A Topping Out ceremony March 28 provided celebration for Newcastle High School students, faculty and administrators, as well as the community. Employees from Nabholz Construction placed a signed beam atop the new addition at the high school.
While the ceremony was a moment to reflect and celebrate the new facility, what Principal Adam Hull said during the ceremony provided its importance.
Hull welcomed everyone to the event, and noted that a tree placed atop the beam is part of a tradition that symbolizes good luck for the building (see related photo).
He said students, visitors and administrators had the opportunity to sign their names to the beam, which will be visible when construction on the new facility is complete.
“When the students come back years from now as alumni, they will be able to find their name 30-40 feet in the air,” Hull said.
The Topping Out ceremony was held in front of the new entrance to the high school. Hull said it will connect both the east and the west buildings.
“The addition will contain a new cafeteria, a new library, a new family consumer science room, new science labs, chemistry labs, and a big band room in the back of the building,” Hull said.
He also noted that the ceremony marked a milestone in completion of the project. In marking the milestone, he thanked and gave credit to MA+ architects Gary Armbruster and Mark Kasulis. He said they designed and were instrumental in the project. He also thanked Eric Schiess and Randy Knight, with Nabholz Construction, for building the facility and for their dedication to the project. Hull noted that board members Tiffany Elcyzyn, president, and Jeff Dingee, board clerk, were in attendance. He thanked them for their service and leadership.
Finally, Hull said he wanted to make sure the voters of the school district were shown appreciation.
Hull said, “Students, this project was paid for by a bond that was passed a few years ago. We could not have built this building without the passing of that bond. All of that money was voted upon by your parents, who said yes for your future and your education. When you go home tonight, be sure to thank your parents for what they did here.”
