Hector A. Cafferata, Jr. campus opens
After four years of planning and construction, the brand new Hector A. Cafferata, Jr. K-8 School in Cape Coral was officially introduced Wednesday.
A ribbon cutting ceremony was held, with local leaders, school administrators and teachers, and even the Cafferata family in attendance. Dr. Jason Kurtz, principal of Hector A. Cafferata, Jr., addressed the crowd with emotion, clearing his throat and explaining that he was trying not to cry.
“Nearly four years ago, (Hurricane) Ian changed our community and it changed our school family,” Kurtz said. “This school, which had served families for over 20 years, was suddenly rendered useless.”
Kurtz explained that the amount of hurricane damage he encountered upon entering the former building a few days after Ian was impossible to catalogue. Still, “for four years, our students and staff adapted he said, thanking the community for its resilience.
The new K-8 campus at 214 N.W. 20th Ave. has increased capacity. While the old elementary school’s capacity was around 860 students, the new facility is capable of holding up to 2,000 students.
Additionally, Hector A. Cafferata is Lee County’s first L.E.E.D. Magnet School. The acronym stands for Leadership, Environmental Education and Design. Kurtz said he is already aware of the special resilience and discipline students will arrive with when the school year begins Aug. 11.
“Both students and families really came together as a community during the building process,” Kurtz said, beaming.
Honored guests of Wednesday’s ribbon cutting included members of the Cafferata family. Hector A. Cafferata was a Korean War Veteran and a marine. He received the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military decoration, for his extraordinary heroism during the Battle of Chosin Reservoir in November of 1950. Cafferata’s son Dale, granddaughter Jessica, and great grandchildren Remy and KaiLani were present for Wednesday’s ceremony.
“I remember Dad as a hero,” Dale Cafferata said. “I looked up to him my whole life. Having this school is real honor, and he earned it.” Dale’s daughter Jessica, her husband and children attended the ceremony after traveling to The Cape from their home in Frisco, Texas. Assistant Principal Michael Licata presented Jessica and her family with a plaque recognizing the brave service of her grandfather, and the gratitude behind his name continuing to represent Lee County’s grand new K-8 campus.
To reach CASEY BRADLEY GENT, please email news@breezenewspapers.com