Converted from paper version of the Broad Ripple Gazette (v03n07)
Broad Ripple High School Rededication Ceremony - March 22, 2006
by Alan Hague
posted: Apr. 07, 2006
The multi-million dollar renovation of Broad Ripple High School is now complete - the rededication ceremony took place in the newly renovated auditorium on March 22. The project began in September 2003 with a groundbreaking ceremony [photos available on www.BroadRippleHistory.com]. The focus of the project was new science labs, classroom renovations, building accessibility, and air-conditioning. There was enough money left over for additional items, such as new lockers and a major upgrade of the auditorium.
BRHS campus administrator Steve Papesh opened the ceremony. Speakers included IPS superintendent Dr. Eugene White, Arts and Humanities valedictorian Eva D'Ambrosio, IPS school board of commissioners president Reverend Michael Brown, IPS school board member Kelly Bentley, and Sylvia Trotter of Trotter Construction.
School board president Reverend Michael Brown paused and looked around the auditorium before speaking. "We spent a lot of time in meetings talking about this room," joked Reverend Brown. "I wanted to make sure I absorbed it all before I made my comments. We are proud to bring this to your attention that this project was finished within the original budget and on time! The community cares about Broad Ripple High School students. We care enough to invest time and talent to make an outstanding educational program and better learning environment. We care enough to add safety features to improve accessibility. We care enough to add air-conditioning so you can concentrate on academics in comfort. The community invested nineteen million dollars on this renovation because we believe in your future."
Steve Papesh added, "We wish to acknowledge all of the participants of the renovation: program manager Schmidt Associates, Browning Day Mullins Deirdorf Architects, and Trotter Construction." He then asked vice principal of building and grounds Sarah Bogard to stand. "When I arrived here four years ago - a new guy to Broad Ripple High School, there were things that needed to be done, such as develop the master schedule and transition to small schools. In my first week I learned that we were starting a fifteen million dollar building project. To recognize Sarah Bogard is not enough. To extol her virtues, to applaud her - even though we hadn't seen eye-to-eye on everything makes no difference - this would not have been done without Sarah Bogard. No money was wasted. I couldn't have done it, this school couldn't have done it, the students couldn't have done it without you. For that I thank you."
After all of the speakers, the BRHS Golden Singers performed, followed by the concert band, under the direction of Kelly Hershey. The attendees moved to the cafeteria for a party with hors d'oeuvres and a large picture cake. The BRHS orchestra, led by Leslie Bartolowits, performed during the party. The attendees were then treated to a tour of the building to see all the changes.
Steve Papesh, BRHS campus Administrator
BRHS Golden Singers
The BRHS Golden Singers performed during the ceremony.
The BRHS concert band under the direction of Kelly Hershey.
BRHS Orchestra led by Leslie Bartolowits
Reception
New science labs
alan@broadripplegazette.com