Christmas 2023

Chieftain staff member Chris Cardellio dives into the top movies of 2023 See Page 2
Brother Rice ’ s newest priest , Father John , gives an exclusive interview See Page 3
Writer Thomas Pinto gives a rundown of all the Brother Rice Fall Sports See Page 4

Brother Rice High School Vol . 62 / No . 1

CHIEFTAIN

New Maintenance Hub to Lead to Construction of New Gym , Student Commons
By Sebastian Popp ‘ 24 Chieftain Staff
Recently , as Brother Rice students , parent and community members drive down McInerney Drive , they will likely notice some changes to the building and parking lot . Since the summer of 2023 , the teachers ’ parking lot and science wing have been under construction . The site will make way for a brand new maintenance hub that will provide necessary power for the numerous future expansions at Brother Rice . The maintenance hub construction began over the summer and will continue intermittently to reduce disruption at the school . Students can expect construction to continue intermittently throughout this school year and next summer with completion slated for the 2024-25
school year .
Following numerous generous donations , many plans have been made for improvements at Brother Rice , such as the already completed Gleeson Family Courtyard , the Brother Macintyre faculty and staff commons , the Owen and Patricia Zidar Boardroom , new locker rooms , and more . These projects are just some of those included in a plan for the complete transformation of Brother Rice . However , our current power situation at Brother Rice is at max capacity , providing just enough power to the school and its facilities . Any large school additions would require construction of a large power plant and a new transformer , according to Mr . Reidy .
In the near future , Brother Rice will be able to build a new student
Rendered view from McInereny Dr . of the new maintenance hub next to B wing
commons , a makeover of the gym , and even a renovation of Fracassa Field . The Student Commons will serve many purposes , such as being a community gathering spot , a recital and concert hall , a hub for campus ministry and student activity , as well as housing dining services and the school Spirit Store .
Along with the new Commons area , significant changes to parking at Brother Rice and landscaping are planned . As for the gym , it will receive
Photo Credit : President Mr . Reidy
two practice courts , a ceiling to floor divider , and brand new bleachers in order to create more available court time for the numerous teams .
“ The gym and the commons are the big plans , and will change the look and feel of the building ,” said President Tom Reidy . Additionally , the gym will finally be air conditioned . Fracassa Field will also see some changes with new seating , concessions , and redesigned gates .