Newport Independent School District recently received a $40,000 donation from St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Newport for the new auditorium under construction at Newport High School.
St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Newport’s East Row closed last year after 118 years in operation. The final six members of the church sold the property for $90,000, and after utilities were paid, divided the remaining $70,000 among local charities and nonprofits.
“Our main goal was to give back to the people of Newport,” said Shirley Turner, Treasurer of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church. “The Newport community was good to St. Mark’s Church for 118 years so we wanted the profits from the sale to go right back in the community.”
The school district and the church jointly decided to allocate the donation to the new auditorium at Newport High School, specifically funding new stage curtains and a new projector.
“All of our committee members except for one, and most members of St. Mark’s, are alumni of Newport High School. Newport Schools have always been near and dear to our hearts,” said Turner.
Newport Independent Schools Superintendent Kelly Middleton expressed his gratitude for the generous donation.
“On behalf of the students, teachers and staff of the Newport Independent School District and especially Newport High School, I want to offer our sincere appreciation to St. Luke’s Lutheran Church,” Middleton said. “Our new auditorium is going to be one of the finest academic and entertainment venues in Northern Kentucky, and this donation is helping make that happen.”
Newport City Commissioner Tom Guidugli Jr., Business Agent for the Local 5 Stagehands Union, has worked on live theater productions for more than 25 years and has volunteered his time as a consultant on the Newport auditorium project.
“I am always happy to help kids,” Guidugli said. “I was glad to assist in bringing industry experts to the new auditorium project. The new projector will bring impressive technology at great value. This auditorium will be a great addition providing new opportunities to Newport Independent School students and yet another partnership with the City of Newport.”
Newport Independent School District