Filling the school’s gymnasium last Friday, Drumheller Valley Secondary School (DVSS) opened its doors to the public and a number of dignitaries during an open house celebration of the high school’s recent move into a newly renovated and named space.
“We’re not celebrating a building, but a community. This celebration is more than about the building, it’s about the community inside it. It’s taken a full orchestra and we’re celebrating the contributions of so many people.”
Although invited, Drumheller-Stettler legislative assembly member Jack Hayden and Member of Parliament Kevin Sorenson could not make the event, GHSD Board of Trustees, Strathmore-Brooks MLA Arno Deorksen, and Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills MLA Richard Marz attended.
“The government of Alberta will continue to invest in infrastructure like schools, roads, and hospitals that Albertans need,” said Marz. “It’s all part of the bigger picture. Alberta is doing the right thing for students of this school. One way to keep Alberta a land of opportunity is to invest in schools, staff, and students.”
Planned in 2005 and begun in 2008, the $19.1 million project was completed by Lear Construction this winter, with students moving in at the beginning of the spring semester in January. The new building sports a 1.5 times larger gym, new heating/cooling systems, energy efficient lighting, SmartBoard technology in every classroom, a new band room, new automotive shop, woodworking shop, bigger library, new kitchen, and student gathering area at the entrance of DVSS.
After the hour long program, groups were toured around the school by students.
The junior and senior high bands performed a number of songs, as well as choir instructor Jillian Augey and resident Ingrid Thornton performing.