Bishop Baraga Academy Opens Its Doors

Bishop Walkowiak and BBA Director Dr Shari McCarty perfrom the oopning ceremony

From a feasibility study in 2018 to a grand opening some 6 years later a new child care/preschool option arrives in Fremont

 Story and photos by Ken DeLaat
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On Wednesday, August 14th under a beautifully blue Michigan summer sky Bishop Baraga Academy, long in the planning stages, held a ribbon cutting ceremony that culminated a supreme effort on the part of a number of collaborative partners to see this initiative come to fruition. Located on the grounds of All Saints Catholic Church in Fremont, dozens of folks gathered for the event and a chance to tour the expansive and impressive new facility. Young folks played with some of the games set up on the school’s outdoor area and food trucks made their way to the parking lot as part of the celebration.

We spoke with  Director Dr. Shari McCarty who, using her wealth of educational experience, will guide the center’s growth over the coming years. Dr. McCarty stated there were 15 families already signed up for Monday August 19th when BBA will officially open the doors to the creative collection of classrooms and infant care rooms. The youngest member of the first group to become part of BBA  is about 10 weeks old.

“We also have had several new referrals that have come in and we started a homeschool group on Wednesdays and Fridays that will be joining us. They’ll come in from 8:30-11:30am 1-2 days a week and our staff will take them outside with some nature based curriculum as well as a curriculum for socialization. "

We asked her about the process that got them to this point.
“When I got here a year ago the place was empty. Our gracious donors and parishioners from all 4 Churches in the area filled our classrooms. We are debt free and all our work came from volunteers.”

Bishop David Walkowiak of the Diocese of Grand Rapids, spoke to the crowd prior to the ceremony recognizing many of the people who had been instrumental in this project. He expressed gratitude to Father Peter Schafer for his leadership role as Canonical Administrator and Father Noah Thelen for his assistance as a pastor’s advisory member.

“Without the support of these pastors this opportunity would not have been possible,” he stated, adding,”I’m grateful to the members of the board of directors who have prudently taken up this endeavor and shared their time, talent and resources to make it happen.
“Today your efforts have paid off. This project is one that I think Bishop Frederick Baraga would have been proud to support himself. Bishop Baraga Academy will now carry out its particular mission by providing individualized care and education for children. We pray that the effort here will help children reach their potential as disciples of Jesus to the guidance of the Holy Spirit and it’s wonderful that the community wanted to do this. Education is important  but it’s Catholic education that makes the difference as we all know.”
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“And so, I’ve said enough,” he concluded to a sprinkle of laughter. “It’s time to cut the ribbon.”
The Bishop and Dr McCarty did the honors together, receiving a healthy round of applause from attendees who displayed a beaming array of smiles at seeing this dream come true.

For more information on BBA you can see our previous interview with Dr. McCarty: https://www.nearnorthnow.com/news/new-childcarepreschool-opening-soon
Or visit their website at www.baragaacademy.org

Miss Mary and Miss Rylee in the infant toddler room