On what could only be described as a perfect spring evening, Cinnaminson High School held a groundbreaking ceremony for the new gymnasium that will be built over the next year.
In attendance Tuesday were school administrators, the Board of Education, Superintendent Dr. Salvatore Illuzzi, teachers, coaches, athletes, student council officers and members of the public.
The Cinnaminson High School Chamber Choir performed a beautiful rendition of the national anthem to open the ceremony.
Principal Darlene Llewellyn spoke first, reminiscing about the day this project was approved by the township’s residents during a public vote.
“I will never forget September 30, 2014. That is the day the community changed the story for Cinnaminson High School forever,” Mrs. Llewellyn said. “From the time this all began 10 years ago, the leadership never lost passion for this project.”
It has been a long nine years for the project to come to fruition. The idea first came about back in 2006.
“It was 2012 when the governor released the money,” Mrs. Llewellyn said. “I finally thought, it’s about time to get this thing moving. We had been waiting and waiting and waiting for a year and a half to finally get that money released. So, it’s really exciting.”
Aside from a brand new gymnasium, which will hold some 1,100 people, the project will also include new, state-of-the-art science labs, a new entrance to the building and new administrative offices.
“We will go from having the smallest gym in Burlington County to a collegiate-style gym,” Mrs. Llewellyn said.
Dr. Illuzzi made sure to thank everyone involved in the process from day one to this point, explaining what this new building will mean for the school and the community.
“Even though we are talking about bricks, mortar, glass, desks and blackboards, the real reason we are here is the vision of who will populate this building; the students who will benefit from everything we have done. Today is a testament to the community for what they wish to have for the children this year, next year and years to come.”
With the new, larger gymnasium, the Pirates will be able to host tournaments for basketball, wrestling and volleyball. It also means that both volleyball teams will move to the high school from the middle school to play their home games.
“Compared to what we used to have, seating for 400, this is very exciting,” Athletic Director Jim Weber said. “With another gym now, a big gym, we can host volleyball tournaments and basketball tournaments. It makes it a lot easier with two gyms.”
The official groundbreaking was handled by members of the student council who donned construction helmets and shovels to dig into the ground where the new gym will stand.
