The Principal of Andrean High School in Merrillville says the school will be open in the fall, despite the extensive damage caused last week by a tornado.
Principal Jaycob Knazur posted a video on social media showing some of the damage, including roofs torn off, damage to classrooms, the football field and trees on the grounds of the Catholic school.
"While the destruction has been difficult to see, what inspired us most has been the incredible response from our students, families,
alumni, supporters and friends," Knauzer said. "Andrean High School will return this fall."
Knazur said the damage is still being assessed and plans are being developed for the upcoming school year.
Andrean High School
Updates will be posted on the Andrean website and social media pages.
The principal said “in the days and weeks ahead, there will be opportunities for our community to support the recovery effort through their time, talent, and treasure.”
The school was hit by an EF-2 tornado.
Social media post:
Dear Andrean Family,
Over the past week, our community has witnessed the devastating impact of the tornado that struck Merrillville and caused significant damage to our campus. While the destruction has been difficult to see, what has inspired us most has been the incredible response from our students, families, alumni, supporters, and friends.
Today, I want to share an important message:
Andrean High School will return this fall. The Niners will be back. This I pledge to you.
While we are still working through assessments and determining exactly what the start of the school year will look like, our commitment to providing a quality, Catholic, college preparatory education and the Andrean experience remains unchanged. Some details are still being finalized, and we will share those updates very soon as they become available.
I also want to thank the countless members of the 59er family who immediately reached out to offer their support. Your prayers, encouragement, and willingness to help have been a powerful reminder of what makes Andrean so special.
In the days and weeks ahead, there will be opportunities for our community to support the recovery effort through their time, talent, and treasure. We ask for your patience as we continue working with our partners to complete assessments and develop plans for the coming school year.
In the meantime, please utilize our website as a resource for the latest information at andreanhs.org/about/campus-updates.cfm.
The building may look different today, but the heart of Andrean remains as strong as ever. Together, as one Andrean family, we will move forward, rebuild better, and write the next chapter of our story.
Thank you, and Go Niners.
Jaycob Knazur '05
Principal
