ambitious in our desire to raise even more money to share the LCIS education and facilities with even more local students of all ages. Since 2008, the school has awarded over $2.2M in financial aid and that will continue to grow,” said said Board Co-chair, Mr Bruce Fernie. LCIS has a unique and robust financial aid and scholarship programme that, over the last eight years, has assisted numerous Bahamian students in completing their LCIS education, providing them with the platform they require to go on to universities around the world. Over that same period, LCIS graduates received over $12 million in university, government and private scholarships. “Half of our 14 classes of graduates are already back home re-investing their knowledge and skills in the country’s future,” says Development & Alumni Coordinator, Mrs Rebecca Massey. With construction underway, the school looks forward to Fall 2020 when the first students will walk through the doors to benefit from the transformative LCIS education. “This milestone is an exciting and significant investment in the young people and future of our nation,” said Fernie. “Now, we are looking forward to the next phase of the fundraising campaign which will allow us to construct the additional facilities that will further elevate the experiences of all students and the community over generations to come.” “ W e cannot underestimate how crucial good schools are to the continued development of our community and economy.” Next priorities include: sporting fields eight lane track three tennis courts one multipurpose court additional academic building - Mr Bryan Glinton, Co-chair of the Board of Directors 7