Antilles School celebrated the opening of The Henry L. Kimelman Library last evening, the first tangible result of its capital campaign, "Imagine the Possibilities," and honored the person who made it possible, Ambassador Henry L. Kimelman.
Ambassador Kimelman and his wife, Charlotte, have been friends of Antilles School from its creation in 1950, and are parents of three children who attended the school in its early days. They committed more than a million dollars in trusts and cash, which served as the foundation of the $1.1 million needed to build the state-of-the-art library.
Many other donors contributed to the cause as well; everyone was thanked at the dedication. Exciting, new gifts were also announced. Wireless World donated $50,000 for the Wireless World Network Operations Center on the third floor of the library, home to the hub of computer operations for the entire campus. Ambassador Kimelman produced another $100,000 check, repeating his feat of one year ago, when his generosity inspired giving by others to the library.
Guests explored the Lower School Library on the first floor before the ceremonies began on the second floor, home to the Middle and Upper School Library. Headmaster Mark C. Marin welcomed and thanked everyone, with special thanks extended to Ambassador and Mrs. Kimelman. Board President Elliott "Mac" Davis thanked all those who toil in the background, and asked each past and present member of the Board of Trustees to accept his gratitude and that of the school. St. Thomas-Water Island Administrator Louis Hill congratulated the school on behalf of Gov. Charles W. Turnbull and Nicholas Friday spoke on behalf of Senate President Almando "Rocky" Liburd.
In addition to announcing the gift from Wireless World, "Imagine the Possibilities" Campaign Chair Neil Prior thanked everyone who has contributed to the entire campaign. The campaign is a success, he said, because so many people have been so generous. He cited the generosity of Randy Knight, who was recognized for his commitment of $1 million dollars for the Knight Sports Center, the next project on the capital campaign's agenda. Antilles believes this facility, which will be available for use by all students on the island once it is complete, will have a major positive impact on the entire community.
Ambassador Kimelman accepted the thanks of everyone present with grace and wit. He first toasted Headmaster Marin, congratulating him on all the work he has done over a period of years to improve the quality of Antilles School and to make it available to a richly diverse student body. "You have brought the school to new heights," he said.
He toasted Jackie Marin as well for the work she has done for no compensation, listing and selling property that has been donated to the campaign. "The joy of our lives," Kimelman said, "is seeing this come to fruition. It is a great feeling to see this library dedicated to the children of the Virgin Islands."
Following the dedication of the Kimelman Library, the Stanley P. Lapin Storytime Center was also dedicated. A special warm, friendly area in the Lower School Library featuring bright colors and pillows, the center was named for Stanley P. Lapin, former President of St. Thomas-San Juan Telephone Company. The Lapin Center was made possible by a gift of $50,000 by Lapin's widow, Eileen, and son, Douglas, who came to the event from Santa Barbara and Paris, respectively.
"We wanted to memorialize my father and his dedication to children, his love for his grandchildren, and his belief in the importance of early childhood education." Douglas Lapin said. "We thank you for giving us the opportunity to create this special permanent place as a tribute to my father."
Stanley Lapin cared deeply about education and believed in the importance of early childhood education. "The Stanley P. Lapin Storytime Center is a perfect tribute to my father; we are very pleased to have made it possible and very pleased with the result," his son said.
The new facility ties together the Lower and Upper Schools physically and psychologically, more than tripling the space of the former Lower School Library and more than doubling the space of the former Upper School Library. The Kimelman Library will house 60 computers, and the third floor is also home to a much-needed classroom.
