Students returning to Trinity High School in Garfield Heights for orientation this week will notice something new when they enter Godlewski Gymnasium: the floor has a name. On Aug. 24, Trinity Solidarity Court was dedicated during a brief ceremony that followed health and safety precautions recommended to help curb the spread of the novel coronavirus.
This is the first time the gym floor has been named. School officials said the idea was part of the annual fundraiser, Out of the Blue, which took place as a virtual, three-day event in June. First responders were honored during the event. The community was able to donate, purchase spirit wear and bid on unique auction items – like naming the gym floor.
Kevin Schohl, a 2002 Trinity alumnus, won the bidding and was able to name the floor for the next two years. But rather than choose a family or corporate name, Schohl had something else in mind. He said he saw what was taking place across the country and considered it as an opportunity to help make a difference in the community.
“I have very fond memories of Trinity and I enjoyed building friendships with a diverse mix of classmates,” Schohl said. “Unfortunately, many people haven’t had those opportunities to broaden their world view. I see this as a way to raise awareness of racial and social justice in a community that I think can be a shining example of young people coming together to drive change in society.”
After conversations and several design possibilities, Schohl and a committee of alumni, THS board members and administrators chose the name Trinity Solidarity Court to express community and togetherness – and embrace it on a deeper level.
The new design was unveiled during a brief ceremony that featured Remington College President Terhan Freeman, a 1996 THS graduate and now a member of the school’s board of trustees, along with three members of the Trojans volleyball team: Maciaha Irving, Samantha Ratliff and Jayme Zoeckler. Freeman revealed the new logo and name. Click here to view a video of the unveiling.
“Solidarity is a very descriptive word that embodies how Trinity approaches everything that we do,” said Sister Shawn Lee, Trinity High School president. “We speak of ourselves not as an institution but as a community that works together for the common good of everyone.”
Knowing that the new name of the gym floor should not stand alone, the committee also pledged to create even more impactful initiatives in the future. The modification of the school’s mission statement, a new Diversity and Inclusion Committee, cultural diversity additions to the curriculum and a new alumni committee will be developed in the coming months as Trinity navigates the reopening of school during this historic time of pandemic.
“Trinity is a special place where students from diverse backgrounds come together to learn, pray and play,” Schohl said. “But simply walking the same halls and playing on the same court is not enough. I hope these new initiatives inspire people to show solidarity for each other, especially those who have been wronged in the past and who will benefit from a more level playing field in the future.”
More than 350 students in grades 9-12 attend Trinity High School, which is supported by Franciscan values. It offers a college preparatory curriculum and has a Pre-Professional Internship Program to help prepare students to become compassionate servant leaders, critical thinkers and life-long learners.