After months of anticipation, Holy Name High School dedicated the brand-new Medical Mutual Patton Physics Lab this past Thursday, December 3. The lab, which is now being used by Mr. Alan Duncan’s Physics and Honors Physics classes, is named in honor of the late James V. Patton. Mr. Patton was both a 1947 graduate of Holy Name and a long-time executive at Medical Mutual. He loved his time as a Holy Name student, and often shared his fond memories with his family members, friends, and colleagues. Because of this, the Holy Name community feels privileged to now have a Physics Lab that will allow Mr. Patton’s legacy to continue on for years to come.
Several people made the complete renovation of the physics lab possible, including Medical Mutual, Mr. Tony ’49 and Mrs. Josephine Ferrante, Mr. Ray ’44 and Mrs. Eleanor Smiley, and the estate of the late Ms. Geraldine Kempski ’49. Without their generosity, the Medical Mutual Patton Physics Lab would not be a reality, and the Holy Name community is grateful for their continued support.
Westlake Reed Leskosky worked with Holy Name to conceptualize and design the Physics Lab, while A.M. Higley Co. handled the construction and renovation of the lab. The existing room was completely gutted over the summer, with everything from the floor and the ceiling tiles, to the furniture and chalkboards, removed. Workers then installed drywall and cabinetry, and put in a tile floor and windows.
They also created an exposed ceiling, and moved both the water and gas line outputs from the middle of the room, to the perimeter, so the lab could be more open and unrestricted. Lab work stations are now located on either side of the room, allowing Mr. Duncan to supervise and work with the students more easily. Additionally, there are rolling tables and chairs in the lab, making it user-friendly and giving the students mobility and the ability to conduct experiments throughout the lab.
At the evening celebration on December 3, Holy Name Principal Shelbrey Blanc welcomed and thanked all in attendance, especially Mr. Patton’s wife, Ursula, and his children and grandchildren. She also read a blessing written by the Rev. John Carlin, Pastor at St. Charles Borromeo Parish in Parma. Ms. Debra Green, the director of community outreach at Medical Mutual, and Mr. Jim Patton, the late Mr. Patton’s son, also said a few words to commemorate the special evening.
After the blessing and ceremonial ribbon cutting, attendees were able to walk around the Medical Mutual Patton Physics Lab, speak with students, conduct fun physics experiments, and learn more about Holy Name’s new STEAM Club, which encompasses science, technology, engineering, art, and math. Additionally, it was announced that Holy Name will continue to work on improving its other science labs, with the chemistry lab slated next for renovation.
*All photos taken by Tara Byrne Photography