Academy Enjoys Ching Center

Sacred Hearts Academy's Clarence T.C. Ching Student Center opened Aug. 13, blessed by Father Bertram Lock (center), assisted by (from left) senior Xylia Lydgate, Sister Regina Mary Jenkins and head of school Betty White. Students then toured it and enjoyed their first meal there. Photo from Hayley Matson-Mathes.

Sacred Hearts Academy’s 1,100 students are happily making good use of the $6.1 million Clarence T.C. Ching Student Center, recently completed at the Kaimuki campus.

The center can accommodate 224 students inside and 132 in an outside covered area. Also outside are a rain garden, composting area, student vegetable garden and landscaped lawn in front of a covered lanai for outdoor and indoor events.

Contractor was Okada Trucking with design by Urban works Architects, who sought sustainability through natural ventilation and solar heating. To go along with the environmental perks, the academy is implementing a wellness initiative of fitness, fresh foods and nutrition education.