KAMUELA, HAWAII ISLAND (HawaiiNewsNow) – A school in Waimea on the Big Island is finally getting a space for the student body to gather thanks to a generous donation.

Since Parker School’s inception in 1976, the school has never had a space big enough for graduations, May Day celebrations, pep rallies and sporting events. Today, the more than 320 student population counts on decent outdoor weather to hold such events.

But after leaders of the Clarence, T.C. Ching Foundation visited the school recently, they saw the need and decided to make a big donation: A $1 million grant for a new gymnasium.

“After visiting Parker School earlier this year, the trustees noted that this school did a lot for students needing financial aid with limited resources. We are excited to be part of this new facility and the future of this school, said trustee Bob Fujioka.

The new gymnasium, which will be complete with locker rooms and office spaces, is a part of a $12 million upgrade for the school.

They’re planning to build a new technology center, robotics design lab, dance studio, fitness center and more.

“We are very grateful for the generosity of The Clarence T.C. Ching Foundation. In recognition of this gift, and of the extraordinary philanthropic legacy of Mr. Ching, we will be naming the building “The Clarence T.C. Ching Gymnasium,” said Carl Sturges, Parker School headmaster.