MERRILLVILLE – One month ago, the Merrillville community experienced the challenges left behind by a destructive tornado. In the days that followed, Principal Jaycob Knazur said he saw the incredible resilience and strength of the Andrean High School family.
“We have seen recovery crews work tirelessly, neighbors help one another, and an outpouring of encouragement and support from students, families, alumni, faculty and friends,” Knazur said. “Throughout these arduous days, the Andrean spirit has remained steadfast and unshakable.”
On July 13, the administrator, who is also an alum, was excited to share the next step in the institution’s journey. He released a statement announcing the news that Andrean High School will honor its previously published calendar and welcome students back for the first day of school on Thursday, Aug. 13, at 5959 Broadway. Freshmen Orientation will still precede on Wednesday, Aug. 12.
“From the beginning, we promised that the Niners would be back,” Knazur said. “Today, we're proud to tell you exactly when and where.”
The high school worked alongside the Diocese of Gary, Big Shoulders Fund, Tonn and Blank Construction, and countless others, with the focus of bringing the Andrean Family back together. Knazur noted that while the campus may look different this fall and still be a work in progress of what is to come, the mission remains unshaken: providing an exceptional Catholic, college-preparatory education rooted in the faith, learning, leadership, and service that has defined Andrean for over 65 years.
“In many ways, this challenge has fostered an accelerated opportunity to act on what we’ve already been working towards… to dream, organize, and design Andrean's future for generations to come,” he said. “We will be able to actualize that together as we look to the 2026-27 school year and beyond.”
Knazur continued, explaining that as classrooms and areas of the building are restored and made safe before the return, and made more efficient throughout the year, they will also be upgraded with new furnishings, technology and improvements “that will reflect the outstanding education our students deserve.”
“This school year will be unlike any other in our history, not necessarily because of the storm, but because of how our community and partners have responded to it and will continue to,” he said. “When our students walk through our doors on Aug. 13, they won't be returning to what they left behind. It will be different, but they'll be contributing authors of a new chapter in the Andrean High School story – one defined by resilience, faith, gratitude, hope, and progress.”
Knazur thanked the 59er family for their prayers and generosity and promised to provide additional information about schedules, classrooms, arrival procedures, safety protocols, specific upgrades and projections before the first day of school.
“We are committed to making sure every student, every family and every teacher and staff member feels prepared and excited for the year ahead,” he said.
Deacon Anthony Bondi, director of technology, said it was a challenge conveyed by everyone at the school – What would be the prudent thing to do? After discernment and discussion, that answer was to open on time and be ready for the student base.
“Will this be a normal school year? Absolutely not,” he said. “We have many obstacles to overcome and hurdles to climb. But miracles and the work of God do not meet ‘normal’ criteria. It's always above normal.”
Deacon Bondi emphasized that the building is just the building – a physical structure. He explained the school is all about the legacy, alumni, student base, staff and future 59ers. The building is just where that all came to meet.
“While there are parts of the building that do have sentimental value, it isn't Andrean by itself,” he said. “Andrean is much more than that building. The students, the faith, the mission, those who help make it happen, that is the soul of the school.”
He added, “I can only assume that this obstacle is going to make the school community even more galvanized. This 59er community is one that doesn't allow adversity to prevent it from being Andrean.”
Deacon Bondi recalled that at the Christmas Eve Mass, he told the students and alumni to "Wake up and realize what they are." He now has no doubt in his mind they are awake.
“This community is buzzing and ready to make the school even better than it already was,” he said.
Editor’s note: The Andrean Family is teaming up with the Indianapolis Colts and Versiti of Indiana for the Colts Leadership Challenge Blood Drive on Monday, July 20, from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Dean & Barbara White Community Center, 6600 Broadway, Merrillville. Register to donate at https://donateblood.versiti.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/11640948
Photo courtesy of Andrean High School
