The Destin High School Governing Board and Principal Christine Cruickshank hosted a “Topping Off” Ceremony recently, marking a milestone in the construction of the new, three-story multi-use classroom on campus.
During the ceremony, Lord & Son construction crews put a ceremonial steel beam in place, marking the successful completion of the structural phase of the Destin High School project. The placement of the ceremonial steel beam is a major milestone in construction and served as the first introduction of the new building to the Destin community.
Alumni, staff, students, the community, the Honorable Mayor Bobby Wagner and Miss Destin Carrington Phillips were invited to sign the steel beam and leave their mark on the building. A standing-room-only crowd was on hand to tour the building and view the new classrooms which boast Gulf of Mexico beach views, Kelly Plantation golf course views and Choctawhatchee Bay Views.
“Looking back over the nearly eight years of the founding board dreaming, visioning and opening Destin High School, it is an incredible feeling to see this type of major expansion come to fruition for our students. The school has been open for two years only and we’ve already exceeded our goal of 600 students. This is a testimony to the outstanding group of educators that shepherd our students each semester,” said Heidi LoCicero, president of Destin High School’s Governing Board. “The signed steel beam and the time capsule created by our 2023 graduating class will become part of the foundation of this building to mark this historic day,” added Principal Cruickshank. “We’re excited for what this brings for teachers, students and staff and, let’s just say, it brings a lot more elbow room!”
Mayor Bobby Wagner said the high school is another example of how Destin is moving forward in great ways. “It is impressive to see so many positive stories in the newspaper featuring the accomplishments of the students of Destin High. The positive impact the school is making on the community is evident,” he said.
A Topping Off ceremony is a tradition that began years ago by Scandinavians and the school wanted to continue that tradition and celebrate the next phase of this building project. “The new building will feature 24 spacious classrooms, two, full science labs, one art lab and quaint courtyards for outdoor learning sessions and visiting in between classes,” added Founding Board President and Board Member Emeritus Denise Fountain.
The Topping Off ceremony was accompanied by a celebration to ensure good luck for future occupants of the building. It also honored the tradespeople who are building the facility for their quality construction and dedication to completing the building ahead of schedule.
The new building is scheduled to open in December of 2023. A Capital Building Campaign is underway for donors to contribute to the cost of the new building and can have a classroom named in their honor or have the building bear their name or company name. For information on making a tax-deductible donation to the school’s 501(c)(3) entity, email treasurer@DestinHighSchool.org.
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