The new beautiful edition to BCCHS’ courtyard. (Ella Fairbanks )
A few weeks ago, a small area in the corner of the BCCHS courtyard was blocked off with plastic tarps as a Marian grotto was constructed. Juniors and seniors recalled the reason for the grotto— it was a gift from the class of 2023 to honor former principal, Shel Hanser, who departed from BCCHS after the 2022-23 school year.
It was a project that was a few years in the making because it faced a few setbacks on its’ way to completion. As the principal during the time of its’ planning and construction, Mr. Nolan Trafton said the main reason for the delayed construction was the need for someone skilled enough to execute the vision for the grotto. “We are very grateful for Wayne Edward’s and the crew at Absolute Masonry! Mr. Edward’s had a great vision for the grotto, and we are thrilled with the finished product. I can’t wait to add the final piece when the statue of Mary arrives,” Trafton stated. The class of 2023 generously donated $5000 to the project, but the estimate received by the school revealed that this would only cover about 1/3 of the project’s expenses. Student Council stepped in to cover some of the costs by donating $1000 of its’ funds to the project. Many other community members also stepped in to donate, allowing the project to be fully realized.
The grotto, however, still remains incomplete without the statue of the Blessed Mother, Billings Central’s patroness. The statue is en route and will hopefully arrive in the near future. Trafton stated, “I look forward to dedicating the grotto! Maybe a speedy arrival of the statue will allow for a May crowning in the courtyard!” Last year, BCCHS had it’s first celebration of May crowning at a Wednesday Mass, in which the inside statue of Mary was crowned with flower wreaths in honor of the month of Mary. The outdoor statue will be a great symbol of BCCHS’s devotion to Mary, especially as its’ patroness. “Reminders of Mary’s patronage to our school are scattered throughout BCCHS. This grotto now gives us a safe, outdoor space where students can gather in prayer. It will also be another visual reminder for our students and guests of our dedication and patronage to Our Blessed Mother,” Trafton remarked.
The grotto has long been a dream of Mr. Hanser’s, and it will be a great emblem of appreciation for his time at BCCHS. Trafton, someone who has been both a student and staff member under Mr. Hanser, found the project fitting to honor him. “Mr. Hanser was a servant leader who dedicated so many years to BCCHS. His impact is still felt today and will be for many years to come. The grotto is a fitting project because it was something Mr. Hanser wanted to add for quite some time,” Trafton said.
With the completion of the BCCHS grotto, a dedication date is to be announced upon the arrival of the statue of Mary. With such a special space to honor someone who made such an impact at BCCHS, the dedication will be one to remember and will set a perpetual reminder of the service of Mr. Hanser for years to come.
