Imagine Andrews Public Charter School Celebrates Grand Opening of Renovated Library with Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

By PRESS OFFICER
Imagine Schools Mid-Atlantic Region

JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. (Sept. 30, 2025)—Scholars, Team and Family (teachers), and community members will be gathering at Imagine Andrews Public Charter School located on Andrews Airforce Base on Thursday, October 9, 2025 to celebrate the grand opening of the newly renovated Library dedicated to the schools’ founders—The Bakke Family—with a special ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The event marks the completion of months-long project to establish and modernize the library, transforming it into a 21st-century learning hub equipped with books, technology, flexible seating, collaborative workspaces, and an expanded collection of other resources.

The school’s principal, Principal Howard Rice and his leadership team will welcome guests and share the school’s vision for the newly established library. Principal Rice had this to say:

“On behalf of the Imagine Andrews staff and leadership, we are elated to have been chosen for this rich opportunity for our scholars. This donation from the Bakke Family will enhance the love of reading for all children that attend Imagine Andrews and those who will attend in the future. I am grateful for The Bakke’s dedication to education, school choice and philanthropy. This library will be a solid resource for enriching minds.”

The ceremony will include remarks from the Bakke Family, Imagine Schools Mid-Atlantic Regional Team, a tour of the school and the library. Furthermore, a scholar-led demonstration of utilizing the library, the books and the new technology features. The Bakke family and a group of scholars will also participate in the ribbon-cutting ceremony, symbolizing the central role scholars will play in shaping how the space is used.
 
Funding for the renovation was provided by Imagine Schools co-founders Dennis & Eileen Bakke, by virtue of a $1 million investment over the course of five years to strengthen reading growth and inspire a passion for books across Imagine Schools. The updated library will serve all grade levels and is designed to support both independent learning and group collaboration.

Mr. Shawn Toler, Executive Vice President of Imagine Schools Mid-Atlantic Region noted that, he is so honored to embark on this journey of learning with our scholars and the families that we serve. “I would like to celebrate and thank our founders, Dennis and Eileen Bakke for their love and commitment to our scholars. Your dedication to fostering a love of reading in our scholars and making it possible for each of them to experience new doors of opportunity through reading, will forever impact their lives positively. Additionally, reading unlocks so many doors for every scholar and their families.”

About Imagine Schools Mid-Atlantic Region: Tuition-free public charter schools where success means Developing Character and Enriching Minds as we graduate scholars well prepared for high school, college, career, and life.

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