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Central Catholic School Dedicates New Pre-K Playground
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September 15, 2025Central Catholic School celebrated a joyful milestone on a bright Friday morning as students, sponsors, administrators, and teachers gathered at 1155 E. Cameron Street, Indianapolis, IN for the dedication of the school’s new Pre-K playground.
The event, filled with prayer, gratitude, and song, honored the generosity of Dan O’Melveny and the Shea Family Charities, whose gift made the playground possible.
A Warm Welcome
Tami Clouse opened the ceremony with a prayer of thanksgiving and a heartfelt welcome to guests.
“This beautiful space was made possible through the generosity of the Shea Family Charities, and it will serve our younger students here at Central Catholic School for many years to come. We thank them with all our hearts,” said Clouse.
Among those in attendance were members of the Pre-K class, the Student Council, Father Isaac Siefker, Dr. Brian Disney, Shea Family Charities representative Dan O’Melveny, Joe Hanson from the Archdiocese, and Katie Pickering from Mother Theodore Catholic Academies.
Words of Leadership
“As I was praying this morning, this came to me from the Gospel of Matthew, explained Dr. Brian Disney, Superintendent of Catholic Schools.
‘And the disciples came to Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.’
So we will learn some great lessons from all of you as you play on this new playground today.”
Expressions of gratitude followed, led by Tami Clouse and Sara Wiley, who highlighted the generosity of Shea Family Charities. Their contribution, they noted, was the cornerstone that turned the dream of a new playground into reality.
Blessing and Dedication
Father Isaac Siefker offered a blessing over the playground, dedicating the space to the health, joy, and growth of every child who would play there. Moments later, the Pre-K students proudly pulled the ribbon, officially opening their new play space.
Closing Celebration
In a touching finale, the children gathered to sing together before racing onto their new playground, filling it instantly with the sounds of laughter and play.
A Community’s Gift to Its Children
The dedication ceremony was more than just the unveiling of new equipment; it was a testament to community, faith, and the power of generosity. Central Catholic School extended heartfelt thanks to Dan O’Melveny pf the Shea Family Charities for their leadership in funding the project, as well as to all the parents, teachers, clergy, and community partners who made the day possible.
About Shea Family Charities
Shea Family Charities refers to the philanthropic activities of the Shea family, often associated with their real estate and development company, Shea Homes. The Shea family has made significant contributions to Catholic education and community development across several U.S. dioceses. Their charitable efforts are not a single entity but a family commitment to philanthropy, with a notable focus on providing access to quality education for underserved students and communities.
About Mother Theodore Catholic Academies
The Mother Theodore Catholic Academies (MTCA) is a consortium of three Archdiocesan center-city Indianapolis Catholic schools: Central Catholic School, Holy Angels Catholic School and St. Philip Neri Catholic School. These academies provide a rigorous Catholic education for their students, which serves as the foundation for a life lived in service to Jesus, the Church, and the community.