New Duchess Park Officially Opened
By 250 News
Friday, May 07, 2010 12:49 PM
Students Sarah Gomes and Celine Foucher hold the plaque marking the official opening of their school.
Prince George, B.C. - Duchess Park Secondary School students filled the bleachers in their new triple court gymnasium this morning as their new school was officially opened.
One by one, all who played a role in the development and construction of the new LEED Gold (Leadership in Energy and Environment Design) building, took to the microphone to share thoughts about the old Duchess Park School, and praise the new building and all those who made it happen.
Superintendent Brian Pepper was answered with cheers and applause when he asked the crowd “Isn’t this one sweet school?”
There is no argument, the building is beautiful with plenty of natural light, enough light that Board Chair Lyn Hall says some parents have already contacted the School Board saying they are concerned the windows will encourage students to have their eyes trained on the goings on outside instead of the what’s happening in the classroom.
(At right, students pack the bleachers for the official opeing ceremony)
Located on Winnipeg Street at the west end of 7th Avenue, the view from the front door of “Duchess” is clear to City Hall and another “royal” in the name of Princess Park. “The school is a beautiful anchor for the west end of our Smart growth on the ground project,“ said Acting Mayor Sherri Green, “We envision 7th Avenue as a promenade with trees.”
Students were invited to be part of the interior design, and as Celine Foucher says, “Who would have thought an orange wall in a classroom would look great, but it does.”
Grade 12 student Sarah Gomes says the students had some real concerns about the red carpet in the library, “But we now see it adds a great deal of warmth.”
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, Shirley Bond, attended the former Duchess Park, “This facility is spectacular” she told the crowd. Bond was the Minister of Education when the plans for the School were finalized.
Brian Pepper thanked not only those involved in the design and construction of the school, but the entire student body for their cooperation and support “You are exceptional individuals, I am reminded of that on a daily basis, and that is what makes Duchess Park such a great school.”
While the applause and celebrations for the new school continued, next door, an excavator was ripping down the walls of the old Duchess Park. School Board Chair Lynn Hall "While we now say goodbye to a school building that has served this neighbourhood for more than half a century, we know the long tradition of excellence will be carried forward in the new Duchess Park Secondary."
Below, excavator rips down walls of old Duchess Park
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Posted by: Runner46 on May 7 2010 5:37 PM