The original high school in Utica Community Schools is now ready to serve a new generation of learners.
UCS officials and parents gathered Oct. 18 to dedicate the largest renovation and new construction program in the history of Utica High School.
The improvements - nearly a decade in the making - have impacted every part of the 215,000 square-foot building.
Superintendent Dr. Christine Johns said the changes were made possible through the combined work of the Board of Education, administration, parents and UHS staff working together to create a strategic vision for the facility and advocating voter approval of bonds to support the improvements.
"We are opening what will be the next chapter of educational excellence for Utica High School," Dr. Johns said at the dedication. "The story we are writing tonight is only possible because of the courage, commitment, and dedication of a caring group of individuals."
UCS Board of Education president Dr. Carol Klenow noted the dedication date - the school's homecoming - allowed district officials to celebrate the traditions of a high school that was first established in 1900 and built on its current location in 1955.
"We celebrate the birth and history of Utica High School, because it is through this legacy and success that we also recognize the creation and growth of Utica Community Schools," she said. "And this evening, the past is truly meeting a very bright future for our district and this school."
Student speakers talked about how the changes have impacted teaching and learning at their school.
"For everyone who worked on these improvements, please know that the students are thrilled what is almost like a brand new school," said student Katherine Volker. "We have a great deal of pride in our school, and the changes we dedicate tonight are an outward, visible reflection of what we feel inside."
Fellow UHS senior Peyton Lombardo remarked that the facility changes mirror the personal growth she has made in her years at the school.
"In just a few short years, our school has been renovated into a virtually brand new school," she said. "The transformations that took place are impressive and amazing. Just like the school itself, I have transformed into a new person through the immense opportunities Utica has offered me."
The improvements to Utica High School reflect more than a decade's worth of work based on an overall master plan developed for the school.
The projects were funded by bond issues approved by voters in 2000, 20043 and 2009. Most of the work was completed within the past three years and made possible by a federal grant. The grant allowed the issuance of Qualified School Construction Bonds and saved UCS taxpayers more than $9 million in interest costs.
Areas dedicated at the ceremony include:
- A new 6,340 square foot media center and improved facade on exterior facing Shelby Road
- Three new classrooms in a former wrestling area
- Three new science labs in the former media center
- A relocated office area with secured front entrance
- Improved areas for the cafeteria and school store
- A new medical careers classroom and lab
- An Electronic Collaborative Classroom
- New weight, fitness and wrestling rooms in the former pool area
- A remodeled auditorium
- Improved technology equipment and infrastructure throughout the school
- Building infrastructure improvements
- Renovated science labs
