“This was such a high honor for me. This is an absolutely beautiful building,” stated Carroll before the dedication.
As Carroll took the podium to speak he received a standing ovation from all those in attendance.
Carroll was moved by the recognition of his 25 years of service on the city school board. In addition to his school board service, Carroll also served on the former Cleveland City Commission, now the City Council, for 13 years.
“This is such a high honor. I would like to express my appreciation to the school board, the administration, teachers and our students,” stated Carroll.
The $8 million project was the dream realized of many in the school system, including school board members, teachers and high school administration as well as the students and parents of the Cleveland High School community.
“What you see before you is the culmination of a truly collaborative process,” said Cleveland Board of Education member Tom Cloud.
In order to create a science facility that meets all the needs of students and the advancing scientific job market, the school board created a Science Focus Group comprised of school, city and parent representatives who did most of the legwork in the science wing’s initial conception.
“As great as that building is, it will never compare to the minds of the students who will pass through those halls. The knowledge they will gain and the opportunities that they will have — that’s this science wing’s purpose. [By itself] it’s just a building — it’s the young minds it will help that is the most important part,” said former Cleveland High School Principal Chuck Rockholt whose most recent assignment has been public information officer prior to his recently announced retirement.
“To the students of Cleveland High School, not only this coming year but for years to come, you are the benefactors; the future of our community will benefit from what you will learn in this new science wing,” added Cleveland Mayor Tom Rowland.
After the dedication ceremony those gathered were free to tour the facilities, ask questions and observe many demonstrations taking place within the various classrooms.
Students eagerly displayed new science equipment for visitors as the high school’s science teachers fielded questions concerning the new equipment, technologies and curriculum.
“It is a great day to be a Raider,” stated current Principal Autumn O’Bryan. “When I look into the eyes of our teenagers I have hope for the future. ... I can tell you our future is strong, and our future is bright.”
