Throughout the fall semester, members of our community gingerly picked their way through a construction zone on the south end of campus as they attended school events and class sessions. Now, at the dawn of 2019, a new semester has begun, and our atrium is complete. The newly enclosed atrium has already become a center of activity and a sparkling, sunlit addition to a space that was previously far too noisy, far too dark and far too cold. The results are clear—with the space open only a few weeks, students are already finding spots in the sun to lounge, escape a winter rainstorm, eat a snack, read and chat with each other. We appreciate our community’s accommodation throughout the construction process.

As we consider all the atrium has already provided since it opened, it’s important to take a look back and thank those who helped make it happen. We are grateful to Kim Kenne and Rich Webster, parents of Abby ’17 and Will ’14, who have provided loyal and inspired support of Prep’s master plan through the Helen and Will Webster Foundation. Rich’s steady guidance on the Board of Trustees and the family’s leadership gifts in the early stages of our capital campaign helped steer our course. The school has named the science building The Helen and Will Webster Family Science Center in honor of the family’s commitment to the Prep community.

Two years ago, in addition to being the party of the year, the Flintridge Fever Benefit raised a record-breaking $388,000 to support the atrium’s renovation. Thank you to the Benefit committee and the whole community for their heroic financial backing. And thank you to the parents, alumni, trustees and friends who joined the Ahmanson Foundation in sponsoring the construction.