High-level dignitaries and guests joined the Wm E Hay Composite High School students at the school’s gym on Wednesday, Dec. 1 for the “grand re-opening” of the renovated school building, described as “ready for the 21st century education.”
There was much gratitude expressed throughout the ceremony, foremost among them by Wm. E Hay principal Norbert Baharally, to many stakeholders, but primarily to students and staff.
“I thank the students and staff for their patience throughout the construction process,” said Baharally praising them for putting up with all the difficulties of a major renovation project.
Baharally also thanked the government of Alberta and the Clearview Svhool Division for their support in the implementation of the project.
He praised vice-principal Gordon Moorlag for being his right hand man and ready to solve problems whenever they emerged.
Chair of Clearview School Division Board Ken Checkel said the project had taken a slow start as early as 2001 with efforts to raise funds for the renovation and that the funding by the Government of Alberta had been finally secured when Jack Hayden, MLA for Drumheller-Stettler riding was the Infrastructure Minister in 2008.
Wm. E Hay School council chair Shannon Harvey, said principal Norbert Baharally’s dedication to the school, his students and to the renovation project was above and beyond the call of duty and she thanked him for being a great leader.
Jessica Harvey, president of the students’ union said they were very happy with the conclusion of the renovation process.
“We are grateful for the new additions to the school and the new aspects of our learning experience,” Harvey said.
Drumheller-Stettler MLA Jack Hayden said the Alberta Government was proud to be part of the renovation process.
Hayden presented plaques to Norbert Baharally and Ken Checkel to mark the successful conclusion of the $25.2 m. project.
The renovation upgraded and modernized classrooms and the school gym alongside installing modern medical equipment to the gym space for checking the performance of athletes.
Under the project, unused classroom space was also brought down to make the school compatible with the space requirements for student numbers, in line with the government standards.
Guests invited to the grand opening ceremony included former principals of Wm. E Hay High School, grandchildren of William E Hay and Clearview Division staff who worked for the project, Stettler mayor Dick Richards and County of Stettler Reeve Wayne Nixon.