Hammond Central dance teacher Aarynn Bernard, left, welcomes Hammond school board member Carlotta Blake-King to the new dance studio
1800 students will initiate brand new Hammond Central High School
Contributed By:The 411 News
Ribbon cutting and tour welcomed community in for a look-see
About 1800 students are expected to attend the 1st year of the brand new Hammond Central High School, setting the stage "for Hammond to become the educational destination in northwest Indiana," said Hammond schools Superintendent Scott Miller at Thursday’s ribbon cutting.
The ribbon cutting was held in the main gymnasium, one of the school's three.
Michelle Sanders, an occupational therapist for the school district called it beautiful. Robert Markovich, former Hammond city councilman said, "There's carpet in all the classrooms. This looks really good."
"No student will pass through these halls aimlessly. The curriculum offers pathways to early college, careers and the military," Supt. Miller said. As freshmen, their parents will help select pathways that will complement a high school diploma with updates given on their success.
Hammond Central joins Hammond Morton High to include the Hammond Academy of Performing Arts program.
The school has a Black Box Theatre for the HAPA program, an 8-lane swimming pool, and a community health center.
"You don't find new schools like this in older urban centers like ours. It took brave and tough decisions by the school board, and faith from taxpayers to make this happen," said Hammond Mayor Tom McDermott.
Hammond residents approved 2 referendums, one to pay for the $110 million construction of the new high school and one to give raises to teachers. Two high schools and 4 elementary schools were closed.
Hammond Central was 2½ years in the making. Thursday's ribbon cutting and tour welcomed the public for a look-see at the school that was completed on time and on budget said Skillman Corp. vice president Scott Cherry.
The new school sits on the same site as the old Hammond High School, on the corners of Highland and Calumet avenues. The old school is under demolition and should be completed in the fall.
Story Posted:07/23/2021
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