Academy of the Sacred Heart Embarks on $1.8 Million Initiative for School Dining Transformation
In a significant move towards improving student well-being, the Academy of the Sacred Heart recently announced the launch of its ambitious $1.8 million capital campaign titled 'Nourishing Our Future'. This initiative aims to enhance the dining experience for students, emphasizing wellness and sustainability—a commitment that resonates deeply with the school's mission of nurturing the whole child: mind, body, and spirit.
The launch event was held during the annual State of the School address, where Kris and Brittany Doman, proud parents of four students at the Academy, made headlines by pledging a generous $1 million gift to kickstart the campaign. This high-impact donation will prominently feature in the new 'Doman Dining Hall', serving as a cornerstone of the initiative. Head of School Damian Hermann expressed his gratitude, stating, "Creating spaces that unite our community is at the heart of this campaign. With this investment, we are not only upgrading our facilities but also enriching the life experience of our students."
The Doman family's strong tie to the Academy has driven their philanthropic effort; they attribute their children’s holistic developmental journey at Sacred Heart to the school's exceptional education system. In their words, "The Academy is an incredible institution that nurtures not just academic excellence but instills virtues of growth in sports, arts, and personal development. This initiative provides an opportunity to ensure that students cultivate healthy habits early on, benefiting them for years to come."
With a mindset focused on student community and health, the plan will introduce a newly equipped commercial kitchen and modern dining spaces, along with an on-campus lunch program that promises nutritious meals. This is where Plum Market Food Service comes into play—a partnership set to begin in the fall of 2026—which will provide daily meal options, drawing from locally sourced, organic ingredients tailored to accommodate various dietary needs.
The connection between Plum Market and the Academy runs deep; founders Matt and Michelle Jonna are also parents of an alumna. Matt revealed, "This partnership isn’t just flavored by our fondness for healthy meals, but by our commitment to providing students with daily opportunities to gather, connect, and thrive. We envision a space that fosters community, and we are eager to be a part of that transformation."
Hermann reinforced this vision, stating, "Every student will reap the benefits of this project as it not only reflects our values but also enriches the experience of the Sacred Heart community for generations to come." Each meal, every gathering in the newly envisioned space, will foster connections among students and their families, which underscores the school's values of community and cooperation.
For those interested in supporting this commendable initiative or learning about the campaign in greater detail, J'aime Law, the Chief Philanthropy Officer, is available for inquiries by email, and additional resources can be found at their campaign website.
The Academy of the Sacred Heart proudly holds the title of Michigan's oldest independent school, continuing to provide a Catholic, college preparatory education that caters to students of all faiths since 1851. The institution remains committed to equipping young minds with the confidence, integrity, and self-awareness required to become impactful citizens in a complex world.
Similarly, Plum Market has carved its niche since 2007, operating numerous grocery and food service locations across several states, dedicated to offering natural and specialty products. Together, their collaboration on this campaign promises to pave the way for a vibrant dining and learning community that enhances student life, reflecting a holistic approach to education in the 21st century.