Elaine Loft, Staff Writer
On February 2, The Derryfield School held a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Matarese Dining Commons. Thanks in part to a generous donation of $2,500,000, the largest single gift in the School’s 58-year history, the entire Derryfield community is now able to gather as one in a building that ties the campus together, and brings the institution to the next level of excellence. Attending the ceremony were Manchester Mayor Ruias, along with Aldermen Kelly Thomas (Ward 12), and Chris Morgan (Ward 1).
Congressman Pappas was unable to attend, but he sent a letter of congratulations:
“Access to nutritious food is deeply tied to health and child development. I applaud Derryfield’s commitment to offering a food service program that will help students develop long-term habits that will strengthen their health and educational achievements.”
Head of School Andy Chappell welcomed the audience:
“The vision for this space was always grounded in a dream to make this the heart of our campus and community. My dream is that it also provides another opportunity for Derryfield to deepen relationships with the greater Manchester community. For that reason, I’m grateful that Mayor Ruias along with Aldermen Kelly Thomas (Ward 12) and Chris Morgan (Ward 1), have joined us this afternoon. I have had the opportunity to meet with them, as well as other local leaders such as the superintendents of Manchester, Nashua, and Bedford schools, and many business leaders. A common thread of those meetings has been to learn more about how Derryfield can continue to build and deepen partnerships in Manchester and southern New Hampshire.
Spaces like this are not possible without the generous support of many in a community, and we are so grateful for the generosity of over 70 families who have made gifts to support the construction of this beautiful building. This past fall we celebrated the remarkable lead gift of the Matarese family, but we are grateful to every family who joined them in making this vision a reality. There would be no pizza oven without the Grunbeck family, and we’re so grateful that Bob Grunbeck has also served as co-chair of this campaign, along with Lauren Hines.”
The 11,800-square-foot building was designed by Banwell Architects of Lebanon, NH, and was built by Eckman Construction of Bedford, NH. TF Moran of Bedford provided engineering services. FLIK Independent School Dining provides food services.
