The little faces are St. Paul Catholic School’s best promotion for potential donors to invest in an ambitious construction project, the first significant renovation plans in more than 50 years.

As officials focus on raising $18 million for the project, guests sometimes tour the Whitehaven school, situated opposite a nail salon and beauty supply store on East Shelby Drive.

There’s little doubt that the children tug at visitors’ hearts. They also stir a passion in the principal, Sister Mary Lawrence of the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecelia. She has dedicated her life to the education of children.

“Saint Paul is a perfect patron for us,” said Lawrence, whose brilliantly white habit had somehow missed picking up a smudge during the long school day. “He himself went out to everyone. We serve everyone.”