School’s open again and the excitement is building at Water’s Edge Village School (WEVS) as the much-anticipated expansion project is officially underway! What began as a conversation between two determined mothers—Sylvia Wolff and Meghan Agresto—has become an exciting and turbo-charging attribute of the Corolla community.
WEVS opened its doors in 2012 with just 16 students, and now operates at full capacity with 50 children. While WEVS has always had a waiting list, the need for more space has become urgent. Thanks to the tireless efforts of the school’s staff, parents, volunteers, and the local community, that need is on its way to being met.
The new construction is a 4,000 square foot, one-story, three-classroom building next door to the historic two-room schoolhouse, which originally served the children of lighthouse keepers and lifesaving station staff for more than half a century beginning in the late 1890s. With the additional space, WEVS will be able to offer more students a high-quality, personalized education avoiding long bus rides (4+ hrs/day) or costly alternatives.
School Board Members and students literally jumped for joy at the construction site. The vision is happening! Nearby, school board member Wayne Evans stood by a rising pile of building material, encouraging the crew from A.R. Chesson Construction with a hearty, “Let’s get building!”
Figure 3. WEVS School Board President clicks her heels while Maddy and Brady Remmer jump for joy at the construction site in Corolla.
But as with many building projects, final costs have exceeded the original architectural estimates. A 30% increase in the price of materials and services from the original architect plans makes a significant increase in the work of the Capital Campaign Committee.
A Call to Action: Help Us Finish What We Started
The WEVS community has already stepped up in incredible ways. Local businesses have rallied around the cause with initiatives like “Hang 10 for 10,” donating 10% of their proceeds on designated nights. School merchandise moves quickly, homeowner associations have made generous contributions, some service merchants are donating 100% of proceeds and private donations have been received in all amounts —from small, heartfelt gifts to larger, impactful ones, e.g. $250K, $50K, $25K. Every contribution is a testament to the deep support for the school and its mission. Each donation, no matter the size, has been celebrated and applied to the student’s future.
Matching funds are now available through mid-October, allowing every dollar donated to go twice as far. Now is the time to rally behind WEVS and ensure that the doors to the expanded facility open in time for the 2025-2026 school year.
Building for the Future
The stakes are high. A fundraising shortfall would clearly mean funds taken from other areas, potentially affecting the high-quality, project-based, community-centered education that WEVS provides. The bigger the shortfall the bigger the impact on future students.
But WEVS spirit continues to engender a, “We can do this!” motivation. From golf tournaments to “Hang 10 for 10 Again” local events continue to raise awareness and funds. Businesses both in and out of the village remain deeply committed to the cause as shown through donations. Significant private donations continue to make a huge difference in the WEVS shortfall. Just last week, another $25K was received. A Walking Tour of Corolla has started as a fundraising event (https://www.eventcreate.com/e/discover-corolla-walking-tour). The annual Christmas In Corolla celebration is seen as another fundraising opportunity with open houses in the schoolhouse.
How You Can Help
Now more than ever, WEVS needs your help. Whether you’re a local business, a family, or simply someone who believes in the power of education, your support matters. Matching funds are currently available, meaning that every dollar you donate will have double the impact.
For more information on how to contribute or participate in upcoming fundraising events, please contact Corolla Education Foundation at corollaeducation@gmail.com.