Students at McClure Junior High in Western Springs are benefitting from a newly renovated fitness room, thanks to a generous grant of $33,700 from the Western Springs Foundation of Educational Excellence. The funding enabled significant upgrades to the space, enhancing strength training, movement education, and lifelong fitness skills in line with the school’s physical education curriculum.
The renovation project, which commenced in June 2024 and concluded two months later, has transformed a previously limited area into a modern facility. According to Dina Castillo, a physical education teacher at McClure, the improved fitness room now features upgraded equipment and a layout designed to accommodate students of all abilities. The enhanced environment is intended to foster a welcoming atmosphere for nearly 500 students who utilize the space.
Dina Castillo and instructional coach Tori Fankhauser collaborated monthly on the grant proposal, beginning the process in the Fall of 2024. They received guidance from Laura Broadnax, Principal of McClure, Tom Sturm, Assistant Principal, and Sarah Coffey, Superintendent of District 101. Castillo noted the importance of the upgrades, stating, “The renovations transformed the fitness room from a limited, outdated space into a modern, functional area suitable for strength training, plyometric training, body weight training, cardiovascular fitness, and yoga.”
The new equipment allows students to learn proper strength training techniques and injury-prevention strategies in a structured environment. Castillo emphasized that the facility now enables instructors to teach foundational skills such as lifting, pushing, pulling, hinging, and squatting. These skills not only support lifelong fitness but also promote athletic development.
Student feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Finnegan Andrew Loughry remarked, “What I love about the new fitness room is how much it has really challenged me and made me stronger.” Another student, James Rydberg, appreciates the variety of weights available, stating, “Being able to choose the weight that can be placed on the bar is great.” Classmate Gavin Brown expressed his enjoyment of the new flooring and color scheme, which aligns with the school’s red and white colors. He highlighted the sense of safety the new space provides, particularly enjoying the pull-up bar.
Beyond serving McClure Junior High students, the renovated fitness room benefits the wider community. Local organizations, including the Celtics Soccer Club, the West Suburban Harriers Running Club, and On Another Level Training, utilize the facility for various programs, including sports performance and weightlifting specifically designed for middle and high school girls.
The Western Springs Foundation of Educational Excellence operates independently of the District 101 School Board, focusing on enhancing educational opportunities for students. The nonprofit organization, composed entirely of volunteers, aims to acquire and distribute resources that enrich educational programs. Its mission is to support grants submitted by teachers, administrators, parents, and students, thereby extending the quality and depth of education in District 101.
The collaboration and commitment from the McClure community illustrate a collective effort to improve students’ access to vital fitness education, ensuring that all students can benefit from a program that fosters confidence, physical literacy, and long-term health.
