School names athletic facility to recognize longtime supporters

Holy Spirit’s Weight and Athletic Center located adjacent to the football stadium has a new designation as of Friday, Oct. 21.

The “Parker Pavilion” was dedicated at a ceremony prior to the Spartan’s football game. The 4,000 square foot state-of- the-art training facility, whose walls showcase Holy Spirit alums’ college and professional football jerseys, was made possible through the support of alumni, parents, family and friends — including the Parker Family.

Jack and Pat Parker, who were recently inducted into the Holy Spirit High School Hall of Fame for their longtime support of the school, were first introduced to the school through daughter Jill ‘82, a Hall of Fame member herself.

The family has made sizable contributions to Holy Spirit through the years and the Parker Pavilion stands as a symbol of their “grace of giving,” according to Holy Spirit president Father Perry Cherubini.

Father Cherubini noted the tremendous impact the Parkers have had on the school and the education of hundreds of students.

Father Cherubini also recognized over 60 other guests whose donations helped build and equip the $300,000 facility.

“We are here to honor and thank our Holy Spirit community for once again giving of your time, talent and treasure for the betterment of our school and the students we serve,” said Father Cherubini. “In this Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy it is fitting to recognize all those who so generously support our mission and live their Catholic values every day.”

The Parker Pavilion, which boasts 20 foot ceilings and 40 yards of field turf, houses Max and Tread football sleds to help build speed, agility and strength along with 10 free weight platform stations for maximum efficiency when training athletic teams, two barbell stations, kettle balls, and plyometric boxes to increase explosive movements.

“The Parker Pavilion is one of the Northeast’s elite fitness centers used throughout the year by student athletes for weight training and athletic conditioning,” stated Father Cherubini. “College coaches are stunned at the quality of this facility. We are deeply grateful to all those who made it possible.”