Holy Trinity, Fruitland Park, Celebrates Expansion Plans for Special Needs SchoolMay 19, 2018 • Jack Berry  • CHILDREN & YOUTH • DIOCESAN FAMILY

PHOTO PROVIDED BY HOLY TRINITY SCHOOL, FRUITLAND PARK
Students gather for the groundbreaking ceremony of the new addition for Holy Trinity School in Fruitland Park.

Thursday, May 3, 2018 marked an important day in the history of Holy Trinity Episcopal School in Fruitland Park, especially for youth.

Located on the grounds of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, the school and church celebrated the groundbreaking ceremony of their new addition: four new classrooms, and much-needed office and storage space housed in two modular structures. Approximately 100 people attended the ceremony, including Bishop Greg Brewer.

The expansion is scheduled to be completed for the beginning of the 2018-19 school year. The special needs school, which was founded in 1997, currently has 26 students in grades 6-12.

The benefactor for the expansion project was Thomas Wayne Alles, who passed away in November 2016. He had heard of the work being done on behalf of children with special learning needs at Holy Trinity School through a friend, Robin Brown, who also was a member of Holy Trinity Church. Recognizing that a financial need existed for the school to be able to realize its expansion goals, Alles, before his death, bequeathed a substantial sum of money that would accomplish those goals.

The Rev. Dr. Nancy Bryson, head of school, speaks to the crowd.

But the Rev. Dr. Nancy Bryson, the head of school, said the fruits of Alles’ gift will go “far beyond just the physical structure of the new buildings.” The importance of Episcopalian education, according to Bryson, is that it treats each student as a unique individual and emphasizes not just academic progress but also moral development. Alles’ gift will enable the school to work toward those goals.

Also on hand to celebrate Alles’ contribution and the groundbreaking ceremony were the Rev. Dr. Gregory Wilde, rector of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, Fruitland Park; Bryson; Jan Wilde, choral director; Benny Ruiz, percussionist; Holy Trinity School chorale; expansion committee members; Mr. and Mrs. Dale Alles, family of benefactor Thomas Alles; and parents and parishioners. The occasion also brought together members of St. George’s Episcopal Church in The Villages with those of Holy Trinity.

– Jack Berry is a member of the communications committee at Holy Trinity Episcopal School, Fruitland Park