The new dining commons on the campus of Upper Columbia Academy (UCA) in Spangle, Wash., is nearly complete. The building project, which broke ground Oct. 3, 2012, is the result of generous hearts and hands.
“Well over $100,000 worth of labor has been donated by dedicated volunteers to get us to where we are today,” explains John Winslow, UCA principal. Things like masonry, painting and other construction skills were donated. One painter alone saved the academy more than $30,000 by donating his time. Some even came and lived on campus for weeks at a time while they shared their talents.
That volunteer spirit was recently exhibited again when Upper Columbia Conference staff took a day to help the academy work on landscaping around the new building. Everyone pitched in to plant trees and shrubbery and spread bark.
The new dining facility will provide a center for students' physical nourishment and a place for fellowship and emotional growth. It will also be used for camp meeting and other conference events. The academy anticipates moving into the building by mid-December.
Though the dining commons is nearly complete, the academy still needs about $1.5 million to cover construction costs. In addition they have raised about half of what they need to furnish the new facility. Those interested in this project may contact the academy at 509-245-3600.
Two former principals, the current principal and current board chair all pitched in to help landscape the grounds around the new dining commons, including (from left) Paul Hoover, John Winslow, Larry Marsh and Troy Patzer.
Staff from Upper Columbia Conference and others pitched in during a recent work bee to polish up the grounds around the new dining commons.
Work bee volunteers help landscape around the new dining commons at Upper Columbia Academy.
