Archmere Academy’s Student Newspaper
Volume 91, Issue 2
March 2024
Archmere Receives Donation of $3 Million from Rocco A. and Mary Abessinio Money to Fund Renovation of Performing Arts Center
The new Rocco A. and Mary Abessinio Performing Arts Center’s will look like these renderings, made available by Mr. Frederick Voelker. Photo credit: Archmere Academy’s press release from 11/15/23.
Kathryn Pyne ‘25 ASST. NEWS & MANAGING EDITOR
The Archmere community gathered in the theater on Wednesday, November 15th, 2023 to celebrate the Abessinio Donation. Rocco A. and Mary Abessino have donated $2 million dollars to renovate Archmere’s Performing Arts Center. In addition, the Abessinios have donated $1 million dollars to account for need-based scholarships. In total, the donation is $3 million dollars, making it the largest donation in Archmere history. Honoring Rocco A. and Mary Abessinio,
the renovated theater complex will be named “The Rocco A. and Mary Abessinio Performing Arts Center.” Mr. Manelski, Archmere’s Dramatics Director and Theater Manager, explains how Archmere had been interested in renovating the theater for the past 10 years, but did not have the funding to do so. “Thankfully, the Abessinios were looking for a place to donate money, and the theater was the project they were most interested in,” Mr. Manelski said. The donation will renovate the 1970’s
design into an area with more natural light and open space. Mr. Manelski says, “The donation will be used to make the lobby more inviting and the theater more bright and cheerful.” He goes on to state, “It is going to be a place we are proud to bring people in.” Additionally, new light and sound systems will replace the old ones, improving the overall production of plays and performances. Through these renovations, it is clear that the new theater will add excitement to the actual shows themselves, for both the audience and
At a Glance: Catholic Schools Week 2024
The Archmere community gathered to celebrate Mass during Catholic Schools Week 2024, joined by Bishop William Koenig. Other events throughout the week included service projects, community appreciation events, and a celebration for Father McLaughlin. Photo credit: Archmere Academy.
the performers. The theater lobby will also undergo a huge transformation, with a larger girls bathroom and a glass outside wall. Mr. Manelski shares that the new lobby “will make a great place to hold events and socials.” Archmere students involved in the Drama Club are especially thrilled with the donation. Natalie Skelly ‘25 states, “I am very excited for this donation because it will benefit the drama club immensely, leading to better production.”
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