Kevin SullivanMore than 100 people turned out Saturday for the dedication ceremony of the recently-completed Belmont Middle and High School (BMHS). The day began in the 700-seat, three-story auditorium with state and local officials praising the dedication of town employees and the scores of volunteers, who made the new complex a reality.
“For the next 50 years, this temple of learning will open the gates of opportunity to tens of thousands of students. They may not know you, but we do. And today we honor your service,” Select Board Vice Chair Elizabeth Dionne said.
BMHS Building Committee Chair Bill Lovallo singled out several people who made enormous contributions. He noted that this project, like many in Belmont, couldn’t happen without the support of volunteers.
“We celebrate the opening of a new building and dedication for fantastic teaching and learning enhancement, but it’s also really about celebrating a community coming together to do wonderful things,” Lovallo told The Belmont Voice.
Several speakers, including State Senator Will Brownsberger, called out Lovallo for his leadership on the $295 million construction project, earning him a standing ovation.
Many people were clearly awed by the state-of-the-art facility.
“This is not just a building. It is truly a symbol of the community’s dedication to education in our community, and our commitment to nurturing the potential of every student who walks through these doors,” said Jill Geiser, superintendent of schools.
Rishika Garg, a Belmont Middle School eighth grader, marveled at the spacious hallways, collaborative learning spaces, cavernous auditorium and more diverse lunch menu, which earned some chuckles. But mostly, she likes the climate.
“My favorite change is the cooling system in the new building,” she told the crowd. “It keeps every room at a comfortable temperature, even on the hottest days. This is a miracle for our concentration and productivity.”
After the speeches, student ambassadors helped guide visitors around the massive 450,000 square-foot complex. They wandered through classrooms, computer and maker labs, gymnasiums, cafeteria and wide open hallways.
Lovallo, for his part, isn’t quite done sweating the details.
“We are going through a punch list closing out contracts. And then we have the audit with the state, which will take all of a good 18 months if not longer to finish,” Lovallo said.
He noted that things will now get a lot less intense and added with a smile, “I do look forward to more free time with my family.”
