New Athletic Field for Disadvantaged Boys Dedicated by Washington Jesuit Academy, Thanks to Ruppert Companies
May, 2010
Washington, DC – An expansive new athletic field and facilities in the middle of the Nation's Capital to benefit disadvantaged boys will be dedicated by the Washington Jesuit Academy (WJA) and named Ruppert Field. Prior to this, a small, concrete parking lot was the only outdoor play area for WJA students. The WJA provides tuition-free education to at-risk, middle school boys over the course of 11 months a year, for 12 hours a day.
The event will honor Ruppert Companies' generosity to WJA since its 2002 opening. Ruppert Companies employees and management have been long-time WJA supporters. Ruppert was among the first groups to sponsor the full tuition of a WJA student. The innovative project to be dedicated Tuesday included renovations and additions to the property's landscape and hardscape, as well as the construction of an athletic field and basketball courts. Research shows that outdoor recreation areas are disproportionately beneficial to inner-city youth from at-risk backgrounds who comprise the majority of WJA students.
"The tangible results achieved by WJA are what Ruppert Companies are so proud to have supported," said Chris Davitt, Vice President of Ruppert Companies. "You only need to spend five minutes with a student or graduate to grasp the impact that the Academy is making on lives."
"Because our students attend WJA 12 hours a day, 11 months of the year, our commitment to their overall health and wellness is paramount," said William B. Whitaker, Academy President. "This expansive field was the vision of the folks at Ruppert, and their generosity has made it a reality."
All of the 75 students served by the WJA come from disadvantaged backgrounds. Research shows that WJA students enjoy dramatic improvements in academic performance. For instance, while only 11 percent of those entering WJA read at grade level...that figure at graduation jumps to 95 percent. The rigorous, academic environment of the school’s extended day (7:30am-7:30pm), extended year program (11 months), provides the skills that enable graduates to attend Washington D.C.'s best college preparatory high schools. Furthermore, WJA continues to provide support for graduates through high school and the college admissions process
Ruppert Landscape provides commercial landscape construction and management in Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Georgia and North Carolina from 11 branch offices. In addition, the company operates a 475-acre wholesale tree nursery specializing in large tree growing and moving in Montgomery County, MD.
Contact: Amy Snyder
Phone: (301) 482-0300
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