Students at McClure Junior High in Western Springs have been enjoying a renovated fitness room that was funded by a grant from the Western Springs Foundation of Educational Excellence.
The $33,700 grant was used to make renovations that provide improved access to strength training, movement education and lifelong fitness skills aligned with physical education curriculum goals, school officials said. The updated space features enhanced equipment, improved layout, and a welcoming environment designed to support students of all abilities, said Dina Castillo, a McClure physical education teacher.
Renovation work began in June and was completed two months later on the fitness room that’s used by nearly 500 McClure students. The grant process started in the Fall of 2024, Castillo said. She and Western Springs Elementary District 101 instructional coach Tori Fankhauser collaborated monthly on the proposal and writing the grant request. Guidance and support came from McClure Principal Laura Broadnax, Assistant Principal Tom Sturm, and District 101 Superintendent Sarah Coffey, Castillo said.
“The upgrades made possible by the grant are important because they transformed the fitness room from a limited, outdated space into a modern, functional space that can be used for strength training, plyometric training, body weight training, cardiovascular fitness and yoga,” she said.
Castillo said with the new equipment and layout, students can now learn proper strength training technique, movement mechanics and injury-prevention strategies in a structured and supervised setting.
“The space allows us to teach foundational skills of lifting, pushing, pulling, hinging and squatting — skills that support lifelong fitness and athletic development, and something that wasn’t fully possible before,” she said. “Most importantly, the renovation gives all students, not just athletes, access to strength training education that builds confidence, promotes physical literacy and encourages long-term health.”
While developing the grant, Castillo made a point to include student opinions, through conversations and surveys. And the finished product is going over well with students.
“What I love about the new fitness room is how much it has really challenged me and made me stronger, and I feel I have really improved, thanks to the fitness room,” said student Finnegan Andrew Loughry.
Fellow student James Rydberg said he likes the variety of weights and being able to choose the weight that can be placed on the bar.
“This equipment allows us to workout with a friend because there is a lifter and spotter, and I like knowing how much I can lift,” added student Matty Hurliman.
Another student, Gavin Brown, said he really likes the new floor and colors that fit with the school’s colors of red and white.
“It feels safer, and I love the pull up bar,” he added.
While McClure students are enjoying the renovated fitness center, others in the community also are benefitting. Castillo said the fitness room is used by several local organizations, including Celtics Soccer Club, West Suburban Harriers Running Club and On Another Level Training, which offers sports performance and weightlifting programs specifically designed for middle school and high school girls.
The Western Springs Foundation of Educational Excellence, which operates independently from the District 101 School Board and its normal budgetary process, is an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization seeking to enhance the education of District 101 students. The group’s board members are District 101 parents who raise funds through special events and solicitations in the community and allocate those funds to support grants submitted by teachers, administrators, parents and students.
The Foundation’s stated mission is to acquire and distribute financial and other resources for the benefit of District 101’s educational programs, projects and products that will extend and enhance the quality and depth of education, and provide students with unique learning opportunities.
Chuck Fieldman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
