Westlake Academy held its dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony August 28, 2009 to celebrate the opening of the new $5.1 million, 8,700 square-foot Sam and Margaret Lee Arts and Sciences Center.
Construction of the Sam and Margaret Lee Arts and Sciences Center began on September 15, 2008, following the award of a guaranteed maximum price contract to the construction firm of Steele and Freeman. The original design plans for this project included three science labs, expanded art facilities, as well as a black box theater. Town officials elected to limit the first phase of construction to two science labs, an art classroom (including a kiln) and additional office space. Future building plans will be made only after the completion of a facility needs assessment.
The Westlake Academy Foundation was charged with securing private donations for the portion of the construction cost that was not funded through the Town or the Texas Student Housing Authority. Foundation President Leah Rennhack commented, “The Foundation is so appreciative of everyone’s support of this project. We are incredibly grateful to our parent body and the Westlake community as a whole, and we’re confident that with the continued generous support of this community, we will meet this goal.”
On November 16, 2009, the Westlake Academy Foundation featured it's Baja fundraising event at the Vaquero Country Club. The event was a pheonominal success; bringing much-needed support to Westlake Academy. The success of the Baja event is well-described in the following poem:
“The Morning of Baja” ’Twas the morning of Baja On a cold, windy course. More than 100 golfers Were out in full force.
With their earmuffs and hats, Gloves and wind suits, The greens of Vaquero Were their primary pursuit.
After golf, did we party! With live band and buffet, Amazing items for auction, What a great day of play!
But let us remember What we Baja’d for ��" Quality teachers of merit To keep and attract more!
Our sponsors, our golfers, Our bidders, be praised! For the Fund100 for Teachers, Over $313,000 was raised!
You can find out more about making donations and fundraising efforts for this project by contacting the Foundation’s Executive Director, Shelly Myers, at (817) 490-5722.
