June 1, 2001 – Antilles School faculty, trustees, families and friends gathered at the site of the school's multimillion-dollar sports facility Thursday afternoon to celebrate the start of construction.
Named for local radio stations owner Randy Knight, whose million-dollar gift made it possible, the Knight Center will house a state-of the-art gymnasium, classrooms and facilities for such activities as gymnastics, dance and weight training. A practice field and a parking area to accommodate nearly 100 vehicles are planned for adjoining areas.
Mark Marin, Antilles headmaster, spoke of the impact the new center will have on the school's students and on the entire community. Young people from all over the island will play tournaments at the Knight Center and will have a chance to utilize the facility on weekends and throughout the summer, he said.
Knight himself said that "one of the conditions in giving the million dollars was that the center benefit students island wide."
With no previous affiliation with Antilles School, Knight said he was moved to make the contribution because of the "deplorable conditions" of athletic facilities in the local schools. He said he chose Antilles because he found its administration to be "competent, responsible and accountable." He added, "I am very impressed with Antilles School. I am confident that the center will always be maintained to benefit everyone."
Elliott "Mac" Davis, president of the school's board of trustees, said, "Our goal at Antilles has been to become a true community school. This center will serve as a gateway to introduce people in the community to our school."
Despite Antilles' reputation as an elitist school, its demographics show an enrollment of racial, ethnic and economic diversity. According to school figures, the student body is made up equally of white and non-white students, and more than $700,000 was awarded in financial aid for this school year.
Construction of the fitness center is expected to be completed by next January.
The school embarked on a $6 million capital campaign several years ago to keep up with growing enrollment and to improve existing facilities. The Henry L. Kimelman Library, including a computer center, was dedicated in February. On the drawing board is a new auditorium and fine arts complex. The auditorium, on the upper level, will house a theater with tiered seating for at least 300. Underneath, the fine arts center will include studios and an exhibition gallery.
