John Paul College principal Patrick Walsh (from left) at the opening of Thurston Performing Arts Centre with Gabrielle and Lyall Thurston. Photo / Leah Tebbutt
John Paul College principal Patrick Walsh (from left) at the opening of Thurston Performing Arts Centre with Gabrielle and Lyall Thurston. Photo / Leah Tebbutt
The opening of a $4 million facility at Rotorua's John Paul College has been described as a "milestone for our lives" by those it was dedicated to.
Lyall and Gabrielle Thurston proudly spoke at the opening of the state-of-the-art Thurston Performing Arts Centre on Wednesday evening which is set to"nourish the hearts and souls" of students to come.
"I so firmly believe the arts are the most important thing. They nourish our souls and we need them in our lives," Gabrielle said in front of distinguished guests.
The "quintessential" drama teacher has held John Paul College close to her heart along with her husband Lyall, who has sat on the Board of Trustees for three decades and chaired for six of those years.
Lyall and Gabrielle Thurston opening the new Thurston Performing Arts Centre. Photo / Leah Tebbutt
It was because of this "and many more reasons" the school felt it was both timely and desirable to name the new build in honour of the Thurston name.
"It is amazing, I did wonder and ask my students 'should I be dead?'," Gabrielle said with a laugh.
Lyall was "truly humbled" by the gesture and stated, "It really is a milestone for us in our lives."
Boasting a dance studio, music and a drama suite, plus a "black box", an unadorned and windowless room for performance, the facility will rival similar centres around the country and fill a void left by the closure of the Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre.
The former John Paul College hostel on the school's Mackillop Campus, believed to be about 50 years old, was remodelled to home the new facility.
Principal Patrick Walsh said it was with pride he could open the performing arts centre which honoured the unique and substantial contribution of the couple.
John Paul College principal Patrick Walsh in front of what is now the performing arts centre. Photo / File
He joked it was an extra privilege to open the build while Lyall and Gabrielle were alive.
"Because often we do these things when people pass away."
Walsh said Lyall's commitment to the school was unprecedented, not just for the school but New Zealand.
Lyall's advocacy, passion and commitment to the school was legendary, Walsh believed.
"It is not an overstatement to claim that Lyall has been the single, most important trustee in driving the growth and success of the college.
The new performing arts centre sits in this space at the Mackillop Campus. Photo / File
Aside from the many accolades to Gabrielle's name, including winning the regional shield 20 of 21 times at the Shelia Winn Shakespeare Competition, with each new role she had continued to inspire students, Walsh said.
"She has provided a vital skill set to thousands of students, over the years, giving them confidence in public speaking, interpersonal skills and expressing themselves."
Board of Trustees chairman Jean-Paul Gaston said the facility would strengthen the school's reputation as a centre for the arts.
"It is fitting in carrying the Thurston name, the Performing Arts Centre will now be available to support, grow and inspire John Paul College students but also performing arts in the wider community as well."
