While Malvern seniors were flung across the globe for their Senior Christian Service Projects, one group stayed close to home … very close.

A group of 12 seniors helped build a new outdoor classroom, which is located along the edge of the woods surrounding Black Friar Pond, facing the student parking lots, and fix the trails that run along the pond.

Science teacher Gary DiEnna, whose classes often venture into the woods, led the charge for this new construction, but most of the work was done by the Malvern seniors.

“The plans were drawn up by a student and the students all worked hard to complete the classroom. At the same time half of the students worked in the woods repairing trails,” said DiEnna.

The 12x20-foot roofed pavilion is perfect for Mr. DiEnna and his science classes to start and end their lessons.

The construction was made possible by contributions toward the Class of 2010 Gifts of Gratitude Campaign, in which seniors can make a gift of $20.10 to honor those who have helped them during their time at Malvern. For each donation, the person honored received a special card and was listed in the Commencement booklet.

Thirty-four seniors participated in the senior gift program, raising $3,200 for the project. Because of their generosity the new outdoor classroom will be named the “Class of 2010 Pavilion.”