A Christmas Story
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. — A noted Beverly Hills school without state-of-the art learning conditions? It was not the holiday story that builder Gary Drake of Los Angeles-based Drake Construction had in mind. Knowing what it was like not to have the best learning advantages, Drake decided to give this story a happy ending. He volunteered to bring Good Shepherd Catholic School’s original 1930s-era property completely up-to-date for its students. He donated countless hours of his time and energy to modernize this venerable and reputable school. For Drake, it is a dream come true to ensure that students today have every opportunity to learn and thrive in the most optimal educational environment possible.
Drake transformed the school into a modern educational wonder with the latest amenities. This includes Wi-Fi ready installation throughout the school, additional storage, a shade canopy and improved electrical, plumbing and insulation systems — everything within his means to make the school function at full speed.
Drake Construction is famous for breathing new life into architecturally significant classics: Restoring residential and commercial spaces to their former glory. At Good Shepherd, he worked with noted education architects Pica & Sullivan, to deliver enhancements and improvements that will stand the test of time. Is restoration and renovation worth it? The principal, parents, the kids of Good Shepherd and Gary Drake emphatically say, “yes.”
According to Drake, “They didn’t teach this in school, but I’ve learned that following a passion for learning is the strongest foundation I could ever build. The buildings we inhabit impact our world view and how we live and learn. That’s why I want to give back by improving the lives of kids. For example, students can now access the Internet simultaneously with our upgraded Wi-Fi system. It’s a high-tech future and Good Shepherd Catholic School is up to the task.”
It is just the beginning. Phase I is complete. Phase II of Drake’s dream will begin next summer. Renovation plans include new energy-efficient lighting, more cabinets, shelving, new finishes and HVAC drop ceilings with special designs to conceal the magic of all the new mechanical additions.
According to Good Shepherd principal Terry Miller, “Gary Drake happens to be one of our parents and he also heads up the School Building and Grounds Committee. He is the consummate volunteer. He was the liaison with architects and contractors, reviewing bids, obtaining permits and supervising this professional effort from beginning to end. This is the best Christmas gift anyone could wish for.”