Article Contributed on: 8/3/2009 4:30:02 PM
BY JAMES W, CHILTON (PHOTO-JOURNALIST)
With a view of the magnificent front range of the Rocky Mountains on a clear sun filled day; hundreds of Adams County School District 14 personnel, city, state and federal officials, students, honored guests and an enthusiastic public attended the ribbon cutting ceremony and dedication of the 'New' Adams City High School, Thursday, July 31. 2009.
The distant view was not the only thing that was magnificent; the visage of the new 293,000 square feet, $58 million facility, the third largest original structure for school districts in Colorado history and the first new school to be built in ACSD-14 in over forty years, was awe inspiring.
A sense of almost reverence inspired the speakers as Adams City High School Principal Westley Paxton gave thanks to the voters for making this possible, especially the students that had went all out during the voting process and acknowledged those who had been part of the the planning and construction. School Board President Jeanette Lewis called the event a milestone and stated "We are here to celebrate the future of our children".
Commerce City Mayor Paul Natale spoke of the exceptional cooperation of many in the process and was thankful the City of Commerce City had played a part. He further stated "This is an open door to a great future for our students and the community". Incoming freshman Jordan Johnson related that the new school was built the hopes and dreams of others and that she wanted to live up to the expectations.
The opening ceremonies were accentuated by the Presentation of the Colors and the firing of the ceremonial cannon by the award winning ACHS- JROTC. The was followed by a grand tour of the new Adams City High School.
The new Adams City High School is located near 72nd Avenue and Quebec Parkway in Commerce City, Colorado; adjacent to the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge. It is in actuality four academies in one with specialties in Arts, Early College, International Baccalaureate and Science & Technology. In cooperation with local junior colleges, students could earn a associate degree along with a high school diploma. The facility is state-of-the art with wireless internet, enhanced security, top notch athletic facilities and fields, culinary arts, a indoor air rifle range and much more. It is truly a school of and for the 21st Century!
The symbol of Adams City High School is the "EAGLE" which has flown over the old high school for almost a century. The Eagle has now landed at Adams County School District 14s and Commerce City's "School of the future"!