Ivanna Eudora Kean High School on St. Thomas has secured $20,000 in donations to restore the air conditioning system serving the Digna Marie Wheatley Gymnasium, Principal Sally Petty announced this week.
Support came from two main sources: $15,990 arrived through community gifts from across the US Virgin Islands, the wider Caribbean, and mainland America. Virgin Islands United and other individual supporters added a further $5,750.
The school has already placed an order for the first air handler unit, priced at $19,990. On October 15, the contractor received a 50 percent deposit to begin procurement and installation work. Ultimately, the gymnasium requires four air handler units at a combined cost of roughly $75,000 to fully restore cooling capacity.
"This contribution is an investment in the health, comfort, and overall educational experience of the IEKHS community, and reflects the commitment of alumni and community partners to the continued success of the Dynamite Rays," Petty said.
The Class of 1975, the final cohort to graduate when the institution operated as Nazareth Bay High School, spearheaded alumni fundraising by donating $1,975 after meeting a class challenge. Leadership included Beverly Baron (president), Curtis Gilpin (vice president), Janet Meyers (finance officer), Annette Hendrickson (secretary), and Rochelle Jackson-Todman.
The gymnasium functions as a hub for physical education, athletics, assemblies, school activities, and community gatherings. The school is now waiting for the Bureau of School Construction and Maintenance to release funds for the three remaining air handler units and additional cooling repairs.
Donors can contribute online through a GoFundMe campaign titled Kean High School Gym AC, established by John P. Wheatley, who founded Virgin Islands United. The school's principal's office also accepts checks and money orders delivered in person.
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