The entire school community and invited guests gathered outside St Rose of Lima School on Friday, September 26, to celebrate the opening of the school’s new solar-powered outdoor classroom kiosk.

Just over two years before the ceremony, James Walsh, chairman a parish committee working on the project, spoke during an August 2012 Board of Selectman meeting. He told the board that General Motors had offered to partner in developing the sustainable solar canopy pilot, and that the standalone structure would serve as a satellite classroom designed to teach students about environmental sustainability, as well as generating solar power that will help lower the electric usage at the school. The project also included learning gardens.

“We’re very happy to have so many people joining us for this very happy time,” said Monsignor Robert Weiss, who opened the ceremony standing beneath the new canopy.

St Rose of Lima School Principal Sister Colleen Therese Smith could not be present for the ceremony, but Assistant Principal Suzanne Curra spoke both for herself and shared comments from Sister Colleen.

“Thank you all so very much for helping us celebrate the official opening of the St Rose of Lima School outdoor learning center,” said Ms Curra. “To the tireless efforts of our teachers, our parent volunteers, the generosity of General Motors, various contractors, our architect, and suppliers, along with monsignor’s leadership, we have been able to witness our dream become a reality.”

Ms Curra also said St Rose of Lima school’s theme for the 2014-15 school year is “Put your gifts at the service of one another.”

“This canopy is a brilliant example of our community using their collective talents to help facilitate our dream,” Ms Curra said.

Many of the supporters of the project were present for the event, and Msgr Weiss introduced each in turn, and each received applause from the audience. Many companies donated or offered time on the project, according to the monsignor.

“First of all, as you know this was a gift to us from General Motors,” said Msgr Weiss. “And it’s really a blessing to us, because we are the first school where they are introducing this outdoor project of the solar canopy, which will enable us to do so much right out here in the world of nature.”

Mary Alice Kurtz, who attended the ceremony as a representative for General Motors, also spoke. Ms Kurtz, GM’s sustainability initiatives program manager, was also involved in the project from the start.

“It’s been an honor to work with such a dedicated and passionate team of individuals that truly understand the importance of protecting our environment and teaching our children how to lead more environmentally sensitive and sustainable lives,” said Ms Kurtz.

Sharing a feeling of pride for the project, Ms Kurtz said GM strives to deepen its positive impact on the environment and communities through aspects similar to the learning center’s capabilities, like recycling, reducing waste, using alternative energies, conserving water, and protecting wildlife.

“Your courage as a community and the power of partnership in creating a positive learning environment for the children is showcased here today,” Ms Kurtz said. “Congratulations and I look forward to continuing to work on our journey to a more sustainable future.”

First Selectman Pat Llodra also spoke during the ceremony. She shared a memory of Mr Walsh speaking with her about what the school and GM had in mind.

“As an educator, I thought, this is just so perfect, and that the Town of Newtown would do whatever we could to help make it happen,” Mrs Llodra said. “I don’t know we did very much other than emotional and psychological support, but we’re certainly part of this endeavor in all the ways that we could be to help bring it to this stage.”

The first selectman also called the solar canopy a physical symbol “of the capacity of good people to come together and achieve really good things.”

State Senate Minority Leader John McKinney and State Representatives DebraLee Hovey and Mitch Bolinsky were also present for the ceremony. Rep Bolinsky also presented a proclamation introduced to the General Assembly by Sen McKinney, Rep Hovey, Rep Bolinsky, and State Representative Dan Carter to mark the dedication of the outdoor learning center.

Speaking to the children assembled for the ceremony, Rep Bolinsky said, “When we speak about the world its sustainability, you are the future of Newtown. Boys and girls, understand that a lot is expected of you in life, but we as adults expect that you will be the future of Newtown, the future of Connecticut, the future of the United States, and the future of the world. I want you to pay very close attention to your educational studies, and know that we in the General Assembly work very hard so that curriculum gets you ready for this world.”

Msgr Weiss, before he led the assembled group in prayer, said the solar canopy reminded him of the story of creation.

“It’s a beautiful world,” said Msgr Weiss. “When God gave us this beautiful world, when he gave us the stars, the sky, the animals, and he called on us, being the last of creation, to look after it, to take care of it. To make sure that it is there for all the generations of children and families to come. So today we are celebrating that story of creation. We are trying to bring together the very best of the world that we can right here in our little world.”

St Rose teacher Marde Dimon released butterflies in the school’s new Butterfly Garden before a ribbon was cut to mark the official opening of the outdoor learning center. A reception was held after the ceremony.