FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 27, 2026

Contact: Steffanie Early
Vice President of Advancement
Servite High School
searly@servitehs.org | (657) 347-1398

Servite High School Announces $1.1 Million in Donor-Directed Investments to Renovate Historic Campus and Expand Student Support

Shea Family Charities leads $900,000 classroom renovation; anonymous donor commits $500,000 to expand Support Services program

ANAHEIM, Calif. — April 27, 2026 — Servite High School announced today more than $1.1 million in new donor-designated investments that will modernize the school's historic main building and significantly expand programs that serve students' academic, social, and emotional well-being.

The announcements include a $600,000 lead gift from Shea Family Charities to fund a comprehensive renovation of twenty classrooms in Servite's original 1959 main building, the launch of a community-wide Sponsor a Classroom campaign to raise the remaining $300,000, and a $500,000 gift from an anonymous donor to expand Servite's Support Services program.

Restoring the Heart of Campus

The renovation of Servite's main building — dedicated on February 12, 1959, and home to the school's very first class of Friars — will include new flooring, paint, whiteboards, and window treatments in all twenty classrooms. Work is set to begin June 1 and will be completed by August 5, in time for the first day of school.

Shea Family Charities' $600,000 commitment represents a significant investment in Servite's future history and brings the school within reach of its $900,000 renovation goal for the project.

"What Shea Family Charities has done is nothing short of extraordinary," said Stephen Walswick '02, President of Servite High School. "These classrooms have shaped thousands of Friars over more than six decades. This gift is an investment in every student who will sit in those rooms for the next generation — and a powerful statement of support in what Servite means to the community."

To complete the project, Servite is inviting alumni, families, and community partners to Sponsor a Classroom for $25,000. Each sponsorship fully funds the renovation of one room and includes a named plaque installed in fall 2026, ten-year naming recognition, and an invitation to visit the completed classroom. Sponsorships will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Donations in any amount will also help the school reach its goal.

Expanding Support Services for Students 

In a separate announcement, Servite has received a $500,000 gift from an anonymous donor to expand the school's Support Services program. Support Services are designed to assist a wide range of students who benefit from extra academic support, whether they have documented learning differences that require accommodations or need a little extra help. 

"Servite is dedicated to meeting the needs of every young man on campus, " said Steffanie Early, Vice President of Advancement. "Academics, faith, athletics — and yes, the support systems that help students navigate the challenges of growing up. This donor's generosity will make Servite's promise real for more students who need it."

With funds provided by this grant, Servite will implement one of the first computerized cognitive training programs in Orange County for high school students. This program will use adaptive technology to benchmark and develop the students’ executive functioning skills and working memory. “This grant will allow us to expand our services and meet the needs of students who learn differently. We couldn’t be more excited,“ said Lisa Barnard, Director of Support Services.

About Servite High School

Founded in 1958 by the Order of Friar Servants of Mary, Servite High School is a Catholic, all-boys college preparatory institution in Anaheim, California, and the #1 Catholic High School in Orange County according to niche.com for multiple consecutive years. Guided by the motto Credo ut Intelligam ("I believe so I may understand"), Servite forms faith-filled leaders through rigorous academics, competitive athletics, and the distinctive Priory Program. Servite High School is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (Tax ID: 95-2023055).

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To learn more about the Sponsor a Classroom campaign or about Servite High School, contact: Steffanie Early, Vice President of Advancement, searly@servitehs.org | (657) 347-1398