From staff reports
School, district, and community leaders cut a ceremonial green and gold ribbon Wednesday, Nov. 1 and then were able to tour St. Helena Elementary School’s newly renovated gymnasium.
The event, complete with student-led tours, speakers, and a performance, celebrated the gymnasium renovation that includes a new entrance, signage, transportation office, restrooms, entrance canopy, gym flooring, stage curtains and flooring, interior painting, and electrical and technology upgrades.
Fifth grader Zyir Pryor expressed excitement for the new courts and wall mural, emphasizing that it really encourages students to be reminded, “what school that we are … St. Helena Elementary School.”
The renovation holds special historical significance as the gymnasium is a treasured restoration from the former St. Helena High School.
“It’s important to honor the past while celebrating the future,” Superintendent Frank Rodriguez said. “This newly renovated gymnasium will serve our students for many years to come.”
This $1.8 million project was funded by 8% capital bond funding. Ajax Building Company completed the renovations, and the designer of record is McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture, both based in Charleston.
