On May 11, 2009, the St. Francis community gathered together to officially dedicate our gymnasium to Melanie and Ben Barnes, parents of Elena (class of 2005) and Blair (class of 2008). The “Big Gym” will now forever be referred to as the “Melanie and Ben Barnes Gymnasium.” The Barnes Family was so honored as they have been the conduits for so many good advances we have made. They have been true friends to our school. Because their daughters were very interested in playing sports, especially volleyball and basketball, it was crucial to Ben and Melanie that all St. Francis students have a place to nurture their athletic passions.
Ben and Melanie know how important it is for all children to be educated wholly – mind, body, and spirit. Before they became involved, we were lacking the facilities to properly educate our students physically. Now, with their help and those volunteers and donors who were inspired by their guidance, all St. Francis students have the complete education they deserve.
It was not enough for us to simply say, “Thank you.” We can never thank Ben and Melanie enough, but we can definitely do our best to show our utmost gratitude. Naming our gymnasium the “Melanie and Ben Barnes Gymnasium” is our way of honoring Ben and Melanie – their dedication, generosity, and friendship.
All projects on such a large
scale as the dreaming and planning of our gymnasium are done with the help of
many dedicated individuals. We must
thank all 
of those who helped make our dream a reality:
Original Gym Committee:
Doug Laycock, Melanie Barnes, Chris Eckhoff, Dustin Armstrong, Steve McKay, Ruthie Robinson, Ann St. Clair
Gym Addition Committee:
Ruthie Robinson, Chris Miller, Becky Bigler, Joydeep Ghosh, Ether Hajdar, Melanie Barnes, Jett Hanna, Robert Howard, Doug Laycock, Kamy Noori, Dana Parker, Laura Peveto, Elizabeth Sylvester, Liz Cimino, Donald Rutledge
Supporters:
M.D. Anderson Foundation, Ben & Melanie Barnes, Doug Laycock & Terry Sullivan, Richard Fields, Mari & Jeff Hawn, Amy & Ed Katkic, Prosperity Bank, Catherine & Chris Eckhoff, Allison & Ronald Mann, Araminta Everton, Robert Howard, Mary Gayle & Mark Summers, Gretchen Ritter, Janice & Kent Samuelson, Ruthie & Ronnie Robinson, Bartee Family, Jim Stoker, Cara & Bill Wyland, Richard Meier & Madeline Sutherland-Meier, Marilyn & Tom Hilgendorf, Kris Miesch, Boy Scouts Pack #998, Karen & Tom Powell, Kristina & Russell Wilkins, Kristin & Jeff Ryan, The Olivieri Family, BW Heath, The Paulos Foundation
