When families, faculty, and visitors arrive at St. Nicholas School this winter, they’re met with something new: a refreshed, thoughtfully designed front entrance that reflects the beauty, care, and community spirit that define the school.

The transformation was made possible by the generosity of donors during the 2025 Gatsby Auction & Gala paddle raise, where supporters came together to fund this campus beautification project. Today, that vision has taken root.

A Community-Built Transformation

Two members of the St. Nicholas community played pivotal roles in bringing this project to life.

Matt Burgin, a current St. Nicholas parent, led the construction of the brick columns, gates, and paving, adding structure, definition, and durability to the school’s frontage along Min Tom Road.

CSDG landscape architect Paul Darr, a past parent and current Board member, generously donated his time and expertise to design a layered, native plant landscape plan that introduces color, texture, and form throughout the year. Past parent Krista Stein with Earthscapes helped bring the landscape to life.

Even in the winter months, the structure of the plantings creates a strong visual impression, and by spring, the full beauty of the design will come into bloom.

"I was thrilled when St. Nicholas began discussing ways to beautify the campus and create a stronger presence and front door for the school," Darr said. "It has been an honor to be part of the design process for this effort. This project has been especially meaningful as a way to give back to the school that has shaped my children and given so much to our family."

A Front Door That Reflects What’s Inside

The new entryway offers more than just aesthetic appeal. It’s also an intentional welcome, a first impression that reflects the values of the school itself: care, curiosity, and a strong sense of belonging.

Brick columns and gates create a clearer arrival experience, while the surrounding landscape introduces native plantings that support pollinators, seasonal interest, and even student learning. As gardening teacher Rob Varner notes, the new space will serve as a living classroom, where students can observe and interact with their natural environment.

“Students will be able to dig in, care for the plants, watch how they change with the seasons, and really understand what it means to be part of an ecosystem," Varner said. "It’s a chance for them to see that learning doesn’t just happen inside the classroom door. At St. Nicholas, it’s right under their feet and all around them.”

Looking Ahead: All In for St. Nicholas

With this project complete, St. Nicholas is already turning its sights to the next chapter.

On March 21, 2026, our community will come together for the All In for St. Nicholas Auction & Gala, an evening filled with live music, great food, casino-style entertainment, and incredible auction items. Proceeds from this year's gala will continue to support the transformation that shapes the student experience and strengthen the school for years to come.

Event details, tickets, and sponsorship information are available at stns.org/giving/auction-gala.