Hundreds of students, staff members, community leaders, and elected officials gathered Friday morning to celebrate the groundbreaking of a new joint facility that will house both Trinity High School and St. Mary of the Woods School.
The event marked a significant milestone in a years-long capital campaign, with faith leaders calling it both a bold step toward the future and a testament to the sacrifices of generations past.
“It was in the year 2022 that we began our capital campaign, ‘Together We Can!,’ to raise the funds necessary to build a new school,” said Rev. Brian Roby, pastor of St. Mary of the Woods Church. “Our present school buildings were built in the 1950s and 1960s. While they have served us well, we recognized that it was time to invest in the future.”
To date, more than $12.3 million has been pledged, and approximately $8 million is already in hand. Roby said another $5 million is still needed to fully complete the $17 million project.
The new school will be located on a 10-acre site across Franklin Street from the current campus. Phase 1 of construction, set to begin in early 2026, will focus on the full buildout of the St. Mary of the Woods wing, administrative spaces, and shared areas such as a media center, cafeteria, and gym. Phase 2 will include additional gym space, the Trinity High School wing, and an auditorium.
“This is our moment, our opportunity to make an eternal difference in the lives of children, youth, and adults as we build on the hopes and dreams of previous generations,” Roby said. “They sacrificed much to give our children, and many of you who are now adults, the opportunity of forming your faith and preparing educationally for the future you enjoy today. Now it’s our turn.”
Principal Emily Hernandez said the new campus will carry on a 147-year legacy of Catholic education in Whitesville. She said the journey to get to this point has not been easy, but the support of the community made it possible.
“Many said it couldn’t be done. Many doubted. But this community has always understood the importance of these schools in shaping the future of our Church and our community,” she said. “You have shown once again that nothing is impossible with God.”
Hernandez said the schools have long since outgrown their current buildings, citing outdated classrooms and limited space as key challenges.
“There was a time when 54 first-grade students were packed into one room with one teacher,” she said. “We’re committed to providing a better learning environment for our students.”
The new facility will feature preschool classrooms that meet 21st-century learning standards, as well as expanded spaces for music, drama, agriculture, and science. Outdoor amenities will include playgrounds, gathering areas, and a greenhouse for the growing FFA program.
Hernandez encouraged the crowd to continue supporting the campaign financially and spiritually.
“Let us remain committed to doing our part,” she said. “Let us continue to pray. Let us continue to give. Let us continue to go all in for Christ by investing in the spiritual, academic, and personal growth of our young people, both those here now and those who will walk these halls in generations to come.”
Friday’s event featured songs from students and remarks from several leaders in the Diocese of Owensboro, as well as local officials. A long list of Steering Committee members was thanked for their efforts in getting the project off the ground.
