Gym Opening Celebrated by School and Community
Alexander Shiarella and Ashley Abraham
September 12, 2009
Filed under News, Photos, Top Stories
On Thursday, September 10th, the Le Jardin community joined together to celebrate the opening and blessing of the Charles B. Wang Gymnasium. Marking this historic event, students, from kindergarten to 12th grade, participated in a wide range of activities, including a 5-on-5 basketball tournament, a Jazz Band performance, a lower school dodge-ball game, and even a high school student vs. faculty volleyball match. The occasion was not only a chance for students to have fun, but also an important opportunity for leaders in both the school and the community to express the significance of this new, $10 million athletic facility.
“Awesome. That’s the first word that entered my mind,” said Mayor Mufi Hannemann in response to seeing the gym. “This is the pride of the windward side. And I think that is really going to come out when you have a gym like this.”
The gym, which holds seating for 500, has two full-length basketball courts, as well as space for a weight room and dance floor, is the centerpiece of Le Jardin Academy’s $19 million campus expansion project.
“I saw the vision when I was on the city council and they approached us in the late 90s,” said Hannemann. “It is always good to see something in its infancy and then now as a mature adult, if you will.”
Le Jardin was also lucky to have the Lieutenant Governor, Duke Aiona, join in the celebration. “The gymnasium is more than just a place to perform athletically,” said the Lieutenant Governor. “It’s a gathering place.”
As Le Jardin continues to grow, both athletically and academically, it also continues to expand its influence on the 
surrounding community.
“[Le Jardin] is a great facility,” Aiona added. “It is known for its academic curriculum and now it’s going to be known for its athletic programs. The fact that you have this facility will have a tremendous impact on the windward side and even to the students who might live on the other side of the Ko’olaus.”
Also taking part in the ceremony were Kimberly Wang Dey, Sharon McPhee of the Frear Foundation, chair of the Board of Trustees Bill Duechar, Senator Fred Hemmings, and Representative Chris Lee.
“I think [the gym] will just bring the school a real sense of identity and pride,” commented headmaster Adrian Allen. “I think that’s what you already see here.”