Walled Lake Western cuts ribbon on new academic wing
Walled Lake Western cuts ribbon on new academic wing
Walled Lake Western celebrated the grand opening of its brand-new academic wing on Tuesday night giving the community an opportunity to tour the state-of-the-art facility.
“(This evening) represents the realization of a dream,” said Dr. Michael Lonze, Superintendent of Schools. “Without your support, we would not be here today celebrating this beautiful addition and beautiful new building of Walled Lake Western.”
Board of Education president Stephanie Kaplan, Walled Lake Western president Amy Pashak, and representatives from Auch Construction and TMP Architecture were among those who spoke in front of community members filling the building’s new learning stairs.
“We are celebrating not just a new academic wing, but the dedication of our district and teachers to excellence and innovation,” Said Walled Lake Western science teacher Krista Santana. “Now the space reflects that commitment providing even more room for creativity, collaboration, and new opportunities for learning.”
“When I first stepped into the building, I immediately felt an ocean of sunshine beaming down on me from all the windows,” recalled Walled Lake Western senior Michaela Rose Willingham. “This sunlight would foster my growth as a learner. My school is now a place that radiates hope for the future with each collaboration room, learning space, and window of opportunity.”
Local dignitaries were among those in attendance, including state representative Ann Bollin and state senator Rosemary Bayer who presented Dr. Lonze and Mrs. Pashak with a special tribute from the state of Michigan. Along with a ceremonial ribbon cutting, local community members were also able to tour the building.
“There’s really not another high school like it, it just means that our students will definitely have an advantage in being in state-of-the-art facilities,” said Pashak. “Aesthetically it’s beautiful, but what our students are going to be able to do as a result of it, I think will enhance our point of pride.”