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With blessing done, running and climbing commence

The Notre Dame School thanks a dentist who made its new playground possible.

By MATHEW WASSERMAN
Published November 3, 2005

SPRING HILL - The new playground at the Notre Dame School finally has the blessing of Monsignor John Scully.

On a recent Thursday morning, Scully blessed and led a schoolwide presentation about the history of the playground, and the man who made it possible, Dr. John Ross, a St. Petersburg dentist.

"I'm so happy to be here this morning and see the wonderful transformation of this place," said Scully, former pastor of St. Theresa Church and founder of the school.

The new playground is near the school's original playground. It features a climbing wall, a large geo dome, jungle bars and many other things for the kids to run around and climb on.

The playground is dedicated to the memory of Ross' wife, Shirley. Ross donated money for the playground because he is very fond of St. Theresa, for whom St. Theresa Catholic Church, the congregation the school is connected to, is named, and because he is Scully's longtime friend and dentist. Plus, he thinks the kids needed a new place to expend some energy.

"The sisters and teachers here have a reputation of being very diligent in their approach to education, and this new playground will give kids an opportunity to vent some of their time and concentration," said Ross. "And that will give them the chance to be better students."

As tokens of gratitude, students gave Ross thank-you cards and posters. Scully gave him a statue of St. Theresa, which had sentimental value to him, and Ross said he will surely treasure it.

At the end of the presentation, Second-graders were allowed to play in the new playground.

Construction began a little less than a year ago and was completed at the beginning of this school year.

"The jungle gym is the best thing, because it's fun to climb," said 8-year-old Jeffrey Misener. "It's a really fun playground, so we're all happy about it."

[Last modified November 3, 2005, 01:06:17]