Mooney renovations cost $5M

May 29, 2015 at 12:06a.m.

YOUNGSTOWN

Nick Blasko considers himself highly fortunate to be receiving what he sees as a holistic education at his beloved Cardinal Mooney High School.

Adding to his positive feelings is the realization that he will be able to continue his pursuits in a newly improved and upgraded building.

“Being here has inspired me to be closer to God, to have faith in Jesus. It also has encouraged me to study and push myself to the limits,” Blasko said.

The Canfield sophomore was among the students, local dignitaries, elected officials, religious leaders and others who attended a groundbreaking ceremony Thursday to usher in the first phase of a $5 million renovation project to get underway Wednesday at the school, 2545 Erie St., on the South Side.

Improvements to the 59-year-old school will include remodeling its exterior, adding four wheelchair-accessible ramps inside and installing a new roof, tile flooring, energy-efficient windows, lighting and reflective ceilings.

In addition, cafeteria renovations will be made, and an improved heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system will be added, noted P.J. Fecko, Mooney’s director of facilities.

The project will be in three phases and should wrap up by late summer 2017, Fecko added.

Sparking the effort is a gift from Denise DeBartolo York and her brother, Eddie DeBartolo Jr., both of whom are Mooney graduates.

Blasko, who plays on the school’s soccer and lacrosse teams, said he’s excited about the work and plans to become more immersed in Mooney’s clubs and extracurricular activities.

Also happy with the changes are freshmen Katrina Hayes of Poland and Bella Jones of Boardman, who praised Mooney’s academic and athletic offerings.

“I hope it will bring in more students,” said Hayes, who plays piano for the school’s baccalaureate Mass and hopes to be an attorney.

Also, the renovations likely will contribute to bringing students closer together and making the school stronger, Jones said.

Perhaps just as importantly, the undertaking will build on Mooney’s longtime tradition of providing a top-notch Catholic-based education, said the Rev. Gerald DeLucia, the school’s president.

“We are an anchor in the city of Youngstown,” he said, noting that a separate endowment will offer tuition assistance for future students.

Bishop George V. Murry of the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown called the project “the second founding of this school,” and said that money also will be available for financial assistance and scholarships.

Making additional remarks were Mark Vollmer, principal; Councilwoman Janet Tarpley, D-6th; and DeBartolo York, who said she wants to establish a legacy of helping youngsters who are underprivileged and underserved succeed.

After the ceremony, Blasko, Hayes and Jones joined fellow students arm in arm and sang the school’s alma mater.