Horizon Science Academy in Lorain unveils new cafeteria, gym space

LORAIN — Horizon Science Academy officially opened its newly remodeled cafeteria and gymnasium after school on Thursday. The charter school, housed in the former Lorain Catholic High School building on Tower Boulevard, turned what was the pool room at the high school into a second gym, a cafeteria and three additional high school classrooms in use for the 2024-25 school year. Jessika Varner, community engagement coordinator for Horizon Science Academy of Lorain, said the project had been in the works for years before construction started in the spring. The space had been closed off since Horizon moved into the building in 2009. "These two facilities will provide opportunities for physical activity, collaboration, learning and helping our students reach their full potential," Varner said. "... Together, we're building a brighter future for our students." Ali Uslu, vice president for Concept Schools, Horizon's management company, shared Varner's excitement. When Horizon Science Academy Lorain first opened, it had about 100 students in kindergarten through 12th grade, Uslu said. Now, it serves about 850 students, and has expanded and renovated its building to meet its ever-growing needs. School Board Vice-President Marie Bonilla said her daughters attended when the school first opened, and never expected it to become the home school — with one of her daughters now teaching there. "I've watched it grow from just a small part of this school to become the whole school," Bonilla said, adding the school has become like a family as well. "... I don't even know how to tell you guys thank you," she said. "You watched our children grow and watched after them. … So thank you for everything you guys do for our kids because it means a lot." Mayor Jack Bradley remembered when it was a smoke-filled bingo hall when his daughter, Jaclyn, attended Lorain Catholic High School and the bingo fundraisers were a required event for parents. The now unrecognizable space is an indication of all the good things happening in the school, Bradley said. Lorain County Chamber of Commerce President Tony Gallo's memories of the space predated Bradley's — as Gallo took swim lessons there as a child before they closed the pool. He said the investment Horizon made into the building, and the community it serves, was welcome. "You're educating our next generation of workforce leaders here in Lorain and Lorain County and that is the most important thing right now," Gallo said. For more information on Horizon Science Academy, visit horizonlorain.org. Contact Carissa Woytach at (440) 329-7245 or cwoytach@chroniclet.com.