“This momentous occasion is the result of years of prayer and planning by the board, faculty, students, families and devoted supporters,” said Whitney Diven, who represents the school in a press release.

The expansion will be a multi-phase project; phase one began with construction of a larger parking area and a new PIAA-compliant soccer field. The increase in parking is expected to provide better traffic flow at the Juniata Christian School.

“The school is partnering with several local businesses to complete this phase in time for the new school year,” said Diven.

According to the release, Zimmerman Excavation will oversee the project while a major contributor, John H. Groninger Inc., provided all the necessary equipment.

Sentinel photo by SAM BAUMGARDNER
Juniata Christian School Board member Eric Hair, Juniata Christian School Board member Matt Varner, former Juniata School Board member and current Project Site Manager Steve Reinford, Pennsylvania State Rep. David Rowe, and Juniata County Commissioner Todd Graybill break ground at Juniata Christian School.

“The entire JCS community is extremely grateful for the generous donors and dedicated volunteers who are helping bring this vision to life,” shared Diven.

In addition to the assistance from donors, Juniata Christian School has and will continue to hold fundraisers to raise money for the expansion.

Eventually, phase two of the expansion will include the construction for a building that will house a gymnasium, cafeteria, and eventually classrooms.

“With the building project moving forward, we are excited about the opportunities this will create to partner with the community even more with the possibility of hosting events,” shared board chair, Melissa Delancey. “This has truly been a team effort and we are thanking Jesus as He leads the way!”

Board and Building Committee member Matt Varner will oversee the project and work closely with volunteer Site Manager Steve Reinford.