What began as a dream shared by DeVilbiss High School alumni and students has now become a reality. On September 23, the Toledo Technology Academy of Engineering (TTAE) and the Toledo Pre-Medical and Health Science Academy (TPMHSA) celebrated the official opening of the new DeVilbiss Wellness Room—a calming space designed to support student mental health and well-being.
Located on the second floor of the historic DeVilbiss High School building, the new Wellness Room offers students a place to relax, recharge, and refocus during the school day. Complete with comfortable seating, yoga mats, artistic outlets, and mindfulness tools, the space reflects the creativity and compassion of the students who inspired it.
A Vision Rooted in Student Leadership
The idea for the Wellness Room emerged from the SMARTS (Students Making Achievements Right This Second) leadership group, whose members recognized the importance of having a quiet, restorative environment on campus. In partnership with the Toledo Public Schools Foundation, the Tiger Legacy Fund, and community partners (The Collaborative + Acock, NBS Commercial Interiors, MDC Interiors, Rudolph Libbe Group, The Spieker Company and others) their vision came to life through thoughtful design and generous giving.
Alumni Giving Back to the Next Generation
The DeVilbiss Tiger Legacy Fund—established by passionate DeVilbiss alumni (led by Dr Kathy Shafer of Jupiter, Florida, and Jim Curphey of Columbus) through the Toledo Public Schools Foundation—provided approximately $10,000 toward the project. This marks the fund’s first completed initiative, symbolizing the enduring “Tiger Spirit” that continues to shape the next generation of TPS students.
DeVilbiss Alumni L – R: Chris Younkman , Jim Curphey, and
A Collective Effort to Support Student Well-Being
The project also received in-kind and cash contributions from community partners, including The Collaborative + Acock and NBS Commercial Interiors, MDC Interiors, Rudolph Libbe Group, The Spieker Company and others, who helped bring the student-designed vision to life with professional planning and furnishings.
TPS CEO/Superintendent Dr. Romules Durant joined students, alumni, and community members for the ribbon-cutting event, emphasizing the district’s ongoing commitment to student wellness and holistic education.
Continuing the Legacy
The Tiger Legacy Fund will continue to identify opportunities to assist both the Toledo Technology Academy of Engineering and the Toledo Pre-Medical and Health Science Academy—keeping the DeVilbiss spirit alive while strengthening today’s TPS community. To learn more or to contribute to the Tiger Legacy Fund, visit www.giveTPSF.org.