JHS Grand Opening Celebration
October 28 marked a special day for the District, as the community came out to get a glimpse of the completed renovations and new additions at Johnstown High School. Standing in the new showcase and display area at the front of the former auditorium, Superintendent Katherine Sullivan wielded a large pair of ceremonial scissors to slice through a gala purple & gold bow before a gathering of onlookers, while surrounded by current and former Board of Education members, along with JHS Principal Michael Beatty, Facilities and Operations Director E.J. Maye, Clerk of the Works Mike Croneiser and representatives of both Bonacci Architects and Bast-Hatfield Construction.

Following the ribbon cutting ceremony, all present were invited to have a seat in the newly renovated Lecture Hall (formerly the JHS auditorium), while Mrs. Sullivan introduced some of the many individuals responsible for helping to bring the capital project to fruition. She offered many thanks for their assistance, as well as to the voters for their approval of the $12.5 million dollar projects, and noted that completion had been a long time coming, with discussion first having initiated as far back as the year 2000. Mrs. Sullivan also indicated that, in addition to projects at the high school, many less visible upgrades for other buildings in the district had been made possible, such as replacement of heating and telephone systems and roof resurfacing. Dottie MacVean, local representative for state Assemblyman Marc W. Butler, read a congratulatory letter from Butler, who could not be present. Johnstown Mayor Sarah Slingerland was present and offered congratulations as well.

The group next progressed to a newly constructed wing housing science labs and special education classrooms. Principal Beatty pointed out the various amenities and upgrades made available and noted that the staff is very pleased with the new addition. The tour included a brief stop in the new Special Education offices, reception area and conference room, which were carved out of the old auditorium area. The public was offered refreshments provided by the JHS PTSA before moving to the lobby of the new auditorium.

 

To culminate the evening, the JHS Chamber Choir, Women’s Choir, Concert Choir, Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble, led by Instrumental Music Director Daniel Jones and Vocal Music Director James Morton, provided the first ever musical showcase in the new 880-seat, 11,200-square-foot auditorium. Onlookers were treated to renditions of the Star Spangled Banner, JHS Alma Mater, Bist Du Bei Mir, Play for Me a Simple Melody, Skeletons Dance Under Full Moon, For the Beauty of the Earth, and On the Mall. In a spectacular finale, Mr. Jones introduced the world premiere of a new piece commissioned by the JHS Wind Ensemble especially for the grand opening celebration, written by Daniel Baldwin and titled “At the Foothills of the Adirondacks.”

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