After much planning and savvy financial maneuvers, North Central’s new high school facility has gone beyond the talking phase, as the school’s board of education, superintendent, and Pioneer’s mayor broke ground on the building.
The ceremony, commemorating the construction which is soon to begin on the $9.3 million building, was held in front of the current one. Festivities were kicked off by Tim Rettig, Junior High and High School Principal of the school.
“We’re here to show our gratitude to the community.” Rettig proclaimed. “We are extremely excited about the possibilities this building will bring to this community.
Shortly thereafter, the North Central Band played the National Anthem to properly begin the event.
Board President Craig McKarns gave his remarks, before passing things off to Superintendent Ken Boyer. Very active throughout the process of securing the 35,000 square foot facility, Boyer promised that the building was for the whole community, and not just for the students.
The North Central choir gave a lovely rendition of On Eagles Wings following Boyer’s speech, an oddly appropriate song choice given the school’s mascot.
Mayor Ed Kidston took to the podium next, reminiscing with the crowd about his days in the old school building, including an occasion in which he had to kiss three different girls within its walls. He then encouraged those students who will be using the new facility to create their own stories once it arrives.
“And now it’s your turn to make memories.” Kidston remarked.
Then, the President of the Class of 2017, the first group of students who will graduate from the new building, Alyssa Swank, stood before the crowd with the poise of a true public speaker. She expressed her thanks to the administration, as well as the community of Pioneer, for the building of the facility.
“I’d like to give huge thank you to the voters of the community for making this happen.” Swank expressed.
After her speech, Rettig returned to the podium, stating how impressed he was with the way the student handled the speaking engagement.
“You know it’s bad when your own students speak better than you do.” Quipped Rettig.
Then, a group consisting of the entire school board, Boyer, Kidston, Treasurer Eric Smeltzer, and Ryan Burt, each with a shovel in hand, broke ground on the project.
Capping the excitement was the playing of the school fight song to close out the ceremony.
T.J. Hug can be reached at publisher@thevillagereporter.com